Undergraduate

We believe that writing is a practice and discipline, and it is central to making connections between oneself and the world, and to understanding the world more deeply.  Writers imagine the future. They keep the living from falling asleep and keep the imagination from growing complacent. Writers say what isn’t otherwise being said. Good writing dispels illusions because it learns how to make them. Great writing can expose lies and bring about justice and healing. Great writing consoles and disturbs. Writers keep the dead from disappearing.  Our goal is to train writers for this work.  

In terms of finding jobs, the English major prepares students most directly for careers in teaching or writing, but the skills and knowledge it imparts are widely useful in numerous business and professional settings. For example, an English major is highly regarded as a pre-professional major for further training in law, medicine, or business. The Director of Academic Affairs for the Association of American Medical Colleges has said (1986) that English majors have a higher rate of acceptance at medical schools than students who have majored in the biological and physical sciences. Majors should consult with their departmental advisors to select courses in English and other disciplines that would collectively best serve their post-graduation plans.