The Department of English offers students a curriculum that is central to the modern liberal arts education. One of the largest degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the undergraduate major in English allows students to emphasize literature or creative writing; students may also pursue other specialized programs such as honors in the major, an English major with an emphasis in business, teaching certification, or other independent courses of study. In addition to its primary benefits to intellectual growth, the English major also offers practical preparation for professional careers in teaching, professional writing, law, medicine, business, religious affairs, and all levels of government service-local, state, and federal.