With its small class sizes and nationally published faculty members, the English Department helps students develop skills in analysis, production, and understanding of texts in the English language. Students learn to write, think, and communicate effectively in a technologically and culturally complex world. Students develop skills in the areas most valued by employers, including critical thinking, teamwork, and oral and written communication, which will prepare them to enter into a wide range of career options.

Because the English Department is home to faculty that are heavily involved in research, students are provided with numerous opportunities to pursue undergraduate research projects and creative projects with individual attention from professors.Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

• Creative Writing: The creative writing program gives students exposure to poetry, nonfiction, and creative nonfiction writing and then allows them to specialize in their chosen area(s). Through literature and writing courses, students develop critical and cognitive writing skills applicable in numerous professional fields.

• English Teaching: Students emphasizing in English teaching prepare to teach secondary level English in the public school system. Students take a wide range of literature, writing, and teaching courses that prepare them to teach language arts in secondary education classrooms.

• Literary Studies: Literary studies students read, analyze, and research texts and writers in American, British, and other world literatures as well as their cultural contexts. Students in literary studies develop critical thinking and communication skills that prepare them for a variety of careers.

• Professional and Technical Writing: The professional and technical writing emphasis prepares students for various writing careers in communication, business, industry, and government as well as providing a basic knowledge of current communication technology and its uses in various fields.

 With a degree in English, students may be qualified for a variety of careers, including:

•     Teacher
•     Author
•     Editor
•     Publishing
•     Researcher
•     Law
•     Administrative assistant
•     Copywriter
•     Writer
•     Journalist
•     Public relations and marketing
•     Advertising
•     Reporter
•     Management trainee
•     Mass media assistant