Write Your Next Chapter with an English Degree from Gannon University
If you are passionate about reading and writing, Gannon’s English program is the prologue to the career that you desire. You will learn to shape your prose, engage with literary works, construct new ideas, and challenge arguments in one of the most versatile
programs available. Translate your passion into an exciting profession in copy editing, publishing, journalism, professional and technical writing, public relations, marketing, teaching or law.
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Earn academic credit through study abroad opportunities with an English faculty member.
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Receive individualized faculty support through small class sizes, careful advising, and guided research projects.
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Develop your career through internships, experiential learning, and career planning resources.
Learn to Lead the Way in English
- Tailor your career interests through one of three concentrations: secondary education, legal career, and literary studies.
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Develop effective written communication skills that are essential in a variety of occupations.
- Learn to think critically and analytically; form, interpret and share complex ideas.
Experience an Exceptional Learning Environment
- Contribute to Gannon-produced publications including the nationally recognized Totem literary magazine and The Gannon Knight campus newspaper.
- Participate in workshops and readings alongside nationally known poets and novelists at the Gannon Writing Awards event.
- Present your academic research at Gannon’s annual CHESS Conference and Celebrate Gannon event.
Major in English
The Department offers three curricular tracks to help students tailor the major to fit their interests and professional goals.
Secondary
Education in English Track: For students interested in teaching English at the high school level
Legal
Career Track: For students preparing to attend law school or wanting to pursue another law-related career (e.g., paralegal)
Literary
Studies Track: For students preparing for graduate school in English literature or a related discipline or seeking careers demanding strong liberal arts preparation All tracks cultivate the student’s ability to write in a variety of genres for different
audiences and purposes.
The Department also offers students a variety of internships, and a 3-3 program in legal studies with Duquesne University, and features student-run publications such as the Totem (an award-winning literary magazine). Whether they seek careers in education,
publishing, journalism, media, public relations, government, business, industry or law, Gannon English Majors acquire the scholarly focus, broad preparation and intellectual awareness that form the basis of an intensive liberal arts education. Students
in all tracks are required to complete an internship as part of their academic program.
Minor in English
A minor in English will consist of 15 hours beyond the Foundational English course, ENGL 101. To complete the English Minor, students will:
- Complete an Integrative English course
- Complete four additional ENGL courses at or above the 200-level—this can include one additional Integrative English course
- Two of the ENGL courses must be at or above the 300-level
This is a wonderful complement to many majors in both Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and humanities fields. A minor in English provides an opportunity to hone essential academic and professional skills, including critical
analysis and writing.
For more detailed course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the
Undergraduate Catalogue page
Inspire Your Academic Success
Gain real-world knowledge through core English classes including:
Writing for Social Change: Analyze and compose texts that advance causes for social change and justice.
Writing in Digital Environments: Develop writing and design skills for work in web-based environments such as social media.
Contemporary World Literature: Engage with texts from around the globe to better understand and appreciate the historical, literary and social concerns of contemporary world cultures.
Achieve Your Possibilities
Gannon’s English program will help you build a diverse and impressive portfolio to prepare you for your career. Through an array of exciting opportunities, you can:
- Secure valuable internship placements with Fortune 500 companies such as Erie Insurance and Wabtec Corp., and at local broadcast affiliates of national and local radio and news stations, health care industries and nonprofit organizations.
- Obtain career opportunities ranging from education and law to business, journalism and environmental activism.