Department of English
Explore your passion for literature and writing
An English degree opens not just one door, but many. Whether you choose to major in writing or literature, you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through analysis of literature and stories. Nurture your love of reading in a community of supportive and engaging faculty. These skills foster empathy and creativity and prepare you to take the next step as an empowered woman.
Photography by English literature major, Elise deSomer ’17
- 95% of English majors are employed full-time or in grad school
- 17 average class size
- 70% of english majors study abroad
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Career paths for English majors
With many open doors, our alumnae take varying paths after graduation as empowered women of action. From law school to jobs in publishing, working as reporters or teachers, an English degree enriches your human experience and is knowledge you carry with you for life.
“In the English department, faculty emphasizes empathy, critical thinking, and analysis in writing. I really became passionate about my writing and because of the small class sizes I got individual attention that improved my work.”
— Lauren Zyber '17
Lauren double-majored in English writing and English literature. She interned at Ave Maria Press during her senior year. Her coursework and her internship prepared her to take on a job as a technical author for Tweddle Group, writing and editing owner's information for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Lauren also balances a role at VIDA Review as an Acquisitions Editor.
Explore, read, travel, write, and discover
You’ve likely traveled the world through your love of literature, now it’s time to make it your reality. As an English major you have a lot of flexibility with study abroad options, whether semester or summer programs. As writers and readers, students travel the world and enjoy the experience of physically being immersed in another culture much like being enraptured in a good book.
Meet and learn from working writers
Each semester, as part of the Visiting Writers Series, the English department hosts a working writer — a novelist, poet, or nonfiction writer — on campus. He or she comes to campus to give a lecture, meet with students like you, and share his or her expertise and experience with our community.
Discover your potential to publish
The English department offers opportunities for writing majors to publish your original writing in two campus publications, Chimes, our art and literary magazine, and The Avenue, our nonfiction journal. Both journals give you the platform to share your writing and have it printed in a student-produced campus publication. Whether you’re interested in writing or editing, these journals offer lots of opportunity for you. View the journals online.
