English
Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Major Minute: English at PLU Trascription
[video: Professor Jim Albrecht is sitting in his office with a wall of books on shelves in the background.]Professor Albrecht: Hi, I’m Professor Jim Albrecht from the PLU English Department, and this is my Major Minute.
[video: A visual countdown from three flashes on the screen in yellow and black colors. A countdown clock appears on the left side of the screen counting down from 60 seconds](timer beeping)
English is the study of how people use the creative power of the written word. Storytelling is one of the most powerful forms of human expression. It’s an exciting time to study English. The surge in digital media and technology means that people are reading and writing in all sorts of new ways. At PLU, English majors can choose a concentration in literature, creative writing, or professional, public, and digital writing. The best thing about the English department is our dedicated and imaginative teachers. English majors can contribute to the student-run literary arts journal, tutor at the Writing Center or the Parkland Literacy Center, intern, and explore the publishing and printing arts minor for valuable professional skills. English majors are critical
and imaginative thinkers who can write and communicate effectively, skills employers value. PLU English alums go on to exciting careers in business, law, education, publishing, nonprofit advocacy, and grad school, too.
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About:
An English major at PLU is about more than reading and writing — it’s about learning to use words to think critically, tell powerful stories, and inspire others to action. You can tailor your studies by choosing a concentration that fits your interests:
- Creative Writing – Hone your craft in poetry, fiction, and other genres through hands-on workshops.
- Literature – Explore a diverse range of literature to understand how writers engage with history, culture, and identity.
- Professional, Public, and Digital Literacies – Build skills in effective writing, storytelling, and digital media for real-world careers.
When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a future requiring integrative and imaginative thinking, effective communication, and creative expression. Graduates leave prepared for just about anything — business, nonprofits, publishing, law, media, education, tech, and more. Many also continue on to graduate school in a wide range of fields. With an English degree, you’ll carry forward skills that open doors wherever your path leads.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Creative Writing Craft — Build your voice through workshops and courses in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting. You’ll practice writing across genres and refine your style with feedback from peers and faculty.
- Digital & Professional Storytelling — Learn how to communicate effectively in public, professional, and digital settings. From publishing and editing to multimedia storytelling, you’ll gain versatile skills for real-world careers.
- Critical Reading & Analysis — Strengthen your ability to interpret complex texts from across time and all over the world. You’ll learn to see connections between literature, culture, and history while sharpening your analytical skills.
- Power of Language & Identity — Explore how writing and literature shape identity, challenge power, and imagine new possibilities. You’ll practice using words to inspire action, honor lived experiences, and connect across differences.
- Collaborative & Public Engagement — Work closely with classmates, faculty, and guest writers on projects that bring stories into the world. From internships to PLU’s Saxifrage literary journal, you’ll gain hands-on experience sharing creative work with wider audiences.
Concentrations:
- Creative Writing Concentration
- Professional, Public, and Digital Literacies Concentration
- Literature Concentration
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Technical Writer, Heritage Bank - Tacoma
- Inprint Narrative and Lyric Health Fellow, University of Houston
- Family Advocate & Internship Coordinator, Juliette's House Child Advocacy Center
- English Teacher, Franklin Pierce School District
- Paralegal, Worth Law Group
- Marketing Specialist, ENGIE Impact
- Library Experience Clerk, Pierce County Library
Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- PhD in English, University of Washington
- Master of Science in Publishing, New York University
- Master of Arts in English Literature, University of Glasgow
- Law School, University of Oregon
- Master of Library & Information Science, University of Washington
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Colorado State University
- Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
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Top 10 Best Colleges for English in Washington. – Niche
Study Away
English majors have spent semesters (and even a year) studying away in Scotland, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Get Involved
Saxifrage Literary Journal is PLU’s student-edited magazine showcasing poetry, fiction, essays, art, photography, and more from students, staff, and alumni.
100% of 2024 English graduates reported employment or acceptance into graduate school within 6 months of graduating.
