Department of English & Literature
English
Department of English & Literature
English
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Undergraduate
The English major is divided into four concentrations: literature, writing, literature and writing, and linguistics.
This might be the right degree for you if you
- enjoy reading and writing
- have a passion for text
- want to research and deep-dive into literature
- have a passion for language and culture
- are interested in a career with various writing possibilities
Why study English at Northwestern?
Students learn from literary scholars who apply classic texts and research literary history through original works. They work with published creative writing faculty who provide graduate level personalized feedback. Professors provide individualized attention to your work.
Northwestern offers professional writing classes and internships that lead to jobs after college. Classes include, Editing and Proofreading, Technical Writing, Structure of English Grammar, Instructional Design for Professional Writing, Grant Writing, Autobiographical Writing, Social Media Marketing, and Multimedia Writing.
Students attend authors’ readings in venues off campus such as The Loft Literary Center or hear from special speakers at venues such as the University of Minnesota. Students also have the option to join the editorial staff of Inkstone, Northwestern's literary magazine.
As an English major, students assist professors, tutor students at the Writing Center, and participate in internships by writing promotional media for the department or with Northwestern’s grant writers.
Off campus, students have interned with Bethany House Publishers, Minnesota Public Radio, and Redleaf Press. Other internships emphasize literary outreach which brings the library to anyone facing barriers.
Our alumni are accepted into graduate programs across the nation: Oxford in England, Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, University of Saint Thomas, University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Arizona, Hollins University in Virginia, the University of Virginia, and the Iowa Writers' Workshop at University of Iowa.
If you enjoy reading and writing, have a passion for literature, and are interested in a career with various writing possibilities, this might be the right degree for you.
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What concentrations are offered in this degree?
Careers in writing
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in English with a concentration in writing.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Creative Writing
- Grant and Proposal Writing
- Technical Writing
- Technical Writing and Editing
- Media and Journalism
- Publisher
- Curriculum Development
- Copywriting
- Public Relations
- Teaching (Non-licensure)
- Law/Unions
- Researcher
- Editor
- Corporate Communication
- Journalist
- Legal Transcriptionist
- Freelance Writing/Consulting
- Social Media Writing
- Translater/Interpreter
- Text Mining Researcher
Who employs people with this degree?
- Universities and colleges
- Consulting firms
- Publishers
- Small-to-mid size businesses
- Mid-to-large size businesses
- Law firms
- Newspapers
- Technical industries
- Magazines
- Libraries
- Public relations firms
- Non-profits
- Self-employed/freelance
- Educational publishing
Strategies for success:
- Develop a specialty area of interest via additional coursework and/or work experience for greater marketability within that specific career field.
- For fields such as technical writing, finance writing, legal writing or other specific areas of writing, research the needed education and/or professional certifications.
- Consider cultivating other career opportunities to supplement a freelance writing income.
- Experience is key! Seek out any opportunity (paid or unpaid) to write so you can gain experience, network and build a solid portfolio.
- An English major with a writing concentration can be good preparation for graduate or professional training in areas such as English, law, political science, religious studies, etc.
Professional associations:
- Magazine Publishers of America
- Association of American Publishers
- Society for Technical Communication
- American Copy Editors Society
- American Society of Newspaper Editors
- National Council of Teachers of English
- The Association of Literary Scholars, Critics and Writers
- National Newspaper Publishers Association
- American Medical Writers Association
- American Grant Writers’ Association
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of seniors feel well prepared for their first job in the field
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of seniors say their major integrates biblical perspectives
What will I learn?
You will learn to analyze, think critically, and develop effective written and verbal communication skills.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
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