Students studying English at Wesleyan become strong readers and writers as they work with texts from a range of cultures, periods, and perspectives. Small, discussion-based classes invite students to consider the power of language in shaping experiences of place, gender, race, class, and other essential components of culture and identity. Through coursework, individual and collaborative projects and interactions with faculty, students practice critical thinking, analytical reasoning, empathy, and creativity. Together with writing and speaking skills, these attributes ensure that English majors are prepared for the workplace and for the important task of communicating across cultures and in a variety of genres, both traditional and evolving.
Major: English
Minor: English with literature emphasis; English with writing emphasis
Academic Catalogue
Choose between 3 different degree programs: bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, or bachelor of science in nursing.
Find out more about our Pre-Professional programs here.
No one knows Wesleyan better than our alumnae who have experienced learning, living, and thriving at Wesleyan. Alumnae reflect on their experiences on campus and the impact on their lives through lifelong friendships to skills acquired on campus impacting their careers.
Alumnae quotes
A liberal arts education prepares you for your first job and your last. Wesleyan has a four-year plan to prepare students to make the connection between a liberal arts education and success in the workplace.
Career services
Wesleyan offers 23 majors and 30 minors, as well as eight pre-professional programs. Students also have the opportunity to self-design their own major, combining two or more interdisciplinary major programs.
Major listingsEnglish majors at Wesleyan read American, British, and world literature. They also focus in depth on such topics as globalization, sustainability, digital culture, science fiction, African-American literature, Victorian and Edwardian drama, Southern women writers, and African women’s fiction. They discover various theoretical approaches to literary analysis in an Introduction to Literary Criticism class, and they strengthen writing skills through professional writing, creative writing, and writing for the web courses. Students conclude their studies by designing a creative or scholarly project integrating their studies in English with another area of scholarship. Internships and study abroad experiences are available for all students.
Each year the English Department hosts the Campbell-Stripling Distinguished Writer in Residence. Established in 2010 to honor family members of poet and alumna Kathryn Stripling Byer ’66, the program invites a visiting writer to give readings and convocations, attend classes, lead workshops, and meet individually with student writers. Students may submit pieces to the Wesleyan Creative Arts Magazine, serve as magazine staff members, and work as Writing Center Tutors where they also develop teaching skills. Students may enter their writing in Wesleyan’s annual poetry and essay competitions. Finally, students have the opportunity to become HASTAC (Humanities, Arts, Sciences and Technology Alliance and Collaboratory) Scholars, and join an online scholarly community that explores digital culture.
University of Michigan, Rutgers University, Eugene Lang New School, George Washington University, The City University of London
These women are earning advanced degrees in fields like creative writing, digital humanities/communication studies, women’s studies, rhetoric and composition, library and information science, and international relations.
Others have gone on to careers in journalism, academic administration, law, and public service.
In 2017, Ghenet Harvey ’05 was hired by Bloomsbury Publishing, New York, to proofread Memento Mori, the eighth novel in the bestselling “Medicus” series by Ruth Downie. Bloomsbury, with offices in London, New York, Sydney, Oxford, and New Delhi, is perhaps most famous for publishing J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books.
“The lead for the job came from a fellow member of People Of Color In Publishing. It is a great group that works in a myriad of ways to showcase, encourage, support, and promote minorities in the publishing industry.” READ MORE
Plans, coordinates, and directs technology-related activities, from installing and upgrading computer software to building network security measures. It is important to have grammar skills and computer knowledge.
Designs and creates Web sites and sometimes the content. Responsible for the site’s performance, capacity, and look. A full understanding of computer languages such as HTML and critical-thinking skills are important.
Nonprofit executive directors devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They oversee an organization’s finances, manage staff, write grants, and work with the community.
An HR generalist handles recruitment; employee relations; payroll and benefits; training; and administering human resources policies, procedures, and programs. Communication skills are important when explaining these policies to employees.
Marketing directors plan, direct and coordinate the marketing of an organization’s products or services. Work experience in marketing, sales, advertising, and promotions is essential.
Technical writers produce instructional manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
English majors learn critical thinking skills and are well-suited to handle the problem- solving and strategizing issues involved in maintaining business relationships with clients. Requires strong written and oral communication skills.
Coordinates writers, illustrators, and other team members to prepare proposals on behalf of their company for contracted projects, like building a school. English majors’ mastery of language and details help them excel in this role.
Responsible for the daily operation of a news department at a newspaper, magazine, or television station. Duties include editing content for proper context, planning content, and approving final versions of stories.
Marcom managers create clear, compelling, and concise communications about an organization’s marketing strategy. Work can include coordinating press releases and Web site content, developing promotional strategies and campaigns, and editing copy.
of employers say to help students succeed in today’s global economy the most emphasis should be placed on written and oral communication.
Number of majors we offer including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees
Of full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their fields.
Wesleyan College is privileged to steward many arts and cultural events and share them with the community. Most are free and open to the public. Wesleyan art galleries are open M-F 1:30 – 5:00 PM and on Wesleyan Market Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
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Tour our beautiful 200-acre campus featuring Georgian architecture, lush green spaces, recreational facilities, residence halls, and worship center.
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Wesleyan College is home to five NCAA Division III sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball. In addition, we offer an award-winning Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Equestrian program.
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