School of Liberal Arts Faculty
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Prepare for an exciting career in advertising, journalism, the arts and beyond with a major in English at Dean College.
Program Overview
Strong and creative communicators are always in high demand. With a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or minor in English from Dean College, you’ll have what it takes to thrive in content-driven industries like journalism, advertising and entertainment or pursue opportunities in research, editing, publishing and teaching.
Great writers and critical thinkers aren’t born; they’re taught. In the English program at Dean College, you’ll take literature, writing and publishing courses as you learn to think critically and hone your skills in writing, editing and creative expression. You’ll benefit from small classes, caring and accomplished professors who know your strengths and career goals, and a campus that prizes creativity, intellectual exploration, and the arts.
Students majoring in English can take part in Dean’s Humanities in Action Initiative. Through Humanities in Action, students can gain hands-on-experience, career-readiness, make professional connections, and they learn about the importance of the humanities in civic engagement. Learn more about Humanities in Action | Dean College.
As an English major, you will have the flexibility to choose a pathway in creative writing, literature or a combination of the two. With a focus in literature, you will explore contemporary and classic literature, mythology, folklore and dramatic literature as well as delving into social issues and diverse identities reflected in literature. With a focus in writing, you’ll study composition and learn the craft and artistry of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. No matter which path you choose, you’ll also take skill-based courses in copy editing and digital publishing to prepare for your future career. And you’ll complete an internship and senior capstone project to take what you’ve learned and put it into action through resume-worthy experiences.
Beyond the Classroom
At Dean College, you’ll benefit from a career-focused humanities program offering plenty of real-world experience.
As an English major, you’ll put theory into practice every step of the way. Publish your work in Dean’s student literary magazine, Wrote, Unquote, or get involved with one of our student media outlets such as The Dean Daily, Dean TV, WGAO 88.3 FM (Power 88) Radio and more. Hone your skills in copy editing and digital publishing, and complete an internship with a local or regional media or publishing firm.
And when you graduate, you’ll be ready to pursue a career in a number of fields, including public relations, copy editing, marketing, management, journalism, librarianship, technical writing, blogging, education, law and so much more. A degree in English is also an excellent foundation for further study, including graduate and professional schools. Your options include master’s degree programs in literature or library science, fine arts degrees in creative writing, journalism school, film school and more.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved with student organizations, activities and exclusive learning opportunities.-
Wrote, Unquote Dean College’s student literary magazine. -
Internships & Experiential Learning Get hands-on experience through internship opportunities.
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Study Abroad Gain global perspectives through one of our study abroad programs.
Uniquely Dean
Combine a liberal arts education with career preparation through the unique programming that the Dean College English program has to offer.
- Complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional media or publishing firm.
- Engage with professors and classmates in small, discussion-based classes and seminars.
- Dive deeply into literary criticism or creative writing while receiving a well-rounded Dean College liberal arts education.
- Publish your work in Dean's student literary magazine, Wrote, Unquote.
- Practice copy editing for clients.
- Train as an editor in digital publishing.
As an English major, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so I’m enjoying learning how to grade and evaluate essays. I’m also double majoring in Sport Management so I can get to know the coaching side of athletics, which is so beneficial. There are just so many opportunities here.
In my time at Dean, I was encouraged to write new work, was able to create great relationships with professors who helped me edit projects, and I co-founded and ran the literary magazine Wrote, Unquote. Today, I have successfully published a handful of poems and short stories, run a freelance book editing business, work full-time as an editorial assistant and my first collection of poetry is due to be published later this year.
I came to Dean as an aspiring writer and was given a slew of opportunities. My experience as a Journalism/Communications Intern with The Washington Center in Washington D.C. and coursework at Dean helped pave the path of my career. Since graduating, I've had multiple freelance opportunities and am now a teacher at one of the best charter schools in my hometown.
As an English major, Dean College has provided a variety of culturally enriching literature courses. I have become an advanced critical thinker and inventor of authentic ideas. Dean College ensures that the English program delivers a diverse experience for both those choosing the literature focus or the writing focus.