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English Major

Excel at communication

Your English degree from Bridgewater College gives you an exceptional foundation for careers in areas such as education, law, government and journalism. It will also prepare you for graduate study in literature or writing. Whatever you choose, you will excel in oral and written communication in your chosen field.

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What to Expect

  • Developing your skills in writing, speech, and research, as well as analytical and aesthetic judgments as readers.
  • You’ll study well-known American and English works, as well as literature representing many cultures. Investigate how stories shape, maintain and celebrate cultural heritage.
  • Apply your skills in internships or research projects as well as take advantage of publication and teaching opportunities.

Courses

English major core courses cover areas like Introduction to English Studies, a 300-level writing course, and genre-focused options such as studies in short fiction, drama, novels and poetry. The program culminates in a Senior Capstone Experience where students complete semester-long research and writing projects and prepare a portfolio of their work in the major.

Introduction to English Studies
ENG-200

An introductory course that surveys a variety of rhetorical and critical theories, their terminology and their application to a variety of texts in different genres. Modes of writing for diverse audiences are also practiced.

Linguistics
ENG-300

Linguistic analysis incorporating traditional grammar, phonology, syntax, sociolinguistics, morphology semantics and historical linguistics (including the history of the English language).

Studies in the Novel
ENG-366

Study of the development of the novel as a distinctive literary form with emphasis on different techniques, conventions and themes of the genre exemplified by representative works chosen from American, British, and other national literatures.

Required Courses Meet the Faculty

Careers

A degree in English will prepare you for a variety of careers such as higher education, law, marketing, non-profit agencies, sports information, teaching (elementary and secondary education) and writing.

Chart your path

Learn more about employment and advancement in technical and science writing fields from the Society for Technical Communication and the National Association of Science Writers.

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BCVoice

BCVoice, the campus news outlet, allows students to hone their message creation skills while they serve the college community. Students provide the campus with news, reviews, events, opinions and sports coverage in written, visual, podcast and video formats. Writing for BCVoice also gives students valuable professional experience, enabling them to build a robust portfolio that showcases their writing and multimedia skills.

Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy

  • Industry-Relevant Expertise: Gain cutting-edge skills in digital media, analytics and content strategy to excel in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
  • Flexible and Accessible: With online and evening courses, this program is designed to fit your schedule, making it ideal for working professionals.
  • Hands-On Experience: Build a comprehensive portfolio through real-world projects and internships that prepare you for leadership roles in digital media.
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Like many BC graduates, you might enter graduate schools such as:

  • Clarion University of Pennsylvania (Master of Library Science)
  • University of Delaware (M.A./Ph.D. in Communication)
  • Indiana University (Ph.D. in English)
  • James Madison University (M.A. in English)
  • Lehigh University (Ph.D. in English)
  • Ohio State University (M.A./Ph.D. in English)
  • Pennsylvania State University (Ph.D. in Anthropology)
  • Rutgers University (M.A. in English)
  • University of Tennessee (M.A./Ph.D. in English)
  • University of Virginia (M.A./Ph.D. in English, Ph.D. in German Literature and Culture)
  • Wake Forest University (M.A. in English)
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  • Present at the Virginia Humanities Conference and other associations and conferences.
  • Do independent study in collaboration with a faculty member in poetry, memoir, science writing and more
  • Join BC’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Email Dr. Christian Sheridan or Dr. Scott Suter for more information.
  • Be a tutor for the Writing Center
  • Write for BC Voice, the College’s online, student-run news organization
  • Study abroad for a semester in England or one of dozens of other countries