Shape the World with Words
Do you love writing, reading, and sharing stories? The English Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College helps you grow your skills in writing, reading, and thinking in new ways. Whether you’re interested in creative writing, literature, or becoming a teacher, this program gives you the tools to succeed.
In this 64-credit Associate in Arts (AA) degree, you’ll take courses in composition, creative writing, and both American and world literature. We designed our English Transfer Major program to transfer easily to Iowa’s Regent Universities—including the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa—as well as other four-year schools. You can continue your studies in English, education, or writing-related careers.
You’ll learn how to write clearly and creatively, read with understanding, and think critically about what you read and write. This major not only helps you succeed in school, but also in many jobs that value strong communication and thinking skills.
Key areas of study include:
- Creative Writing – Practice your writing and try different styles and genres.
- American & World Literature – Explore books and stories from many cultures and times.
- Composition I & II – Improve your writing, editing, and organization skills.
Turn Your Passion into a Profession
English graduates succeed in fields such as publishing, education, marketing, and media (U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook – Writing/Communications Careers). Take the next step—connect with an enrollment coach and get started today!
Find Your It!
Tell Stories. Share Ideas. Start Here.
Love to read, write, and express yourself? The English Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College is the perfect place to turn that love into something more. Whether you’re into creative writing, classic novels, or just enjoy putting your thoughts into words, this program helps you grow your skills and discover new possibilities. You’ll become a stronger writer, a sharper thinker, and someone who knows how to use language to make an impact—in school, in work, and in life.
Graduates often pursue careers in teaching, technical writing, grant writing, public relations, or human resources. Many go on to earn advanced degrees in English, law, education, or library science. No matter your path, strong communication skills open doors.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Arts (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses & Online
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
LIT ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
SCIENCE: 4 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 2
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
Choose SPC 101, SPC 112 OR SPC 122
LIT ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
SCIENCE: 4 CREDITS
Term 3
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
LIT ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 6 CREDITS
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Trevor Friesner Academic Advisor 712-362-7984 | tfriesner@iowalakes.edu |