If you are passionate about books, creative writing, and ideas, and want to delve deeper into the study of literature, an English major or minor is for you!
Goshen College offers a unique English program that can be tailored to fit your interests and goals. You will gain essential written communication skills, critical thinking, and professional writing – skills that are prized by employers and graduate schools alike.
So, if you want to explore your love of the English language, liberal arts, and world literature, a degree in English from Goshen College is the perfect way to do it!
Whether interested in publishing your writing or serving on an editorial board, English majors get plenty of hands-on experience with our student publications: The Record, the award-winning student-run newspaper; Broadside, an outlet for short poems and prose; Red Cents, an annual creative arts journal; or Pinchpenny Press, a book publisher right on campus. Our English literature courses feature special topics courses on graphic novels, banned books, and Shakespeare in film alongside traditional literary surveys.
Some of our English graduates pursue media and communication occupations in publishing, editing, writing, marketing, advertising, public relations, teaching, and law. Others pursue graduate degrees in English or related fields such as library science, education, and business administration. Still, others use their degree in English language arts as a foundation for success in a wide variety of fields such as medicine, social work, and international relations.
After a student earns their bachelor’s degree in English, they are well-positioned to pursue various career paths or continue their education with a master’s degree or graduate degree. No matter your plans after graduation, a degree in English from Goshen College will give you the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career path!
English students can customize their degree with a balance of literature, writing, and language courses. By the time you graduate, you will be able to communicate effectively, think critically, and write fluently: vital skills for success in graduate degree programs in English or the professional world.
Our English program helps students perfect their written word mastery for career opportunities from technical writing to literary analysis to teaching English at elementary education, secondary education, and graduate levels. You’ll also be equipped with problem solving skills that employers value and a comprehensive understanding of critical thinking, critical reading, and literature studies.
We welcome you to apply! Fill out the form below or contact the Admissions office for more information. Financial aid is also available.
Watch this video to learn more about the Goshen College English Department’s publishing opportunities.
Dr. Ann Hostetler, Goshen College Professor Emerita of English, is a contributor to an upcoming book, People Get Ready: Twelve Jesus-Haunted Misfits, Malcontents, and Dreamers in Pursuit of Justice edited by Peter Slade, Shea Tuttle and Jacqueline A. Bussie.
Goshen College will be hosting the Mennonite/s Writing Conference IX from Thursday, September 29 through Sunday, October 2, 2022. Over 55 participants will offer twenty sessions that cover both creative and critical presentations representing the broad field of writing.
Goshen College graduate David Waltner-Toews ’71 was recently appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the highest honors given by the Canadian government for citizens who make extraordinary contributions to the country.
Cora Broaddus, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduated from Goshen College with an English Writing degree.
Cora's storyJanelle Diller discusses the unexpected ways her history major has contributed to her critical thinking expertise in her international work experience as well as an children's author.
Janelle's storyMary Roth, a 2013 graduate with an English writing major, was chosen as the 2013 Luci Shaw Fellow at Image, a quarterly journal of faith, literature and the arts in Seattle, Washington.
Mary's storySofia Samatar '94 is a science fiction writer and a Hugo and Nebula Award finalist and the recipient of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer.
Sofia's storyClarissa Gaff is the executive director at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, which provides free civil legal assistance to low income individuals in St. Louis, Missouri.
Clarissa's storyLydette Assefa ’09 is an attorney and clinical fellow with the Children & Family Justice Center at the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Lydette's storyKortney Stern
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
