A major in English and Writing combines the in-depth study of language and literature with the practical and creative skills of a 21st century writer, all focused towards career opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling and successful future. Students choose to focus in either Literature or Writing. A focus in Literature provides students with broad literary knowledge alongside analytical research skills across genres and media, preparing them for future work as editors, publishers, and communicators across an array of industry. A focus in Writing provides students with dynamic and creative writing skills as excellent preparation for students interested in work as writers, social media coordinators, and digital communicators in emerging job markets.
All English and Writing majors gain real-world writing experience during challenging internships, as editors and producers of media, or by applying their skills to writing projects in the community and across campus. Graduates have gone on to become published authors and obtain jobs in publishing, education, technical writing, public relations, information technology, government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate communications, non-profit and social-service organizations, health care, the arts, and many related fields. The major is also an excellent path for those interested in post-graduate education in law, English, creative writing, rhetoric, or technical writing.
Students with this major will benefit from:
- Marketable communication skills such as writing, editing, publishing, tutoring, document design, and digital communication;
- Opportunities to engage with visiting writers and take workshop courses in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and comics;
- Background in the history and theory of language and literature from around the globe, for greater command of language usage and cultural competency;
- In-depth study of literary works and history providing depth and context to writing craft and style;
- Systematic explorations of professional, artistic, and/or advocacy paths that correspond to their current and future vision(s) of themselves as writers, researchers, and communicators.
English and Writing, B.A. Program Outcomes
Degree Requirements
Institutional Degree Requirements