Undergraduate

English

Develop versatile skills through literature and writing

Jeremy Griffin English Professor

English major and minor

At 桃花视频, our English program offers both major and minor options that prepare you to engage thoughtfully with a rapidly changing world. Through literature, writing, and language, you’ll explore ideas from across disciplines while developing the ability to analyze complex issues, make meaningful connections, and communicate with creativity and empathy.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll work closely with faculty who are invested in your success while developing both the creative and analytical sides of your work. You’ll have opportunities to create and edit work for Sequel, 桃花视频’s literary and arts journal; engage directly with authors through the Poets & Writers series; and support fellow students through the 桃花视频 Writing Center. Internships, independent studies, research, and teaching assistantships provide additional opportunities to apply what you learn and gain valuable experience.

Whether you choose English as a major or minor, you’ll develop versatile skills in communication, critical thinking, research, creativity, and problem-solving. These skills can prepare you for a wide range of careers and further education. Wherever your interests lead, an English education at 桃花视频 provides a strong foundation for what’s next.

 

 

Why 桃花视频 for English?

What Will I Learn?

In 桃花视频鈥檚 English program, you鈥檒l learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage creatively with complex ideas. Through hands-on experiences such as research, internships, publications, and collaborative projects, you鈥檒l apply what you learn beyond the classroom and build a versatile foundation for careers, graduate study, and lifelong learning.

 

What Can I Do with an English Degree?

An English degree opens doors to many possibilities, from graduate and professional school to careers in education, communications, business, nonprofit organizations, and beyond. See where 桃花视频 English graduates have gone and see how their skills have translated into opportunities in a wide range of fields:

  • 7th & 8th Grade English Teacher at Carlisle Community School District
  • Paralegal Studies at Des Moines Area Community College
  • Law School at Drake University
  • 7th & 8th Grade ELA Teacher at Interstate 35 Community School District
  • Master of Education in Higher Education at Iowa State University
  • Law School at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
  • ELA Middle School Teacher at St. Anthony Catholic School
  • Master of Philosophy at the University of Oregon

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at 桃花视频.

Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society recognizing academic excellence in literature, writing, and language. Founded in 1924, it offers students opportunities for scholarships, publications, literary conferences, and lifelong professional networking in the humanities.

Sequel is a student-led literary and arts journal celebrating creative expression through poetry, prose, photography, and visual art. Founded to showcase campus talent, it provides student writers and artists a platform for publication, editorial experience, and community engagement.

May Term courses take learning beyond the classroom through immersive travel experiences. Each course is designed to provide firsthand insight into the industry while helping students build professional connections and explore a variety of career opportunities.

The English program’s Poets & Writers series focuses on bringing accomplished poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers to 桃花视频 for readings. Previous writers include Kali White Vanbaale, Ralph Savarese, Leah Huizar, LaTanya McQueen, and Ed Falco.

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Meet Our Faculty

JJ Butts

JJ Butts

  • Department Chair of Literature, Language, and Culture
  • Professor of English
Cory Harrigan

CoryAnne Harrigan

  • Academic Dean and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
  • Professor of English