Why Wesleyan?

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

Career Development

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

Majors

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 listings

A VAST SCOPE OF LEARNING

English 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.

Outside The Classroom

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.

WESLEYAN ENGLISH MAJORS HAVE STUDIED IN GRADUATE PROGRAMS AROUND THE WORLD:

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.

GREAT CAREER OPTIONS FOR ENGLISH MAJORS

IT PROJECT MANAGER

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.

WEB DEVELOPER

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

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.

HUMAN RESOURCES

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 DIRECTOR

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 WRITER

Technical writers produce instructional manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.

ACCOUNT MANAGER

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.

PROPOSAL MANAGER

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.

MANAGING EDITOR

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.

MARKETING MANAGER

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.

3+3 Program

Earn your Law Degree in just 6 years instead of the traditional 7 years by completing both their undergraduate bachelors degree at Wesleyan and their Juris Doctor degree at Mercer.

Learn More

Schedule a Visit

The best way to decide which college is the best fit for you is to VISIT the campus, are the best way to do just that. We can tell you about all the great things you’ll find at Wesleyan, but we encourage you to come see for yourself.

More Information