About the English and Writing Major
Wherever there is communication, there is an opportunity for an English and writing major.
What can you do with a degree in English and writing? You may be interested in teaching, writing, editing, research or laying the foundation for a master’s or doctoral degree in any discipline. Those are only the beginning of your options. From journalism to public relations to advertising to business and so much more, English and writing majors graduate with the kinds of skills and knowledge that open doors to a variety of careers.
You'll Expand Your Outlook While Gaining Practical Skills
Carroll University's English and writing program trains you to integrate and organize ideas logically, to research and analyze complex information and to communicate effectively. You’ll develop the critical and creative reading, writing and thinking skills that inform understanding on a deeper level. Through small discussion and workshop-based classes, you’ll gain a strong foundation in literature and writing, with opportunities to focus on your specific areas of interest.
Courses range from Native American literature to science fiction, great author studies including Shakespeare and Toni Morrison, and electives including the Victorian period, film studies, post-colonial literature and creative writing. We’ll expose you to different and new ways of thinking that challenge established beliefs and provide opportunities to study in a variety of forms, from books and manuscripts to film and digital media. That leads to the discovery of important interrelationships and the development of intellectually curiosity.
You’ll sharpen your writing skills through courses you’d expect such as fiction and poetry. But there are plenty of opportunities to stretch when you explore topics such as grant writing for non-profits, journalistic writing, creating stories for online gaming, writing for health and natural sciences and more.
Students also have the opportunity to obtain real-world experiences according to their interests, including:
- Presenting at regional and national academic conferences
- Building resumes and experience through on- and off-campus internships
- Becoming part of a vibrant community in which students publish and present in a variety of venues, including the student newspaper, the university’s art and literary journal and local open mic nights
- Participating in cultural events sponsored by the department, including The Distinguished Visiting Author series, the Wisconsin Book Festival and the United Nations film festival.
Become an English Teacher
Pairing the English major with Carroll’s secondary education major can lead to certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to teach English Language Arts in high school and middle school. Your coursework will prepare you to teach reading, writing and critical thinking to middle level learners and young adults.