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.
Jakyra Green, a senior majoring in education and English, is among the 10 finalists who will participate in the 37th annual Keating Writing Challenge in which the students have five hours to report and write a story. The contest, which draws top journalism students from across the state, will take place in Indianapolis on Nov. 3-4.
Goshen College senior Jakyra Green’s speech claimed first prize in Mennonite Central Committee’s binational intercollegiate C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, after winning at Goshen College’s contest in February 2023. Green’s speech, titled “The Privilege of Peace,” focused on the illusion or privilege surrounding peace for Black people and their realities in America.
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.
Malinda Berry, a '96 history and English double major from Elkhart, Indiana, reflects on faith and learning.
Malinda'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 storyCora Broaddus, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduated from Goshen College with an English Writing degree.
Cora's storyDaniel is a 2009 Goshen College alumni who majored in English with Minors in Computer Science and Writing. He reflects on his experience with being undecided student.
Daniel's storyAletha Stahl ’89 teaches French and francophone studies at Earlham College, is a registered yoga instructor and former Goshen College award-winning runner. She won the 2016 Goshen College Champion of Character Award.
Aletha's storyAs a professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and International Student Adviser, Skip Barnett is passionate about working with students from around the world.
Skip's storyKortney Stern
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
