English
Bachelor of Arts in English
Studying English at the Mount is like digging into a well-loved book: It’s a place where you feel at home, but there’s also always something new to surprise you!
One of the best things about being an English major is its versatility. With a strong focus on critical thinking and reading, interpretation, analysis, and communication, the skills you learn in this major are applicable everywhere!
Why be an English major?
Here’s what makes the Mount’s English major unique:
- Read faculty: Our English professors are just as passionate (and quirky!) about literature as you are. You'll dissect the literary elements of Heart of Darkness with as much seriousness as Harry Potter or spend a semester researching the history of recipe writing while also analyzing Shakespeare.
- Pass on your passion: Many of our English majors decide they love this subject so much, they want to share it with others as educators themselves! The English program pairs well with those pursuing Education certification at the college.
- Write your own story: Teaching not your forte? Maybe you’ll want to take on our Writing or Creative Writing concentration or go on to get a master’s degree in Publishing. No matter where you want to take your degree, we’re here to help you find your path.
Ashley Neely '22"Studying English at the Mount has helped me grow as an individual. Not only has my writing and analytical thinking improved, but also my confidence and creativity. The English department is made up of a fun and dedicated group of people, who motivate you to do your best and succeed inside and outside of the classroom."
What to expect as an English major
39 credits in English | C or better in ENG 1040 to continue | Maintain 2.0+ GPA
Learn about English major and minor academic requirements and courses here.
You’ll begin your English major with Introduction to Literary Analysis, an introductory course to the genres of literature as well as to the critical reading and writing skills necessary for success within the English major. This writing intensive course allows you to do close reading of literary texts and write researched, documented essays using various critical approaches.
Following this course, you’ll take a variety of literature courses, including British Literature, American Literature, and Shakespeare, as well as more writing-based courses such as Tutoring Writing, Development of English Language, or Modern American Grammar. Finally, you’ll round out your experience with a capstone course, allowing you to take everything you’ve learned and apply it to a specific genre and time period.
Outside of the classroom, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge. Maybe you’ll decide to write for our school newspaper or blog. You could participate in summer research with a professor or even be selected to present at the New Critics Conference or the Hudson Valley Medieval and Early Modern Undergraduate Symposium. Perhaps you’ll volunteer at the local community center in our college-run literacy program or tutor ESL students. Whatever you choose to do, our English majors are notorious for getting involved on campus and contributing to the community, so get ready to make a difference!
Be prepared for your future
Though not required, English majors are highly encouraged to participate in an internship, which the Career Center can help you find! Mount English majors have interned at ABC, Hudson Valley Magazine, and Thornwillow Press to give them the hands-on experience needed to enter the professional world.
The possibilities are endless for how you can use your English degree following graduation. You could decide to become a teacher or professor, pursue copywriting or editing, or explore a related field such as marketing, law, and library science. The communication and critical thinking skills developed in this field can be utilized in so many different careers!
Here's how some of our English alumni are using their degrees:
- Tara Tornello ’03, Digital Marketing Specialist at Adams Fairacre Farms
- Michelle Fogle ’06, Vice President at RightClick
- Alyssa Watkins ’13, Marketing and Proposal Manager at KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.
- Melissa Gariola ’13, Associate Director of Digital Marketing and Enrollment at Pace University
- Stephanie Weaver '14, General Education Professor at Savannah College of Art and Design
- Joseph Mastando '14, Creative Marketing Director, Lead Singer, and Songwriter of Pros & iCons, LLC
- Felicia O'Keefe '15, Teen Librarian at Westwood Public Library
Marie-Therese Sulit
Nancy Von Rosk
Rob Wakeman
Peter Witkowsky
Meet the Division of Humanities Faculty
Get to know the rest of our incredible Humanities professors!