English & Communication Experiential Learning
Add more than a degree to your resume.
At SEMO, learning goes beyond the classroom. In the Department of English and Communication, you'll gain hands-on experience that helps you become a stronger writer, speaker, and communicator. Through opportunities such as debate, public speaking, and professional writing, you'll build the skills and confidence to succeed in any career.
Redhawk Speech and Debate
Redhawk Speech and Debate has been a force at SEMO since the 1930s, giving students from any major a stage to sharpen their voice, think on their feet, and compete with confidence. As a proud member of Pi Kappa Delta, the national honor society for speech and debate, we take pride in continuing a tradition of excellence that helps students build fearless communication skills for any career.
Speaker's Lab
The Speaker's Lab at SEMO is a dedicated space where students, faculty, and staff from any discipline can build confidence and skill in public speaking, from first idea to final delivery. Whether you are outlining a class presentation, polishing a keynote, or working through stage fright, you can get help with organization, nonverbal communication, audience engagement, and communication apprehension management in a supportive, one-on-one setting. Find us in Academic Hall 208B.
Center for Faulkner Studies
The Center for Faulkner Studies at SEMO is a nationally recognized hub devoted to the life and work of William Faulkner, built around the renowned Louis Daniel Brodsky Collection of Faulkner materials. The Center brings scholars, students, and readers together through research opportunities, conferences, and publications that deepen understanding of Faulkner and his influence on literature and culture.
The Writing Lab
The Writing Lab at SEMO offers free, face-to-face support at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final revisions. Consultants work alongside you to clarify ideas, strengthen organization, refine style, and improve citation so you can grow as a confident, independent writer in any discipline.
Study Abroad
Study abroad at SEMO lets you earn credit toward your degree while living and learning in another country. Whether you choose a semester, year-long, or short-term program, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture of that locale. Whether earning a minor in Spanish, a degree in Communication, or a degree in English, you can stay on track for graduation by working with the department chair to determine the courses you should complete. Study abroad helps you build your resume, gain real-world experience, and expand your worldview at the same time.
Internships & Teaching Assistantships
Internships and teaching assistantships at SEMO help you turn what you learn in the classroom into real experience you can talk about on a resume, in an interview, or in graduate school applications. These roles let you build practical skills, grow your network, and explore career options before graduation.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, recognizes outstanding English students who are passionate about language, literature, and writing. Membership connects you with a community of peers and professionals, as well as opportunities to publish in The Rectangle, present creative and analytical work at conferences, and compete for scholarships, internships, and awards.
Take the Next Step
Contact Us
Phone
Location
Office Location
Academic Hall 231
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS3225
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701