English majors ‘connect the dots’ between what’s written on the page about human interactions and the diverse geographical, social, and spiritual contexts that create cultures. Their own writing — creative and analytical — responds to what they read and observe in real time, as well as what they study about literary history and popular culture traditions and folklore. As a result, earning an English degree broadens horizons and prepares students for fulfilling careers in any industry.

If you love language and want real-world skills that’ll take you to new heights, you’ll find studying at Dominican University for an English major a rewarding experience.

Your love of literature and writing and your desire for self-exploration will find full expression in Dominican University’s English program. Our courses will help you develop communication and thinking skills that you can apply in any career as you study literature in a way that opens your mind and enhances your creativity, self-expression, confidence, and imagination.

As an English major, you’ll become fully versed in ‘the best that has been thought and said’ in literature while at the same time developing self-knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills that are in demand in every professional field. You’ll study writing and language both as art and as an expression of significant thought, gaining cultural knowledge and a lively appreciation for the greatest of English works.

English Seniors become student tutors in our Academic Success Center through a course called ‘Writing Practicum’, and each year’s Senior Seminar students present papers in a mini conference. If you choose our English program, you’ll be a visible and involved member of our university throughout your time here.

Of course, college isn’t just about study, and we haven’t forgotten your extra-curricular interests.

We have two clubs. ‘The Booklings’ attracts students from various majors who love to read for pleasure, and ‘Verbal Asylum’ is a student club that auditions and runs one or two spoken-word events each year, which attract large audiences. We also induct eligible students as members of our chapter of the international English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta.  

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Equipping you with core skills that are in demand in every professional field

The highest levels of personal support

Staff who are committed to your success

The finest small-university athletic program in the region

A spirited campus environment

Close proximity to New York City and three major airports

The Dominican Difference

“It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what sport you play, or what club you’re in, everyone in this school is a family and we all love to live together and be a part of this campus.” 

Jonathan Brown ’14

Over 15,000
Alumni

76
Full-time Faculty

17
Miles from NYC

100% of First-Time,
Full-Time Freshman Receive Financial Aid

Job Opportunities

With an English major, you’ll be a valuable employee in many industries. 

However, these are some of the most common jobs for graduates with an English degree:

  • Copywriter
  • Editorial assistant
  • English teacher (including English as a foreign language teacher)
  • Lexicographer
  • Journalist
  • Tutor
  • Copy-editor
  • Proofreader
  • Content manager
  • Content writer
  • Social media manager

What You’ll Learn

Our curriculum has core requirements in grammar, expository, and research writing, and features multiple courses in creative writing. All students study a range of literature: key writers and diverse views (British/American/World) from ancient to contemporary eras. If you choose to major in English at Dominican University, you’ll also have the opportunity to select minors in diverse fields to complement your developing skills and special vocational interests. Our literature courses include individual and group oral presentations that combine analytical skills in reading, research, and writing. These essential skills will ready you for a variety of careers, but you may also choose an additional discipline to accompany your English program. For example, many English majors jointly pursue teacher education, with certification in childhood, childhood/early childhood, or adolescence levels. Selected English majors also get the opportunity to do an internship for the annual literary/arts magazine, Bang & Whimper.

Degree Details


Tuition

The cost of attendance is an estimate of what it will cost to attend Dominican University for an academic year.

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Curriculum

Course structure

All Dominican University English Majors study the following topics for 36 credits:

  • American Literature
  • British Literature
  • World Literature
  • Creative Writing
  • Rhetoric and Grammar
  • Folklore and Mythology

You will also take additional courses based on the program you’re enrolled in (e.g. B.A. in English students choose electives, whereas teaching students will take a series of pedagogical courses).

You might consider any of the following minors to complement your English major:


Concentrations

  • Bachelor of Arts in English (18 elective credits) — This flexible English program will enable you to explore the topics that interest you most. You’ll also undergo focused study of an individual author or genre and give an advanced senior seminar.
  • Bachelor of Arts in English with Preparation for (Childhood or Adolescence) Education — Along with an additional teaching program, this is a fantastic choice if you’d like to teach English at the elementary or high school level. You will take a course in Literature for Children and Adolescents, deliver an advanced senior seminar, participate in a writing practicum, and choose several elective courses.  Upon completion of your English major and teaching program, you will be eligible for New York State teacher certification.
  • Bachelor of Science in Education with English Concentration — If you dream of being a teacher and would like to teach English to elementary school children, this is another wonderful option for you to explore, which will prepare you for a New York State certification in Childhood Education. You can learn more about our teaching programs here.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with English Specialization — This specialization is designed to allow you to pursue your interest in English while you acquire broad expertise in liberal arts by majoring in humanities.


Department Staff

Ellen E. Dolgin, B.S., M.A., Ph.D.

Ellen E. Dolgin, B.S., M.A., Ph.D.

Professor of English, Coordinator of the English Program, and Coordinator of Gender Studies minor

Kathleen Hickey, B.A., M.S., Ed.D.

Kathleen Hickey, B.A., M.S., Ed.D.

Professor of English

Tanya Radford, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Tanya Radford, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of English

James Reitter, B.A., M.F.A., Ph.D.

James Reitter, B.A., M.F.A., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of English

Robert Stauffer, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Robert Stauffer, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of English

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