Program Overview

English Program

The English program at Alma College prioritizes helping students develop as creative and critical thinkers. To earn a bachelor's degree in English, students will:

• Survey formative works from the American and British canons – from Shakespeare and Chaucer to Toni Morrison and Don DeLillo.
• Craft their own poetry, prose, or nonfiction writing.
• Take at least one foreign language class to study the sounds, structure, and beauty of a language different from their own.

At A Glance

• 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 18 average class size

Possible Careers

English majors can pursue a wide range of occupations, including:

• 9th-Grade English Teacher
• B2B Account Manager
• English Teacher
• Vice President
• Performing Arts Teacher
• Professor of English

Program Details

A major in English is an excellent foundation for a wide range of occupations. Alumni find roles in publishing, journalism, copywriting, education, and public relations. Others use the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills gained at Alma to forge careers in business or finance.

Student Opportunities

• Publish writing, pick up a new hobby, or channel leadership skills to coordinate events on campus.
• Join one of the 100+ student organizations, such as:
  • Alma College Union Board
  • The Almanian
  • Pine River Anthology
  • Pop Culture, Anime, Gaming, and Entertainment

Curriculum

The English department has a stellar track record of placing students in graduate-level programs. Alma College also offers an M.F.A. in creative writing program, providing students with the opportunity to take their next step on campus.

Spring Term Courses

In these courses, students travel to locations like England and Greece to investigate literature's role in shaping modern and ancient societies.

What You Need to Know

Reading and writing are essential components of the English program. Reading enables students to understand how others think, feel, and live, while writing allows them to express themselves, articulate ideas, and evoke emotion. As an English major, students will learn to persuade, dissect, and analyze, and will also compose and workshop their own poetry and prose.