English

The English major at Earlham explores the power of literature to shape the world, including a specific focus on literature and social justice.

In the program, you’ll encounter a broad diversity of voices, both those that have been canonical for centuries and those that have been silenced throughout much of history. You’ll take classes that focus on specific genres (e.g. poetry, drama, or the novel); theoretical approaches to literature; and themes of peace and justice, including race, gender, sexuality, class, colonialism and environment.  

The major includes both past and present writers, from the United States and Great Britain as well as a wide range of other English-speaking countries.

Student studying a book in class
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90%
of work seekers who majored in the humanities between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
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Careers
Top industries for recent graduates include education, journalism, media and publishing, non profits and more. Recent graduates have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees at institutions such as Washington University in Saint Louis, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, University of Cincinnati and Georgetown University.
Outcomes

Alumni have become Fulbright scholars and teachers or have gone into graduate programs in English, journalism, literature and social work.

Readers, writers and thinkers encountering the world

Earlham English students study off-campus, successfully pursue post-graduate fellowships like the Fulbright and Watson, and use their degree as a foundation for careers based in communication and research.

Study in London

Many English majors spend a semester studying in London, England. On a recent experience, Earlham students developed digital multimedia guides about The Lonely Londoners, Voyage in the Dark, and The Emigrants.

Gain hands-on publishing experience

The Crucible, started in 1956, is a student-run literary magazine that publishes works by Earlham students. Its student-staff gain invaluable experience in editing and publishing.

Professor leading class

Our faculty

From Shakespeare to American nature writing to the African diaspora, faculty interests span a wide variety of time periods and literary voices, offering students both depth and breadth in their coursework.

Frequently asked questions

The English major will prepare you to think critically, analyze texts and communicate effectively. Our alumni have built careers as novelists, poets, teachers, librarians, journalists, lawyers and people working in both the nonprofit and business worlds.

English students at Earlham College expand their horizons through off-campus study programs and research ventures alongside faculty, spanning destinations from London to Tibet. Moreover, students gain hands-on experience through diverse internships, including roles at the GenNow and Writers House.

Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters.

You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)

Learn more about our 3+1 program.

The English major is for students who enjoy reading literature from a wide variety of perspectives, examining that literature through different lenses and using it as a pathway to understanding human society.

In our English program, you’ll develop strong analytical and communication skills, making you an excellent candidate for graduate school programs and careers in education, research, law and communications, among other fields.

Next steps

EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.
EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.