Discover the Power of Writing and Language
The Department of English celebrates the power of written expression and visual rhetoric, engaging with a wide diversity of texts, ideas and films. We prepare students for careers that require superior skills in critical thinking, close reading and audience analysis.
In the Department of English, students can choose from a variety of courses and specialties to pursue what interests them most. A path in Literature will immerse students in the classic works of the past and present, while Creative Writing develops students’ own literary skills of expression. Concentrations and courses in Journalism, Digital Media and Legal Writing are just a few of the other options that students have to build a set of analytical and professional skills.
Students also have the opportunity to write for our award-winning, student-run journals and earn course credit in internships that tap the profusion of opportunities in Austin’s creative economy.
Whether you seek to educate, persuade or enrich, you’ll learn how to express yourself analytically and creatively and know how to be professionally engaged as an intellectual. Graduates are prepared for entry into professions that require critical thinking and excellent writing skills, as well as post-graduate programs in writing, rhetoric and literature.
Explore Our Programs
The Department of English provides two BA programs, each offering various specialization options. One major focuses on English Literature, with options for general or creative writing specializations, along with a concentration in Language Arts for Teachers. The second major, Writing and Rhetoric, gives students the opportunity to pursue a general track or specialize in creative writing, journalism and digital media, or professional writing.
Student Organizations
Discover an award-winning student-led newspaper, two acclaimed student-run journals, and many opportunities for literature and writing. Explore where our students shine and make their mark!
The Sorin Oak Review is an annual literature and arts journal produced by our students. Anyone within the St. Edward’s community may submit fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction essays, photography, and artwork.
Arete is an award-winning, student-run academic journal at St. Edward’s. First published in 1991, Arete is an annual publication that encourages students from all disciplines to submit research papers, essays, and theses that offer substantive, fresh, and well-researched arguments for an informed audience.
Hilltop Views is a bi-weekly student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serving the St. Edward’s community. Hilltop Views publishes news stories, life and arts stories, and sports stories relevant to St. Edward’s students. Students are encouraged to use this opportunity to develop their writing and reporting skills.
The Book Jackets Literary Club is a fully student-run organization in which students gather to share conversations about books and writing ideas. Club members read and perform each other’s work and invite speakers to discuss internship and job opportunities for literature and writing majors. They also share information about upcoming literary events on campus and at local bookstores.
Additional Information
In addition to its BA programs, the Department of English also offers minors in the following subjects:
Marcia Kinsey Visiting Writers Series
Sponsored by the School of Arts and Humanities, the Marcia Kinsey Visiting Writers Series brings award-winning writers to campus to read from their work, talk about their writing, and interact with our students. Previous featured writers have included Ana Castillo, Jericho Brown, Mindy Kaling, and many more.