English Major
English majors focus on developing skills that are transferrable into the workplace. Students dive into literature to challenge their critical thinking stills through high level analysis. Our program highlights real world application. Students will be comfortable with the publishing process in preparation for publishing contests and competitions.
Program Details
Program Overview
Through the study of classic and contemporary texts from diverse voices and multiple genres, the English major and minor at Stritch foster a deep appreciation for storytelling and the written word. Employers value the humanities-based instruction that an English major receives in research techniques, critical analysis, and both written and verbal communication. The career options for an English major are limitless, but include professions in education, law, publishing, public relations and marketing, human resources, fundraising and grant writing, and social media management.
Program Concentrations
This program is made up of the following concentrations. Learn more about concentrations.Concentration Overview
The study of literature enables students to expand their horizons, to understand the universals of the human condition, and to deepen their awareness of human nature in all its diversity.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentration Overview
The exploration of cultural studies fosters engagement with literature, film, creative writing, and other art forms. Through this investigation, students learn to think beyond their own experiences and to understand how their ideas and actions shape the world they live in.
Concentrations on this page are required for this program. Additional courses or concentrations may need to be added to meet program or credit requirements.
Program Coursework
- Introduction to Literature
- Literary Masterpieces
- Multicultural Literature
- Contemporary Literature
- African American Stories
- Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature
- The Graphic Novel as Literature
- Film Studies
- Digital Witness: Capturing Lives and Telling Stories
- Dialogues on Power, Privilege and Difference
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Liberal Arts Core
LEADERSHIP: 4 credits
- Freshman Seminar (1 cr.)
- Spiritual & Ethical Literacy (3 cr.)
- Personal Branding Communication (3 cr.)
- Writing for the 21st Century (3 cr.)*
- Quantitative Problem Solving (3 cr.)*
- Language & Culture (3 cr.)
CORE LITERACIES: 15 credits – Choose one (1) course from each broad theme. Course options can be found in the course catalog or on the academic advising page. Broad themes are:
- Narratives of Identity (3 cr.)
- Science, Environment & Culture (3 cr.)
- Social Tensions (3 cr.)
- The American Experience (3 cr.)
- Approving the Better Things (3 cr.)
Professional Core
Culminating Experience
- Pre-Internship
- Internship
- Capstone
Opportunities both within and beyond the classroom
To support English majors/minors
Publishing Experience
Students have many opportunities to be involved in writing, editing, and producing publications that are wholly student-run. Clare Literary Magazine is a student edited publication that features original fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
Editing Experience
Many of our majors intern or have part time work as Writing tutors or help support other student writers providing feedback through Stritch’s Online Writing Lab.
Prize Winning Writing
Each year, Stritch students are encouraged to submit writing to numerous writing competitions. Among others, Stitch students have been regular prize winners for the Delta Epsilon Sigma Writing Competition. Recent winners include:
Sigma Tau Delta
Stritch hosts the Alpha Kappa chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English Honor Society. Our chapter, founded in 1965, supports and hosts events on campus, including read-ins, poetry readings, game nights, and service activities.
Jobs for English majors
The opportunities for English majors are vast. A good major for those wishing to pursue law school or someone with a passion for journalism, English majors tend to not only be verbally skilled but have an extraordinarily inquisitive nature.
What can you do with an English major?
- Social Media Manager
- Technical Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Lawyer
- Grant Writer
- Librarian
- Editor and Content Manager
Student Stories
Paper Indian by Ethan Sorge
Digital stories crafted by students in EN 308 Digital Witness: Capturing Lives, Telling Stories.
Contact admissions or the program faculty with questions about this program.
Sarah K. Foust Vinson
Associate Dean - College of Arts and Sciences
