English and Writing

About the English and Writing Major

Wherever there is communication, there is an opportunity for an English and writing major.

What can you do with a degree in English and writing? You may be interested in teaching, writing, editing, research or laying the foundation for a master’s or doctoral degree in any discipline. Those are only the beginning of your options. From journalism to public relations to advertising to business and so much more, English and writing majors graduate with the kinds of skills and knowledge that open doors to a variety of careers.

You'll Expand Your Outlook While Gaining Practical Skills

Carroll University's English and writing program trains you to integrate and organize ideas logically, to research and analyze complex information and to communicate effectively. You’ll develop the critical and creative reading, writing and thinking skills that inform understanding on a deeper level. Through small discussion and workshop-based classes, you’ll gain a strong foundation in literature and writing, with opportunities to focus on your specific areas of interest.

Courses range from Native American literature to literary magazine publishing, great author studies including Shakespeare and Toni Morrison, and electives including the Victorian period, film studies,

professional writing, post-colonial literature and creative writing. We’ll expose you to different and new ways of thinking that challenge established beliefs and provide opportunities to study in a variety of forms, from books and manuscripts to film and digital media. Your major will lead you to the discovery of important interrelationships and the development of intellectually curiosity.

You’ll sharpen your writing skills through courses you’d expect such as fiction and poetry. But there are plenty of opportunities to stretch when you explore topics such as grant writing for non-profits, editing and publishing, journalistic writing, creating stories for online gaming, writing for the sciences..

Students also have the opportunity to obtain real-world experiences according to their interests, including:

• Presenting at regional and national academic conferences
• Building resumes and experience through on- and off-campus internships
• Becoming part of a vibrant community in which students publish and present in a variety of venues, including the student newspaper, the university’s art and literary journal and local open mic nights
• Participating in cultural events sponsored by the department, including readings by visiting authors and the United Nations Film Festival.

Become an English Teacher

Pairing the English major with Carroll’s secondary education major can lead to certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to teach English Language Arts in high school and middle school. Your coursework will prepare you to teach reading, writing and critical thinking to middle level learners and young adults.

In addition to the major, Carroll offers four minors in English and writing that complement many areas of study:

• Carroll University Catalog | Creative Writing Minor

• Carroll University Catalog | Professional Writing Minor

• Carroll University Catalog | English Minor

We help you build real world experience, explore careers and network with professionals through internship opportunities. Recent placements include the following companies:

• Waukesha County Clerk Office
• MessagingLab (marketing/communications firm in NYC)
• AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
• Adoption Resources of Wisconsin
• Waukesha Freeman
• Law firms
• Special Needs Adoption Network
• M Magazine
• Waukesha Literacy Council
• Kohl’s Corporate

College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the industries and careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program.

See where yours may take you

• Academic Support Services
• English and Writing Program on Facebook
• Portage Magazine

• Become a Teacher
• Journal of Undergraduate Research in Humanities (JURH)

• Carroll University Catalog | English and Writing Major
• Pioneer Core | General Education Requirements