This teaching degree prepares you to teach English in a public or private school setting for grades 5-12 while laying the foundation for further graduate study.
Communication Arts & Literature Education may be the right degree for you if you
- enjoy writing, speaking, and reading
- enjoy working with young adults
- are interested in a career in education
Why study Communication Arts & Literature Education at Northwestern?
At UNW, you will be equipped to teach communication arts and literature to grades 5-12. You will learn from professors who are Ph.D. holders, published authors, or industry leaders. Each professor has experience teaching in the classroom.
The Department of Teacher Education equips you for your career through four levels of classroom practicum experience:
- Find your personal “fit” within the teaching profession.
- Focus on developing theory and skills.
- Learn teaching methods in your chosen field by creating and evaluating lessons in a school classroom.
- Teach full-time in a chosen licensure field.
The Department of Teacher Education provides teacher education programs approved by the MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and as a result, meets the state standards adopted for licensure programs as defined in state Rule 8710.2000 through 8710.8080. All licensure programs are aligned with INTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards and the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers. Retreived August 2026..
Careers in Communication Arts & Literature Education
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in Communication Arts & Literature Education.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Teaching in your area of specialty
- Private tutoring
- Creating/directing educational programs
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design (technology training may be required)
- Textbook editing
- Online education
- Student life/student affairs
- Corporate or business training and development
What will I learn?
You will develop effective written and verbal communication skills and be able to teach children in grades 5-12.
ESL3210
Introduction to Sociolinguistics
This course will focus on examining language and linguistic behavior as influenced by social and cultural factors. Topics include language and learning development, function of language and the social, intellectual and political impact of communication. Drawing from research on social contexts of language use, we will consider the pedagogical implications of teaching and learning English in K–12 school contexts.
LIT2105
Literary Studies
This course is designed for English majors: literature, writing, and literature and writing concentrations; CALE majors; literature minors; and other students interested in an intensive study of literature) A course designed for English majors which provides training and practice in the analysis of various literary forms and in the use of argument, evidence and documentation in literary essays. The course introduces literary theory while emphasizing the integration of faith, reading and writing.
LIT1106
Popular Literature
A study of genres such as fantasy, mystery, science fiction, adventure and other best-selling fiction. Particular focus of course to be published prior to registration.
ENG3125
Structure of English Grammar
A course in analyzing the structures of English sentences in all their various forms. The course includes theories of grammar and applications of syntactical analysis to writing, reading and teaching.
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
