English: Creative Writing and Literature
Explore the rich and dynamic world of literature and writing at St. Thomas Aquinas College, where your academic journey will take you from the groundbreaking innovations of contemporary American fiction to the enduring legends of Old English epics. As an English major, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from two distinct tracks—Creative Writing or Literature—allowing you to focus on your passions while also honing critical communication skills essential in today’s society.
Guided by our dedicated faculty, you will develop into a persuasive communicator and sharp thinker—skills that will propel your career and enrich every aspect of your life. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and foster close collaboration with expert faculty.
With an interdisciplinary approach, you can tailor your studies to match your unique interests and career goals, benefiting from diverse perspectives across various departments. The flexible curriculum also makes pursuing a double major or minor easy, broadening your educational experience.
As an English major, you’ll gain valuable real-world experience through research opportunities and internships with prominent organizations such as the Rockland Center for the Arts, the Center for Safety & Change, and leading publishing houses like Penguin and Macmillan.
At a glance
- Undergraduate major & minor
- BA
- Two track/concentration options
- 4 years
- Main campus
- Option to earn grades 7-12 teaching certification through STAC’s Adolescence Education Program
Common Minors
- Communication Arts
- History
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Psychology
- Business Adminstration
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Philosophy & Religious Studies
Only at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Ignite Your Career With Experiential Learning
English majors at St. Thomas Aquinas College gain real-world experience through research opportunities and internships at nonprofit organizations, such as Rockland Center for the Arts and the Center for Safety & Change, as well as publishing houses, including Penguin and Macmillan.
Career Preparation & Mentoring
Our small class sizes allow our expert faculty to work closely with every student. Through collaborations with faculty in other departments, we can also create a personalized interdisciplinary program of study shaped around your specific interests and career goals. The English curriculum also offers the flexibility to pursue a double major or minor in another subject area if you wish.
Ignite Your Passion | Job Outcomes
An English degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths, thanks to the strong skills it cultivates in writing, critical thinking, and communication. Here are some career opportunities our graduates have pursued:
- Writer/Author
- Editor
- Content Strategist
- Technical Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Copywriter
- Journalist/Reporter
- Communications Specialist
- Social Media Manager
Our English majors gain invaluable real-world experience through hands-on research and internships. Students have the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations like the Rockland Center for the Arts and the Center for Safety & Change, as well as prestigious publishing houses such as Penguin and Macmillan, preparing them for a variety of rewarding career paths.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Featured Courses
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of literary study with this dynamic introduction! Explore how different critical lenses can revolutionize your reading and interpretive experiences. Gain powerful analytical tools and theoretical perspectives that will deepen your appreciation of literature and provide fresh insights into the world around you.
In this vibrant course, you’ll dive into a diverse array of literary texts—short stories, essays, poetry, YA, and graphic novels—through gender, queer, and racial lenses. Explore how literature shapes and challenges political and social norms and uncover why particular works face censorship. Get ready for an engaging exploration of the intersections between politics and literature!
Dive into the world of creative nonfiction in this dynamic writing class! Explore how literary techniques from fiction and poetry bring true stories to life. You’ll tackle memoirs, personal essays, and more while honing your skills through analyzing and critiquing both your work and that of others. Engage in vibrant class discussions, refine your craft, and become part of a supportive writing community dedicated to creative exploration.
What Success Looks Like
Program options
The BA in English provides students with a deep understanding of literature over the centuries and its influence on culture and society today. Students graduate with a broad worldview, sharp critical-thinking skills, and exceptional communication capabilities—foundations for success in any career.
A minor in English is an excellent option for those pursuing careers that require exceptional analytical reading and writing skills.
English majors who wish to pursue a career in education can obtain certification as a classroom teacher (grades 7-12) through STAC’s Adolescence Education program offered through the School of Education.