Officials at the University of Minnesota report that its English program is experiencing robust health, a finding that contrasts with national discussions about a decline in liberal arts majors. The department currently serves approximately 350 majors, making it one of the most popular fields of study within the university's largest college.
This sustained interest is supported by high course enrollment, a significant increase in minors, and data suggesting strong long-term career outcomes for its graduates. The program's success highlights a local counter-narrative to the broader trend of shrinking humanities departments at universities across the country.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Minnesota's English program has around 350 majors, ranking it seventh in popularity within the College of Liberal Arts.
- The number of English minors has nearly tripled since 2010, reaching 162 students, driven by popular programs like creative writing.
- Humanities majors, including English, have a higher medical school acceptance rate than biological science majors, according to the AAMC.
- Studies indicate that while English graduates may start with lower salaries, they often out-earn peers in other fields later in their careers.
Enrollment Data Challenges National Trends
While many universities report dwindling numbers in humanities programs, the English department at the University of Minnesota presents a different picture. With approximately 350 declared majors, English stands as the seventh most popular major within the College of Liberal Arts.
This is significant for a college that includes 32 distinct departments and offers more than 150 different majors, minors, and certificate programs. According to university officials, this level of enrollment demonstrates sustained student interest in the field.
The growth is not limited to full majors. The department has seen a substantial increase in students choosing to supplement their primary studies with an English minor. The number of minors has grown to 162, a figure that has nearly tripled since 2010. This surge is partly attributed to the introduction of a highly sought-after creative writing minor.
The National Conversation on Liberal Arts
For over a decade, higher education institutions across the United States have seen a shift away from humanities and toward STEM and business fields. This trend is often linked to concerns about tuition costs and immediate job prospects after graduation. The data from the University of Minnesota provides a notable exception to this pattern, suggesting that program structure and curriculum can play a key role in maintaining student engagement.
Diverse Curriculum and High Demand for Courses
The popularity of the English program is also reflected in classroom demand. Officials report that nearly all English courses are fully enrolled each semester. Many of these classes have extensive waitlists, indicating that student interest exceeds the available capacity.
The department attributes this demand to a versatile and engaging curriculum that connects with contemporary student interests. The course offerings blend classic literary studies with modern applications and interdisciplinary topics.
A sample of popular courses offered in a single semester illustrates this diversity:
- Traditional Literature: "The Story of King Arthur," "Shakespeare," and "Jane Austen’s Afterlives."
- Global and Contemporary Issues: "Literature in English of the Global South" and "Environmental Futures."
- Interdisciplinary Studies: "Literature, Science, and Technology."
- Genre and Popular Culture: "Murder, We Write," "Science Fiction and Fantasy," and "Screenwriting."
- Career-Focused Skills: "The Business of Publishing."
This wide range of subjects allows students to explore everything from ancient texts to the mechanics of modern screenwriting, providing both intellectual stimulation and practical skills.
An Unexpected Pathway to Medical School
One of the most surprising trends is the growing popularity of English as a preparatory major for students aiming for careers in medicine. The skills developed through literary analysis—critical thinking, communication, and empathy—are increasingly valued in the healthcare professions.
Humanities Majors and Medical School Admissions
According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), humanities majors have a higher acceptance rate into medical school than students who majored in biological sciences. This statistic challenges the common assumption that a STEM-focused undergraduate degree is the only path to a medical career.
The American Medical Association has also noted that among non-STEM fields, English majors have the highest rate of admission to medical schools. This suggests that medical school admissions committees recognize the value of a well-rounded education that emphasizes human understanding and interpretive skills.
"English offers a foundation in critical thinking, communication and empathetic imagination that has long been a reliable preparation for success in any career path," stated university faculty members Nicola Imbracscio, Nathaniel Mills, and Kathryn Nuernberger in a recent commentary.
Long-Term Career Value of an English Degree
Addressing common concerns about the financial return on a liberal arts education, university officials point to studies on long-term career earnings. While graduates with English degrees may have lower starting salaries compared to those in technical fields, research indicates a different trajectory over time.
Several economic studies have shown that liberal arts graduates, including those with English degrees, often experience significant salary growth mid-career. They frequently out-earn their peers from more technical fields during the second half of their careers.
This long-term value is often attributed to the development of durable skills such as complex problem-solving, persuasive communication, and adaptability. These abilities become increasingly important as professionals advance into leadership and management roles that require more than just technical expertise.
The success of the University of Minnesota's English department suggests that reports of the discipline's demise may be premature. By offering a rigorous and varied curriculum that prepares students for a wide array of career paths—from publishing to medicine—the program continues to demonstrate its enduring relevance and appeal.
