English Studies students develop sharp analytical thinking and learn to be compelling storytellers and deep researchers who understand different cultures and audiences. Those skills translate across job sectors from entertainment to law, journalism to marketing, even publishing to sales.
Go to Faculty Profiles for more information about all our English Studies faculty. See some of our faculty's publications below.
Majors and Concentrations
Literature
Professional Writing
Middle and Secondary Education
Graduate Degree and Certificate
- MA, English
30 credit degree ripe with bespoke literature courses that are engaging and challenging to the secondary English teacher or aspiring doctoral student. - Creative Writing Certificate
12 credit, 100% online certificate for students looking to practice their craft with actively publishing authors.
Learn more about our graduate English programs by watching the webinar below to hear from faculty as well as current and former students.
Minors
- Literature Minor
18 credit program that lets you build on core courses in literary theory and anglophone literature with electives of your choosing. - Professional Writing Minor
15 credit program that provides a foundation in writing professionally and lets you choose areas of interest for your writing. - Political Journalism Minor
18 credit program for those interested in journalism, political science, and the role of political reporting in democratic societies.
Our Students and Graduates
Literature
Professional Writing
Education
Faculty Publications
Beyond the Classroom
Student Publications, Groups, and Opportunities
Scholarships and Awards
Internships and Career Placements
Teaching Practicum
Events and a Look Inside the Courses
Being an English Major
Why English Studies
English majors “know how to think, to think for themselves, and how to analyze a problem. Business majors are fine, but they are preoccupied with theory, proving themselves, and doing it ‘right.’ But the English majors are used to getting a tough assignment, figuring it out, and getting it done.” Steve Strauss, author and small business owner
Bing Chen's Passionate Defense Of A Liberal Arts Education
Bing Chen, Former Head of YouTube's Creative Team and Founder of Bing Studios makes an impassioned argument of the importance of a Liberal Arts education to entrepreneurs.
Curriculum and Other Information
The English Studies program provides students: a) knowledge of the variety of literary and cultural texts in English; b) in-depth understanding of diverse cultural, literary, rhetorical, and pedagogical traditions; c) skills in reading, writing, speaking, critical thinking, and research; and d) ample opportunity for hands-on experience in literary analysis, professional and creative writing, teaching, and scholarship to prepare students for personal and professional success.
English Studies trains students to become empathetic, innovative, and critical thinkers, readers, writers, creators, and teachers.
English Studies Department Shared Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to read and understand texts across genres, cultures, and periods. Students will be able to write in various forms.
- Students will be able to critically analyze texts and contexts.
- Students will be able to communicate their perspectives and ideas.
- Students will be able to apply their skills in distinct settings.
- “Why the Liberal Arts are Necessary for Long-Term Success” in Inc. 2018
- “How Can a Liberal Arts Degree Lead to Financial Success?” in Forbes 2019
- “10 CEOs Who Prove Your Liberal Arts Degree Isn’t Worthless” in Time Magazine 2019
- “Why ‘worthless’ humanities degrees may set you up for life” in BBC Worklife 2019
- “English Majors, listen up! Here’s How to Make the Most of Your Degree” in Pearson Accelerated Pathways blog 2020
- “What Can You Do with an English Literature Degree” in QS 2021
- “Why we still need to study the humanities in a STEM world” in The Washington Post 2017
- “The humanities may seem pointless, but that is the point” in America 2019
- “Study English Lit to acquire ‘marketable’ skills? That’s a bad argument” in the Los Angeles Times 2017
- “People said majoring in English was a waste of time and money – but here are 5 ways I use it in my everyday life” in Business Insider 2019