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.

Dean College professor working with a student

School of Liberal Arts Faculty

Gain valuable insights from our School of Liberal Arts faculty, who are here to help you every step of the way.

English Courses

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101 As Good As Your Word 3
CREATIVE WRITING ELECTIVE 200-level Creative Writing Elective 3
GENRE LITERATURE ELECTIVE Genre Literatire Elective 3
THEMATIC LITERATURE ELECTIVE Thematic Literature Elective 3
PERIOD LITERATURE ELECTIVE Period Literature Electives 6
MAJOR ELE English Major Electives 15
ENG 445 Copyediting 3
ENG 446 Digital Publishing 3
ENG 495 Senior Capstone 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA 300, DCA 301, HIS 325, HIS 330 OR The Research Experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Course 3
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
Total Credits 57

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 24
Total Credits 24

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Beyond the Classroom

Dean College student in the radio station 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.

Uniquely Dean

Dean College students studying in the library 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.