Study English, Understand the World

The study of English is a rewarding, enriching and useful pursuit. English offers excellent preparation for any future requiring integrative thinking, skills in writing, discernment in reading and an appreciation of the human experience and aesthetic values. Business, law, government, technology, education and publishing are areas where graduates frequently make their careers.

Our program has emphases in literature or writing, as well as concentrations in children’s literature and publishing. The English Department also supports the study abroad programs and we offer study tours to such places as Africa, Australia and the Caribbean.

So what can you do with an English degree?

Quite a bit actually. Juliet Mize's parents weren't sure that a degree in English would lead to a "real job." But after working on a journalism major for three years, Mize '06 finally gave into her passion and became an English major with an emphasis in literature. As for the job, she's now working at Amazon.com. Read more about her odyssey.

Brian Norman ‘99 discovered his liberal arts education made him very employable. Norman arrived at PLU as a chemistry major, and left with a majors in French, Environmental Studies, and Women's Studies and minors in English and Chemistry.

A bit of a mix to be sure, but Norman said that the degrees, especially from the Humanities Division, have served him well in the non-profit sector (where he worked briefly), law school (which he  considered) and his current job as co-Director of Woman’s studies at the University of Idaho. Read more.

Tracey Goldner '04 also started off at PLU down in the lab, considering a degree in biology or science. But she ended up with degrees in printing, business and communications and it's served her well, as she now works as a associate writer for Medical Teams International near Portland, Ore.  "Writing is really important to any job," said Goldner. Read more about her story.