The Bachelor and Master of Arts in English degree programs at the University of South Alabama prepare students for jobs in professional settings including teaching, writing, and business areas. English majors and minors are taught by talented faculty and field experts in creative writing, literature, and professional writing in the College of Arts and Sciences. English undergraduate student Kelsi Fails describes her passion for writing poetry and studying literature at USA.
The English undergraduate program allows students to explore the study of literature and interpretation of novels, stories, poems and essays through critical approaches and writing, build the skills to craft meaningful creative work, and develop skills in professional writing and editing. The English master's program offers students in the creative writing and literature concentrations advanced study and preparation for careers in English as well as further graduate study. Through classes, as well as research opportunities and internships, students build skills in critical reading and writing, research, and instruction that support a range of career fields in business and education.
Upcoming Events
IMC Book Fair - Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - 9:00am to 4:00pm
Weather permitting, the Independent Music Collective (IMC) will be holding its final book fair of the semester in the Humanities Courtyard at USA from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday, October 28th. Come browse a wide selection of used books (on all topics), music in a variety of formats, and a bunch of random wall art. Donations support the IMC Concert Series!
Please note: weather permitting, this event will be held in the Humanities Courtyard.
Porochista Khakpour - Thursday, November 12, 2026 - 4:00pm
Porochista Khakpour is the author of five critically acclaimed books, including the novel Tehrangeles (2024), named a Best Book of the Year by Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and W Magazine. Her debut novel, Sons and Other Flammable Objects, was a New York Times Editors' Choice and winner of the California Book Award for First Fiction. Her memoir Sick and essay collection Brown Album: Essays on Exile & Identity earned widespread acclaim, while her nonfiction has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Slate, Salon, and many other publications.
Please note: this free event will be held in the Student Center Terrace Room. A reception will follow.
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Department of English
The University of South Alabama's Department of English invites applications for three non-tenure track (9-month, continuing) full-time Assistant Professor of Instruction positions to teach primarily freshman composition courses. Departmental, college, university, and/or community service is also expected, along with research consistent with a 4/4 teaching load. Positions begin starting August 15, 2027.
Required: a Ph.D. in English or related field with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in English and evidence of strong commitment to teaching college freshmen and sophomores. Applicants should also demonstrate a research agenda and extensive teaching experience related to teaching composition and literature.
To apply, send the following by email: vita, cover letter, one-page teaching statement, and names of three references to Dr. Larry Beason, Search Committee Chair, c/o english@southalabama.edu.
Applicants invited for a campus interview must arrange to have three letters of recommendation and official transcripts directly sent to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Larry Beason, at lbeason@southalbama.edu. Official transcripts must be sent from the Registrars of all colleges and universities from which the applicant received a graduate and undergraduate degree.
Review of applications will begin October 23, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled.
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.
Part-Time Teaching
The English Department reviews applications on a continuing basis for part-time instructors, mainly to teach composition. Literature surveys and technical writing sections are available occasionally for those who are qualified in those areas.
Minimum Requirement: M.A. in English.
Please send your vita, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references and transcripts via email to Dr. Patrick Shaw.
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression), religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.