English and Marketing Polymath Pathway
- Bachelor of Art (BA)
- Polymath Pathway
Modes of study:
Become the well rounded creative you were always meant to be
The English and Marketing Polymath Pathway, available at the University of Southern Maine (USM) is designed for undergraduate students looking to pair the art of words and critical thinking with the power of creative marketing strategy and data. By uniting English and marketing majors, you’ll build a multidisciplinary foundation, and give yourself an edge in fields like content marketing, communications, public relations, strategic communications — roles that require finding and telling the story within the data.
This integrated approach — melding creativity, analytics, and strategic thinking — will set you apart as a versatile professional who can bring insight to the writing process, understand complex group dynamics, and make compelling arguments. Polymath Pathway graduates emerge as adaptable, critical thinkers uniquely prepared to thrive in the ever evolving marketing landscape.
Academic catalog
The University of Southern Maine’s engaging curriculum offers an integrative and rigorous liberal arts and business education.
Browse course list
Program duration
Typical completion time is approximately 4 years. The English and Marketing Polymath Pathway requires 128 credit hours for graduation. Work with your USM academic advisor to develop a tailored and streamlined academic plan.
Department & School
Admissions
SAT and ACT scores are optional. Students are encouraged to begin this program in their first year.
Most marketers can analyze data. Most writers can craft a story. Few can do both fluently, effectively, and efficiently. The USM Marketing and English Polymath Program trains you to do both – uniting marketing strategy with creative storytelling to apply consumer insights, data analytics, and brand strategy to persuasive writing, narrative construction, and cultural analysis.
Dr. Eklou Amendah, Assistant Professor of Marketing
What are the career benefits of combining English and Marketing into a Polymath Pathway?
Build a competitive edge with interdisciplinary expertise that prepares you for long-term career versatility. By building a degree that integrates both English and marketing into one Polymath Pathway, you’ll be exposed to new ways of thinking and learning about marketing, content, creativity, and how storytelling can change shape perception and influence outcomes.
Why study English?
Having a background in English sharpens your analytical ability to understand different perspectives and read between the lines. Whether you’re analyzing a piece of writing, or critiquing a peer’s work, reading, discussing, and analyzing literature helps you understand how to craft and defend arguments and makes you alert to the nuances you’ll need to navigate difficult situations.
Moreover, it teaches you how to put yourself in other people’s shoes to imagine how different audiences will react to your messaging – skills that will serve you well in many industries and careers. As an English major, you have the opportunity to intern at a number of local organizations, including Alice James Books, Gorham Times, the Bangor Daily News, The Telling Room, and others.
Why study Marketing?
Having a foundation in English will only serve to make you a better creative marketer. In Marketing, everything moves fast. New technologies drive shopping applications and customer engagement platforms.
Data analytics and AI are necessary just to keep up with the changes and align them to consumer needs. In this pathway, you will apply your English skills in cultural analysis, persuasion, and storytelling to Marketing’s understanding of data, consumer behavior, and brand strategy.
What are the advantages of applying for the University of Southern Maine’s Polymath Program in English and Marketing?
While many English majors go on to graduate and professional school to teach, write, and do research, studies have shown that the largest majority of them end up in managerial jobs or in business and financial services. The English and Marketing Polymath Pathway is perfect for you if you wish to work in a business setting, or transition into one, over the course of your future career.
Dr. Shelton Waldrep, Distinguished Professor of English
Where can your Polymath Pathway in English and Marketing take you?
What kind of career trajectory can an English and Marketing Polymath Pathway unlock?
The exciting dynamics of an English and Marketing Polymath Pathway BA prepares you for careers in public relations, digital marketing, content strategy, and search marketing.
Build adaptable, in-demand skills through hands-on internships with 200+ local partners, including Unum, L.L.Bean, and the Portland Sea Dogs, gaining real-world experience that supports long-term career growth.
Wondering if tuition is affordable? Get answers to your questions about costs
Learn about scholarships and financial aid opportunities
Going to the University of Southern Maine can become a lot more affordable, thanks to scholarships and financial aid opportunities available. Additional opportunities like Merit Scholarships are also available.
AACSB-accredited program
USM’s School of Business has the high distinction of being an AACSB-accredited program. This mark of quality is highly sought after and only achieved by fewer than 5% of all business schools globally.
Next steps
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.
