About Our English Programs
Arcadia’s English major is a unique combination of three strengths:
- The depth and breadth of a classic literary curriculum
- Unparalleled study abroad opportunities at some of the top universities around the world, and
- The expertise of the English Department that pioneered Writing Across the Curriculum in the 1970s—the nation-wide movement to make writing a high priority in all classrooms.
Focus on Literature or Creative Writing
At Arcadia, you can choose the English literature major or the English major with a Concentration in Creative Writing. All courses stress critical thinking and problem solving as essential aspects of the composing and interpreting process. Our small class size encourages lively class discussions and frequent peer critiques.
Internships
As an English major, you will do an off-campus Career Internship, well-supported by Arcadia’s close proximity to Philadelphia. These internships often lead to full-time employment after graduation. *See Careers tab on this page for more information.
Beyond the Classroom
Outside the classroom, you can write for Arcadia’s literary magazine, Quiddity, which publishes creative writing (and other artistic work) by students on campus. Or for The Compass an online journal that publishes a range of student writing. To support the arts at Arcadia, the English Department brings to campus each year several successful poets, fiction writers and creative non-fiction writers, some of whom are alumni/ae of Beaver/Arcadia. Students have the opportunity to work with these writers in master classes.
Specialized Courses
In addition to interpretive and creative writing courses, the English curriculum includes several specialized professional writing courses: Business Writing, Journalism, Technical Writing, Writing for the Health Industry, Grant Writing for Non-Profits, Writing for Magazines, and others.
Awards
The Department gives three awards for student achievement:
- The Doris Fenton Award for excellence in English by a senior was established in honor of the late Dr. Doris Fenton, former Professor of English.
- The Excellence in Creative Writing Award recognizes superior achievement by a junior or senior English major enrolled in the Creative Writing Concentration.
- The William Bracy Award for Distinction in Shakespeare Studies is presented to a graduating senior in honor of Dr. William Bracy, who inspired many students with his relentless enthusiasm for the bard.
Our Faculty
The English faculty are a rich mix of experienced and award-winning educators, active scholars, and published authors.
MEET OUR FACULTY
Sigma Tau Delta (Alpha Kappa Eta Chapter)
Sigma Tau Delta is an international organization whose stated central purpose is to confer distinction on students who have done excellent work in English studies.
Membership is by invitation. At Arcadia, eligible students major or minor in English, have completed at least three semesters of college course work (at Arcadia), have completed a minimum of twelve credits in the major, with at least a 3.0 (or equivalent) GPA both in English courses and overall, and are currently enrolled.
For more information, please contact Dr. Matthew Heitzman.
Bachelor of Arts in English
The Bachelor of Arts in English program offers courses in literature, creative writing and professional writing. Our curriculum’s emphasis on critical thinking, effective writing, and oral communication prepares students for many paths after graduation, including:
- Graduate school in English literature, law, library science, creative writing and journalism.
- Careers in research, communications, government, publishing, editing, public relations and business, and teaching.
- Teaching at the secondary level (with Secondary Education Certification for public schools) and at the college level (with a graduate degree).
All English majors must complete either a Career Internship or Student Teaching for Certification.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
Creative Writing Concentration
The English Department’s Concentration in Creative Writing combines a classic literary curriculum with a tiered system of practical workshops in fiction, poetry and non-fiction writing. After a required foundation course in writing fiction and poetry, you choose intermediate workshops in fiction or poetry writing. Then, starting in your junior year, you choose from among advanced specialized courses based on your interests: Writing for Children, Young Adult Writing, Memoir Writing, Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, and Script and Playwriting, in which you'll work one-one-one with faculty members who are professional, published writers. The required internship gives you the opportunity to work with local presses, publishing companies or creative arts organizations.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
Creative Writing B.A./M.F.A. 4+2 Program
Undergraduate students who are majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing are able to apply for admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program during their junior year. Through this program, students can complete a graduate requirement while still in their undergraduate program, thus allowing them to finish the Creative Writing M.F.A. by taking fewer than the usual 39 credits.
LEARN MORE
Secondary Education Certification in English
To graduate with Secondary Education Certification, you must complete the requirements for both the English major and the Education certification. An adviser in each department will help you plan your curriculum. In addition to the courses in the English major, the following courses are required.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
Creative Writing Minor
The minor in Creative Writing gives students an opportunity to write poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction and to engage in peer critique of their work.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
English Minor
The minor in English prepares students to read critically and write clearly. It includes courses in literary interpretation and professional writing and/or creative writing.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
Professional Writing Minor
The minor in Professional Writing prepares students for specialized writing a wide variety of public and professional settings. Students will learn how to write and edit effectively for print and new media for a range of fields including journalism, law, health care, the non-profit sector, government, and publishing.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
Study Abroad Opportunities for English Majors
The English Department actively encourages its majors to take advantage of Arcadia's outstanding study abroad opportunities, primarily in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Generally, the junior year is the most convenient time for English majors to study abroad for either one semester, one summer or an entire academic year. With prior approval, students can take courses to fulfill many Undergraduate Curriculum requirements. Many required major courses can be taken abroad. The Capstone Seminar, EN 490, however, must be taken in Glenside.
Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the department chair and the Office of Global Engagement.
The English Major as Career Preparation
The English program is designed to develop skills essential in every profession: critical thinking, precise writing, and effective oral communication. You will be prepared for a wide variety of options after graduation:
- Graduate school in literature, law, library science, creative writing, and journalism
- Careers in research, communications, government, publishing, editing, public relations, and business
Teaching at the secondary level (with Secondary Education Certification for public schools) and at the college level (with a graduate degree). The required Career Internship opens the door to the professional world and gives you practical experience and perspective to judge what options interest you most. Many internships lead to jobs after graduation. If you pursue the Secondary Education Certification, your student teaching will fulfill the internship requirement.
EN 371: Off-Campus Career Internship for English Majors
As an Arcadia English major, you have the benefit of participating in an off-campus professional internship, either during your senior year or in the summer preceding your senior year. Arcadia’s close proximity to Philadelphia provides a vast array of possibilities, including interning for a publication, publisher, government entity, non-profit organization, or business. This is an excellent way to sort out your goals, hone your skills, and make connections before graduation. While you are doing the internship, you will take EN 371, Career Internship (4 credits).
Hear from Our Interns
Kelsey Cohan
Video Game Journalism Intern, Odd Tale Studios
“...the internship was a success...my experience there actually helped me land a paid internship."
Irene Figueroa
Library Archives and Special Collections Assistant, Saint Joseph's University
"I was able get an overview of almost every branch in an academic library, which was an amazing opportunity and helped me decide that this was the career I wanted to pursue.”
Caitlyn Somers
After-School Activities Intern/Workshop Leader, Mighty Writers North
“I was never bored or unsatisfied. I truly value my work as a Mighty volunteer, and I believe my time spent helping the kids and the organization in general was a success.”
Sarah King
Editorial Intern, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency
“I learned a lot about the publishing industry, critiquing people’s stories, writing my own stories, and my own self-worth by working at Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. This was an excellent experience, and I enjoyed every second of it. This internship only increased my interest in publishing and if given the opportunity, I would like to continue working in the industry.”
Jordan Meyrel
Correspondent Intern, and promoted to Executive Director of U.S. Division, The Organization for World Peace
“I never believed I would be capable of taking on a leadership position like Executive Director, but I have, and to great success.”
In recent years, English majors have done internships at some of the following organizations:
- Aperion Review
- Campus Philly
- Door-to-Door Organics
- The Free Library of Philadelphia
- The Humane League of Philadelphia
- Lab Rep Co. LLC
- Make-a-Wish Foundation
- Mighty Writers
- Montgomery County District Justice Office
- Next Level Publishing
- Philadelphia Higher Education and Network Development
- Philadelphia Stories
- Prestige Concepts
- Schools for Sustainability
- State Farm Insurance
Whether teaching a writing workshop for children at Philadelphia’s Mighty Writers, serving as a courtroom clerk for a magisterial district court judge, or reviewing submissions for Philadelphia Writers literary magazine, you will get real-world experience that allows you to explore career options which could lead to a full-time position or graduate study.
Although you will find your own internship, expect enthusiastic guidance from the English Department and the Office of Career Education. Early in your junior year, check the list of internships completed by previous Arcadia English majors or search for your own dream position. You must secure your internship and obtain signed approval before you register for EN371. The course is offered in the summer, fall and spring semesters.
As an EN371 student, you will meet regularly with your professor and fellow Arcadia English interns, write weekly blog posts on your job experience, participate in on-line and in-person discussions of readings, and write a final reflective essay on your internship.
Both your on-site supervisor and your professor will monitor your progress and provide performance feedback. Combining the practical internship experience with the instruction and reflection of EN371 provides a meaningful transition into either graduate school or the professional world.
For more information, contact Professor Gretchen Haertsch (haertscg@arcadia.edu) or Professor Laura Fitzwater (fitzwatl@arcadia.edu)
