Courses in literature, writing, and speech enable students to develop writing and public speaking skills, and to cultivate powers of perception and analysis, critical thinking, judgment, and creativity.

For the Secondary Education in Literature concentration, which is accredited by?CAEP/NCATE, classes in literary content are supplemented by courses in educational theory and practice in the classroom, forming the backbone of a concentration that produces certified and licensed high school teachers of English. The English Studies major provides a solid foundation for a number of careers that value critical thinking, writing, and creativity, and that promote the articulate, well-read person.

The abilities and knowledge gained as an English Studies major have such broad applications that career choices after graduation are almost unlimited. English Studies majors from Fitchburg State University have continued their studies in graduate programs in literature, education, creative writing, library science, counseling, law, and government. While our Secondary Education concentrators frequently find placement in area high schools, our graduates in Literature and Professional Writing have found careers in a wide variety of fields that include teaching, writing, publishing, legal applications, administration, entertainment, business, and arts development.