English Studies students develop sharp analytical thinking and learn to be compelling storytellers and deep researchers who understand different cultures and audiences. Those skills translate across job sectors from entertainment to law, journalism to marketing, even publishing to sales.
Majors and Concentrations
Literature
Understand the world through literature from around the globe as you develop your analytical abilities through academic research and writing.
Professional Writing
Hone your craft as writers, storytellers, and communicators in genres across journalism and technical and creative writing.
Middle and Secondary Education
Develop solid foundations in literature and teaching methods for the middle and secondary classroom as you gain initial licensure.
Graduate Degree and Certificate
- MA, English
30 credit degree ripe with bespoke literature courses that are engaging and challenging to the secondary English teacher or aspiring doctoral student. - Creative Writing Certificate
12 credit, 100% online certificate for students looking to practice their craft with actively publishing authors.
Minors
- Literature Minor
18 credit program that lets you build on core courses in literary theory and anglophone literature with electives of your choosing. - Professional Writing Minor
15 credit program that provides a foundation in writing professionally and lets you choose areas of interest for your writing.
Our Students and Graduates
Matt Ramsden ’15, Technical Support Representative at EBSCO Information Services
Literature
“My experiences in Fitchburg State's literature classes radically altered my worldview. The diversity and breadth of study and voices represented is something I still remember today.”
Kate Domenichella ’16 Information Developer, Hewlett Packard
Professional Writing
“The English Studies faculty helped shape me into the professional I am today. They always pushed me to strive for excellence whether it was applying for internships in diverse fields, working on-campus publications, or participating in courses that would serve me broadly after graduation. There was always something I would experience to ensure I had a solid foundation after graduation.”
Natalie Chase ’17, High School English Teacher, Lincoln Charter School
Education
“Being a part of the Fitchburg State English department as both an undergrad and graduate student has been an incredible experience. I have been able to form close bonds with many professors and give back to them and the department. Each professor is extremely generous with his/ her time and knowledge and they are always willing to network with students.”
Our Faculty
Faculty in English Studies are active scholars and passionate mentors to our students. Many conduct research with their students, include them in campus and scholarly projects, bring them to professional conferences, and sponsor student research projects. Here are some of the recent publications and projects of some of our faculty. Go to Faculty Profiles for more information about all our English Studies faculty.
Dr. Ben Railton's two most recent books, both in Rowman & Littlefield's American Ways series, examine interconnected histories, stories, and ideas of American identity and collective memory.
Dr. Katharine Covino publishes scholarship on issues of literacy praxis. The central goal of her work is always to use research to support English teachers and their students. She is also a children’s book author. All the titles in the Insanely Awesome series combine research, science, and humor to help children understand, process, and address the global pandemic and ways to use digital technology safely.
Dr. Michael Hoberman’s latest research accomplishments include A Hundred Acres of America, which came out in 2019. The Tablet piece is of a more recent vintage. Right now, he is working on a book entitled Imagining Early American Jews: Popular Representations of Jewish American History in the Contemporary Era.
Dr. Elise Takehana’s 2020 book The Baroque Technotext examines overlaps in digital literature and baroque and neo-baroque aesthetic practices. She has been collaborating with Dr. Katharine Covino and Dr. Annamary Consalvo on digitizing portions of the Robert E. Cormier collection since 2013, with the latest collection out in 2020.
Dr. Aruna Krishnamurthy's two most recent essays consider (1) the issues, contexts, and strategies for teaching literature of labor of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and (2) the reception of George Eliot's works within postcolonial frameworks while highlighting issues within current trends of postcolonial studies.
Beyond the Classroom
Student Publications, Groups, and Opportunities
So much of your learning and professional growth happens outside of the classroom. Write for or edit our literary journal, contribute to the student newspaper, join or lead clubs and organizations, or study abroad.
Read more about: Student Publications, Groups, and Opportunities
Scholarships and Awards
Our department offers ten scholarships a year to qualified students every spring. Here's what they are and how you can apply to them.
Read more about: Scholarships and Awards
Internships and Career Placements
From hands-on experiences that prepare you for professional goals to faculty-sponsored writing associates, you can shape your career goals with your peers, professors, and prospective employers.
Read more about: Internships and Career Placements
Teaching Practicum
The student teaching practicum/internship provides candidates who have reached the teacher candidacy stage of their academic programs with hands-on experience in an approved school setting.
Read more about: Teaching Practicum
Being an English Major
Why English Studies
English majors “know how to think, to think for themselves, and how to analyze a problem. Business majors are fine, but they are preoccupied with theory, proving themselves, and doing it ‘right.’ But the English majors are used to getting a tough assignment, figuring it out, and getting it done.” Steve Strauss, author and small business owner
Bing Chen's Passionate Defense Of A Liberal Arts Education
Bing Chen, Former Head of YouTube's Creative Team & Founder of Bing Studios makes an impassioned argument of the importance of a Liberal Arts education to entrepreneurs.
Curriculum and Other Information
The English Studies program provides students: a) knowledge of the variety of literary and cultural texts in English; b) in-depth understanding of diverse cultural, literary, rhetorical, and pedagogical traditions; c) skills in reading, writing, speaking, critical thinking, and research; and d) ample opportunity for hands-on experience in literary analysis, professional and creative writing, teaching, and scholarship to prepare students for personal and professional success.
English Studies trains students to become empathetic, innovative, and critical thinkers, readers, writers, creators, and teachers.
English Studies Department Shared Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to read and understand texts across genres, cultures, and periods. Students will be able to write in various forms.
- Students will be able to critically analyze texts and contexts.
- Students will be able to communicate their perspectives and ideas.
- Students will be able to apply their skills in distinct settings.
- “Why the Liberal Arts are Necessary for Long-Term Success” in Inc. 2018
- “How Can a Liberal Arts Degree Lead to Financial Success?” in Forbes 2019
- “10 CEOs Who Prove Your Liberal Arts Degree Isn’t Worthless” in Time Magazine 2019
- “Why ‘worthless’ humanities degrees may set you up for life” in BBC Worklife 2019
- “English Majors, listen up! Here’s How to Make the Most of Your Degree” in Pearson Accelerated Pathways blog 2020
- “What Can You Do with an English Literature Degree” in QS 2021
- “Why we still need to study the humanities in a STEM world” in The Washington Post 2017
- “The humanities may seem pointless, but that is the point” in America 2019
- “Study English Lit to acquire ‘marketable’ skills? That’s a bad argument” in the Los Angeles Times 2017
- “People said majoring in English was a waste of time and money – but here are 5 ways I use it in my everyday life” in Business Insider 2019
Questions? Get in touch!
Please reach out with any questions you might have, either through the contact information below or by calling the department chair, Lisa Gim at 978.665.3444. We suggest you also visit our department's Facebook page for updates, events, and news on our faculty, students, and alumni.
English Studies Department
The English Studies Department offers concentrations in Literature, Teacher Education, and Professional Writing.
Miller Hall 202