English

Deepen your analytical reading, creativity, and critical thinking through reading and writing literature

In the English program, you’ll develop your analytical, interpretive, and creative skills through a diverse, flexible ​curriculum. You’ll study a variety of classic and contemporary literary works closely, paying attention to language and form. You’ll also sharpen your skills as a writer by producing original work in a range of genres, from analytical and research essays to poetry and fiction.

English majors can choose between two concentrations: Literary Studies and Creative Writing. Students in the literary studies concentration study literary works from different time periods and cultures, analyzing the relationship between literature and major historical, social, and cultural developments. Students in the creative writing concentration develop their craft through a series of small, focused writing workshops in which students discuss their work with their professors and peers.

The English program offers internships, scholarships, and editing and publishing opportunities on campus and in Chicago. It also offers a Distinction program for qualified students as they move into their senior year.

Our BA/MA combined degree program gives English undergraduate majors the opportunity to take graduate courses in the MA in Writing and Publishing program during their final year in the BA program. This program, which you apply to in the last quarter of your junior year, will allow you to complete both the bachelor’s degree and the MA in Writing and Publishing in as few as five years.

We also offer the 3+3 BA/JD Program, which allows high-achieving first-year undergraduate students to be admitted simultaneously to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) and the College of Law (LAW). You’ll complete your first three years in LAS and your final three years in LAW.