English
Department of English & Literature

English


  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Undergraduate

125 credits

required for program

The English major is divided into three concentrations: literature, writing, and literature and writing.

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
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95%
of seniors view the faculty as available and accessible
94%
of seniors feel well prepared for their first job in the field
95%
of seniors say their major integrates biblical perspectives
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.