English
Bachelor of Arts
Introduction
Use your words to make a positive impact.
Writers and storytellers are in high demand in nearly every industry. Web content. Video scripts. Ad copy. Annual reports. Product packaging. The list of written deliverables a business may need is seemingly endless.
The English major at John Carroll University offers three distinct concentrations—creative writing, professional writing, and literature. Whichever path you choose, our distinguished faculty will take you on a deep dive into prose, poetry, and drama from all stretches of human history—and show you how to apply that knowledge to professional settings of all kinds.
This versatile program prepares you for roles of all kinds from technical writer and science communicator to copywriter and content strategist. A degree in English is also excellent preparation for graduate and professional school.
Campus Publications
Get involved with the student-run literary journal, The John Carroll Review. Help tell the JCU story as a writer or editor for the campus paper, The Carroll News.
Hands-on Experiences
Gain professional experience with a local company or nonprofit. Boost your editing and analytical skills as a writing consultant on campus. Study literature abroad in the country it was created.
Student Publishing
Edit the student literary journal
Get involved with the student-run literary journal, The Carroll Review. Help tell the JCU story as a writer or editor for the campus paper, The Carroll News.
- Student-run , The Carroll Review, the student literary journal
- The Carroll News , Campus paper
Academics
Program Overview & Outcomes
Whether you want to embark on a publishing journey, use your storytelling skills in a corporate environment, or prepare for graduate school, our English program will serve you well. Small class sizes pave the way for engaging discussions, close-knit writing workshops, and personalized feedback.
At JCU, you will develop strong writing, research, communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally, you’ll gain specialized knowledge in areas that interest you most, such as a specific genre or style of writing, or developing content for a particular industry.
English Concentrations
English majors at JCU choose one of three concentrations:
Creative Writing
As you explore poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama from throughout eras and cultures, you’ll develop your own voice and style. Learn from professors and visiting writers who are passionate about writing and publishing. When you leave JCU, you’ll have an impressive portfolio of creative work in your genre—or genres—of interest.
Professional Writing
Learn the fundamentals of business communication—and then put them into practice through engaging assignments, real-world projects, and immersive learning opportunities. The professional writing concentration blends rigorous study in rhetoric, argument, and genre studies—all of which show you how to put audience and purpose at the center of writing strategy.
Literature
Turn your love of literature and language into a relevant and impactful future. When you learn about others in times past and present, you realize we’re not really that different after all. Majoring in literature is more than reading classic and contemporary works—it’s also about developing empathy and adaptability.
Curriculum: What You Will Learn
You'll develop strong critical thinking, analytical reading, and effective communication skills through a comprehensive study of literature and writing. The program emphasizes foundational courses in classic literature, global literature, creative writing, and literary theory, preparing you for careers in education, publishing, law, and various professional fields.
Related Programs
Still deciding on your program of study at JCU or considering a second major? Here are some other academic areas to explore.
Pathways
Your Path Forward Starts Here
Plan your future from day one. Finish faster with accelerated degrees or secure your spot with early assurance partnerships.
4 years
Bachelor of Arts
The English program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of English literature and language. Students develop strong foundations in literary analysis, writing, and critical thinking while gaining hands-on laboratory experience.
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A JD in Less Time, for Less
Future in Focus
Your first year of law school counts as your senior year at JCU—so you earn both degrees in six years instead of seven. That's a full year of law school tuition you'll never pay.
Your Teaching Career, Accelerated
Future in Focus
Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—earning your teaching license and master's while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Get into the classroom sooner.
Your MBA, Accelerated
Future in Focus
Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building executive-level skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. An MBA for the cost of a few extra courses.
Onward at John Carroll
Every John Carroll student moves onward
Onward is John Carroll’s promise to every student, at no extra cost: a team that knows you, a plan you build together, a guaranteed hands-on experience, and a four-year path to your career.
Transcript
Rachel Ciotti Hi, I’m Rachel Ciotti.
Rachel Ciotti I am a junior English major here at John Carroll.
Rachel Ciotti When I came to John Carroll, I knew that I wanted to work with high school students.
Rachel Ciotti So what I thought that meant was teaching high school English.
Rachel Ciotti That actually meant was working as a tour guide here for a few years and then becoming the Office of Admissions intern next year.
Rachel Ciotti So what I’ll get to do is work with high school students and kind of work with them through their college application process.
Rachel Ciotti But I also wanted to merge my love of English into my career.
Rachel Ciotti So I will hope to become a college professor of English one day.
Rachel Ciotti But in the meantime, I will be the first undergraduate teaching assistant in the English department teaching Intro to Shakespeare in the fall.
Rachel Ciotti But in the meantime, I will be doing a summer undergraduate research fellowship this summer, discussing Shakespeare and ego criticism.
Rachel Ciotti But it’s really because of my mentors here at John Carroll, especially Dr. Jean Feurick in the English department, who sat down with me and helped me merge all of my interests from the Office of Admissions into the English department.
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Onward Team
We accompany you, so you never walk alone.
Your Academic & Career Advisor, Faculty Mentor, and Peer Navigator, starting at Orientation.
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Onward Plan
We plan with you, so the next step is clear, even when the future isn’t.
Your digital home in myJCU to connect with your Team, map your courses, and find opportunities.
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Onward Experience
We equip you, so you’re ready to lead and lift others wherever you go.
Guaranteed access to applied experience: an internship, research, study abroad, or a community project.
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Onward LaunchSM
We invest in you, so you’re already living out your true purpose by graduation.
A four-year career development program that turns it all into what comes next.
Onward
JCU's Distinct Promise
Pathways are just the beginning.
Onward makes them happen.
From your first semester forward, Onward connects your goals with the people, experiences, and support that help you build momentum with purpose.
Careers
Where Our Alumni Go
JCU English alumni use their talents in a variety of industries, from healthcare to education to publishing. Many pursue advanced degrees in areas like literature, rhetoric, and creative writing.
