Department of English

Undergraduate Programs of Study

  • English Studies (Major)
  • English Education (Major)
  • Creative Writing (Minor)
  • Literary Studies (Minor)
  • Writing Studies (Minor)

Degrees Offered

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

  • Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department Description

The English Department offers students the flexibility to follow interests in community literacies, literatures, linguistics, and creative, technical and professional writing,. The curriculum joins the strengths of a traditional humanities education with civic engagement and career development opportunities today's students seek. Students in English courses develop strong communication skills, multiple research strategies, flexibility in responding to complex situations, and effective project management skills. Career success is tied to the ability to understand, restate, and analyze complex ideas and texts for multiple audiences.  Such success requires habits of investigation, the ability to critically analyze sources of information, and the self-assurance to handle unfamiliar materials and situations. The department offers multiple opportunities for students to develop these skills both in the classroom and outside the university wall work with and for authentic clients. 

The flexible degree programs encourage students to pursue curricular and co-curricular experiences in those areas that meet their interests and support their career goals.  Literature courses include surveys, multicultural courses, interdisciplinary courses, film courses, and special topic courses. Writing courses offer opportunities to work on technical translation with international partners, create social media plans for local non-profits, write grants and proposals for community partners, develop skills publishing and editing, and practice protocols for user experience and usability testing. The department offers a range of linguistics courses that effectively augment an English degree with social science research experience.