Rooted in the humanities, the English major invites you to read widely, think deeply, and write with purpose. You’ll engage with historic and contemporary texts from American, British, and World literatures while deepening your understanding of them through literary and cultural theory. Your writing will be both critical and creative, with opportunities to explore fiction, poetry, journalism, and a diversity of nonfiction forms.
You’ll learn from award-winning faculty who are active scholars and writers deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. They’ll help you develop the analytical insight, adaptability, and rhetorical skill needed for the twenty-first-century professional world—preparing you for careers in education, publishing, law, nonprofit and corporate communications, business, and so much more.
Student Testimonials
Elizabeth Bidinger teaches a variety of creative writing and literature courses, and she specializes in the study and practice of memoir writing. She has published memoir essays as well as scholarly articles on memoir as a literary genre. Her book, [...]
Dr. Riley McGuire is Associate Professor of English at ĢƵ where he specializes in nineteenth-century British literature, queer theory, and disability studies. Prior to joining the faculty at WSU, he completed his Ph.D. in [...]
An associate professor of English at ĢƵ, Jamie Remillard is Director of the CTL: Faculty Development Center, faculty co-director of the online student-run news publication, the Wormtown Herald, and faculty liaison for WSU’s [...]
Christina Santana is an Associate Professor of English at ĢƵ and an entrepreneur whose work centers on community literacy—how people learn, compose, collaborate, and build knowledge together to improve their shared lives. [...]
Hardeep Sidhu is an assistant professor of English at ĢƵ, where he teaches courses on U.S. literature, race, immigration, comics, the novel, and college writing. Recent courses include "Race in Comics," "Narratives of U.S. [...]
Dr. Karen Woods Weierman is Professor of English at ĢƵ, where she teaches U.S. literatures and first-year writing. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in English from the University of [...]
My research program integrates a comprehensive background in computer and data technologies with a strong academic interest in critical theory and information design. My research primarily investigates the following areas: [...]
English graduates work in a wide variety of fields. These include teaching, writing, journalism, publishing, marketing, public relations, nonprofit work, law, and digital content. English majors develop transferable skills in writing, research, analysis, and storytelling that many industries value.
Yes! An English major develops valuable skills.
These include communication, critical thinking, and narrative analysis. Employers often rank these skills as very important for long-term career success. English majors are adaptable professionals prepared for a wide range of careers and graduate study.
English majors at ĢƵ State build strong writing, research, and analytical skills. They also learn about narratives and how stories affect people and communities. Students also gain cultural awareness, creative thinking, and professional communication skills applicable in any field.
ĢƵ State’s English program focuses on strong faculty support, building a community, and a flexible curriculum. This lets students shape their major to fit their interests. The program integrates literature, writing, journalism, media studies and popular culture while balancing practical skills with personal and intellectual growth.
Yes! English majors can participate in internships, practicums, and experiential learning both on and off campus. Opportunities include working with , the Writing Center, university offices, libraries, museums, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
Absolutely! English majors are ready for jobs in digital media, content strategy, social media management, UX writing, and technical writing. The program emphasizes audience awareness, storytelling, and adaptable writing skills that translate directly to digital environments.
English majors study creative writing, professional and public writing, journalism, literary analysis, and narrative nonfiction. Courses allow students to write for diverse audiences and purposes while developing a strong personal voice and professional skillset.
Yes! English majors build strong reading, writing, and analytical skills. These skills prepare them well for graduate programs in English, education, communications, library science, law, and similar fields.
English majors develop strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills that translate seamlessly into teaching careers. Graduates often take jobs in elementary, secondary, or higher education. They inspire students through reading, writing, and discussion. They also create inclusive and engaging learning environments.
A background in English prepares students for careers in journalism by sharpening research, storytelling, and ethical reporting skills. English majors work as reporters, editors, and digital journalists, producing clear, accurate, and compelling content for newspapers, magazines, websites, and multimedia platforms.
English majors are a good fit for jobs in editing and publishing. These fields require attention to detail and a strong understanding of language. Graduates may work as copy editors, acquisitions editors, or production specialists, shaping books, academic texts, and digital publications from manuscript to final release.
Careers in writing span creative, professional, and technical fields. English majors can become novelists, poets, screenwriters, grant writers, or technical writers. They use their language skills to inform, persuade, and entertain people in print and online.
English majors thrive in marketing roles that demand strong writing, audience awareness, and strategic thinking. Graduates work in content marketing, brand storytelling, social media, and advertising, crafting messages that connect organizations with their target audiences and drive engagement.
The non-profit sector values English majors for their ability to communicate mission-driven messages clearly and persuasively. Graduates often work in program coordination, grant writing, development, and communications, helping organizations advocate for social change and community impact.
English majors frequently pursue careers in librarianship, combining research expertise with a passion for literature and information access. With graduate study, alumni work as librarians, archivists, and information specialists in schools, universities, public libraries, and cultural institutions.
Organizational communications professionals ensure clear, consistent messaging within institutions and corporations. English majors excel in these roles by writing internal communications, executive messaging, training materials, and digital content that support organizational goals and culture.
Public relations careers rely on strong writing, media literacy, and strategic messaging. English majors work as PR specialists, communications coordinators, and media relations professionals, managing public image through press releases, campaigns, and stakeholder communication.
Advocacy communications professionals use storytelling and persuasive writing to advance social, political, and cultural causes. English majors in this field create speeches, campaigns, digital content, and policy messages. Their work raises awareness, mobilizes audiences, and influences public discussion.
English majors are ready for jobs in content strategy and management. They plan, write, edit, and organize digital content for websites and online platforms. These roles combine writing skills with audience analysis, SEO, and user experience principles.
Technical writing is a growing career path for English majors with strong analytical and explanatory skills. Technical writers create manuals, documentation, and instructional content for technology, healthcare, and engineering fields, translating complex information into clear, accessible language.
English majors excel in digital media and social media careers that require strong storytelling and audience engagement. Graduates manage online content, develop campaigns, and analyze performance across social platforms for businesses, nonprofits, and public institutions.
Many English majors pursue careers in law or legal support roles, including paralegal work and legal writing. The major helps students develop skills in argumentation, close reading, and persuasive writing. These skills are important for law school and legal careers.
Grant writing is a specialized and in-demand career for English majors, particularly in nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors. Grant writers research funding opportunities and craft persuasive proposals that secure financial support for organizations and programs.
Corporate communications roles draw on the writing, editing, and strategic thinking skills developed in an English major. Graduates help organizations manage internal and external messaging, executive communications, and brand voice across multiple channels.
English majors work in higher education administration as advisors, admissions counselors, and communications staff. These roles rely on strong interpersonal skills, writing ability, and an understanding of academic environments.
English majors often pursue careers in arts and cultural organizations, including museums, theaters, and literary nonprofits. Graduates work in communications, programming, and development roles that support creative communities and public engagement.
Public agencies and government offices rely on English majors to produce clear, accessible communications. Careers in public policy communications involve writing reports, speeches, web content, and public information materials for diverse audiences.
UX writers focus on the language users encounter in apps, websites, and digital tools. English majors fit well in this field. It combines writing, usability, and human-centered design to enhance digital experiences.
Speechwriting careers draw directly on the rhetorical training of an English major. Graduates write speeches and talking points for leaders in government, education, nonprofit organizations, and business.
“Purpura,” a poem by poet and ĢƵ professor Heather Treseler, has a lot going on inside its 28 lines as the speaker immerses the reader in a complex mother-daughter relationship.
Jamie Remillard, associate professor of English at ĢƵ State, has been named a University of Vermont Center for Community News Champion. The award recognizes faculty from across the country who work to build and sustain partnerships between academic institutions and community news organizations.
ĢƵ State students will be able to benefit from the research on disability that two professors did at ĢƵ’s American Antiquarian Society last summer. Professors Riley McGuire and Kym Meyer, who both have a long interest in disability studies, attended a five-day seminar on visual representations of disability and are bringing what they learned into their classrooms.
English major Joss Bracero ’24 has won the ĢƵ County Poetry Association’s Elizabeth Bishop Manuscript Prize for his poem “Being Multiple.” The prize is part of the association’s annual College Poetry Contest, established in 2008 to encourage and recognize the next generation of poets. Winners receive a cash award and one year’s membership to the association in addition to publication. Bracero’s poem will appear in the next issue of The ĢƵ Review.
