The English department is committed to excellent student advising, and every faculty member serves as an advisor. As an English major, you are assigned an advisor who will assist you in planning for each semester in the context of your long-term goals and graduation requirements.
While your advisor is a vital resource as you plan your academic career, it is also important that you familiarize yourself with key requirements, policies, and procedures, so that your course registration process can go as smoothly as possible.
The English Major >>
There are several different ways to major in English. Here you can easily see and
compare them, and find the best fit for you.
Course Descriptions >>
Be sure to check out these detailed descriptions of current and upcoming English courses
(updated every semester.)
The Academic Bulletin>>The Bulletin is USC’s course catalog, academic policy manual, and guide to all majors, minors, and programs. In it you’ll find general course descriptions and requirements for all undergraduate programs, and more.
Carolina Core Requirements>>
Familiarize yourself with USC’s general education requirements (“the Carolina Core”)
and find an up-to-date list of courses that satisfy them.
FAQs
Advisement for Spring courses typically occurs from mid-October to early November. Advisement for Summer and Fall courses typically occurs after spring break and lasts until mid-April. Reminders are sent out through the English major listserv prior to advisement time. If you are not receiving emails through the listserv, please contact Anna Tompkins at AET13@mailbox.sc.edu to be added.
Your advisor should be listed on your registration checklist in Self-Service Carolina and in your degree audit in DegreeWorks (detailed directions here). If no advisor information is listed, you can contact our Undergraduate Office for more information: 777-2138.
Prior to the advisement period, your advisor should be in touch via email with instructions on how to sign up for an advising appointment. You can also email your advisor to ask about setting up an appointment.
Yes. The system will not allow you to register for classes until the hold on your registration has been lifted. The Undergraduate Office will lift your hold after you have been advised. If there are extenuating circumstances and you are unable to meet with an advisor in person (e.g., if you are studying abroad), email your advisor to arrange an alternative, like advisement via email or Skype.
To get the most out of advising, and to find the best classes for you, it’s essential to prepare before you arrive to your advising appointment. Use the resources listed above to review which requirements you need to fulfill, and consider a variety of courses you are interested in to satisfy them.
This is usually only an issue during the summer months. In the event that an advisor is unavailable, the Undergraduate Office in Room 114 of the J. Welsh Humanities Building is also able to meet with students and remove holds. Contact Anna Tompkins at 777-2138 or AET13@mailbox.sc.edu.
While it only takes one advisor to lift your registration hold, it is highly recommended that you meet with advisors for both disciplines to ensure you are progressing correctly. Requirements for each major are different, and it’s in your best interest to speak with advisors who are familiar with your major requirements.
Once you have 90 credit hours, and no later than your penultimate semester, it’s time for your Senior Check. Contact Anna Tompkins in the Undergraduate English Office at 777-2138 or via email AET13@mailbox.sc.edu to request your Major Program Card. Once you have a completed Major Program Card, you can make an appointment with an Academic Advisor in the Dean’s Office in Flinn Hall (777-2993) for your Senior Check. Graduation applications are also submitted through the Dean’s Office after the Senior Check.