English
Leap into the imaginative worlds opened up by literary studies and creative writing. Cultivate the empathy, curiosity, and joy fostered by reading and writing.
Following your creative passions, you’ll acquire the skills to live a vibrant life and succeed in whatever career you desire.
James Weaver
,Associate Professor, Chair of English, Lorena Woodrow Burke Endowed Ch…
Margot Singer
,Professor (English/Creative Writing), Director of Creative Writing, Di…
What you’ll study as an English major
You’ll choose an emphasis in creative writing or literary studies, two paths of study that overlap and complement each other.
Creative writing
Hone your craft at Denison, home to one of the country’s oldest undergraduate creative writing programs.
Literary studies
Delve into rich and diverse literary histories, including important works from under-represented communities or historically marginalized communities.
Universal skills
Develop critical skills in reading and writing as well as in creative thinking, imaginative reasoning, and textual analysis.
Why is English better at Denison?
Small classes, big connections
As an English major at Denison, you’ll never feel lost in the crowd. Build close connections with writing peers as well as esteemed faculty and writers-in-residence who provide world-class, one-on-one mentoring.
Beck Series
The Beck Series brings some of the country’s finest working writers to campus to give readings, master classes, and workshops and to engage with you in class visits, small group gatherings, and over meals. Past writers have included Joy Harjo and Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Student publications
Contribute to Articulate, the department’s journal of literary and cultural criticism; Exile, Denison’s student literary magazine; or The Denisonian, the student newspaper and Denison’s oldest student organization.
Jobs as an English major
With its focus on critical thinking, strong writing, empathy, and curiosity, an English degree imparts skills desired by employers in all fields. Denison English majors work as writers, financial analysts, and lawyers. Others have continued studies at elite MFA and Ph.D. programs. Learn more.
Career communities
English majors often join one or more of our career communities. Some common communities include Visual, Written, & Performing Arts and Marketing, Sales, & Communication.
Career Exploration
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Internships
Explore career paths through an internship (or two!). Denison English majors have interned at major metropolitan newspapers, National Public Radio, Story literary magazine, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Study Abroad
Study in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and cultural agility while building your career network. Conduct research during a semester abroad or complete a summer internship in another country.
Summer Scholars
Pursue independent academic research or a creative project through our Summer Scholars program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.
Spotlights
What's Happening
Visiting Artists
Making art of life
What's Happening