English Department

Welcome to the Department of English.

The English program at Thiel College is a foundational and diverse major that not only allows for an enjoyable, challenging and exciting program of exploration but also prepares you for a variety of career options. The beauty of an English degree is the intellectual versatility that a program of textual analysis, critical thinking and writing provides.

Thiel faculty focus on career-ready transferable skills valued by employers everywhere, including:

Analyze, interpret, and evaluate various forms of literary texts.
Using Standard American English, speak and write clearly and effectively in a variety of genres.
Conduct research and correctly and ethically incorporate source materials.
Demonstrate familiarity with literature in a historical and cultural context.
Learn to be a valued team member as you cultivate important interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills.
Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
Take advantage of many opportunities for field experience and student teaching assignments.

As students prepare to graduate, we offer personalized career development which includes mock interview sessions, business etiquette dinners, resume and cover letter writing seminars and so much more.

Undergraduate Programs of Study

In our English Department courses, students learn important skills for effective communication and gain a deeper understanding of why English is so important in today's world. We focus on reading closely and carefully, paying attention to historical, rhetorical, and grammatical aspects of English. This helps students understand how language affects ethics and why writing and representation matter.

Majors, Minors, and Certificates

English has much to offer, whether you are already a committed major, considering our English minor, or simply eager to think carefully and critically about language and literature. You’ll enjoy learning from some of the top instructors at Thiel.

English (B.A.)
English (minor)
Children’s & Young Adult Literature (Certificate)
Creative Writing (Certificate}
Drama Studies (Certificate)
Literature Studies (Certificate)
Professional Writing (Certificate)
Secondary Education (Certification) - English (B.A.)

Experiential Learning and Campus Activities

English majors can apply for membership to Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honorary society. It is open to all students who meet the academic requirements. Sigma Tau Delta hosts readings, workshops, and discussions, as well as mixers, theater and film outings, and charity functions.

The Phoenix, Thiel’s literary magazine, gives students the opportunity to publish their writing.

English majors have unique study and travel opportunities such as our Literary New England trip and the literary study abroad trip in England. The Literary New England program is offered every few years and includes visits to Walden Pond, the Mark Twain home and the Robert Frost homestead.

In their junior or senior year, many students take advantage of study abroad opportunities to broaden their perspectives and deepen their practical knowledge. These hands-on learning opportunities ensure students are equipped with the vital experiences that position them to start their career or pursue graduate education.

Learn more about the clubs and activities for English majors.

Career Opportunities

An English major offers great preparation for careers in education, business, theater, entertainment, law, government, library sciences, and academia. Our department has a strong track record of helping students secure their first jobs after graduation. Faculty members work closely with students to develop their skills and knowledge, providing mentorship as they pursue various professional paths.