Students are strongly encouraged to declare the English major as soon as they have determined that they have an interest in the major.
- Studies show that students who declare a major early in their college career are more likely to graduate in four years.
- Declaring one major early in coursework makes it easier to add a second major later.
- Becoming an English major allows you to enter a lively community of students and teachers with similar interests.
- You will receive notices of academic opportunities, scholarships, and career activities.
- You will have an academic home on this very large campus—and a place to ask any and all questions.
In order to declare the English major, students can:
- Make an appointment with the English department’s Academic Advising Manager. Schedule an advising appointment here.
- Email the Academic Advising Manager at erin.polnaszek.boyd@wisc.edu. If you already know which track in English you want to declare in the major (literature, creative writing or language and linguistics), you can email Erin to process the declaration. If you are unsure, feel free to schedule an appointment to talk through your interests.
For Students Not in Letters & Science
Students wishing to declare must be in the College of Letters and Science or have the approval of their college if they are not an L&S student and wish to add English as an additional major.
Additional major guidelines by school or college can be found here.
Dropping the English Major
Send an email to the Undergraduate Advisor. Clearly state that you want to drop the English major. This will be processed electronically. However, if you have questions about whether or not dropping is the best course of action, please make an appointment to speak with the advisor in person.