English, B.A.

Our English major will empower you to explore the world and your place within it by teaching you to read, think and write critically, flexibly and creatively. Through engaging deeply with a wide range of texts—including those from voices historically marginalized or underrepresented—you will develop close reading skills, conduct meaningful research and connect diverse cultural perspectives. 

You will learn to communicate your ideas effectively in various contexts and to a wide range of audiences, even those with whom you tend to disagree. Additionally, our program fosters intercultural awareness, encouraging you to reflect on your experiences and those of fellow students, challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding of cultural diversity and commonality.

In short, we want our majors to develop the powers of empathy and intellectual integrity, allowing you to contribute to the public good in whatever way you choose beyond your college years.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Educational opportunities provided through the English major extend beyond the classroom. You can attend events of the Lenoir-Rhyne Visiting Writers Series, which brings internationally recognized novelists, poets and dramatists to the campus each year. 

There are also opportunities for you to submit your creative work for publication in the campus literary magazine, "Cantos," or to be involved in the editorial board. 

Internships on campus or in the community give you the chance to put your skills into action, and the innovative Creative Futures class allows you to explore how you can turn your love of literature into a meaningful career.

Career Opportunities & Post-Graduate Education

Through the English major, you learn the critical and analytical skills that will help prepare you for a range of graduate programs and rewarding career choices. Professional fields that rely on communication and writing are especially good opportunities: journalism and public relations, business and marketing, the fine arts and education/teaching.

You may consider taking advantage of Lenoir-Rhyne's Accelerated Master's Degrees program, an innovative curriculum that enables students to complete both the bachelor's degree and master's degree in just five years. You can select a multitude of graduate-level programs offered through Lenoir-Rhyne such as the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing or Master of Business Administration.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Alumni Advantage program allows you to complete your graduate degree at a discount cost.