Study Abroad
In the last five years, 180 students have taken English study abroad courses in seven European countries.
Bachelor of Arts in English
It goes beyond reading and writing well. English at the University of St. Thomas prepares you to not only write powerfully and read perceptively, but to see the world in new and diverse ways. Our program develops your talents for the rigorous demands of the modern day workplace.
Why Study English at St. Thomas?
Crafting compelling stories is so important in the digital media age. Our program immerses you in innovative courses focusing on topics such as American and British classics, romanticism, storytelling and cutting-edge literature. Experiential learning opportunities, internships, study abroad courses, collaborative research with faculty—needless to say, you graduate from St. Thomas with the tools and skills you need for the real world.
Well-Rounded and Flexible
Course Requirements
Our program exposes you to the world of literature, starting with an introduction to English studies. Advanced courses cover topics like British and American literature, diversity literature, genre studies, theoretical frameworks and so much more. The program culminates with a capstone seminar, homing in on a specific literary theme in your senior year.
Four-Year Plan
Your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue your passions. We recommend connecting with a faculty member so you can start planning early on in your undergraduate career.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English
- Minor in English
Outside the Classroom
English students can apply for membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and its affiliated campus Literary Club. Students in the Literary Club go on theater outings and offer readings and other fun activities during the academic year.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Our program exposes you to the world of literature, starting with an introduction to English studies. Advanced courses cover topics like British and American literature, diversity literature, genre studies, theoretical frameworks and so much more. The program culminates with a capstone seminar, homing in on a specific literary theme in your senior year.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue your passions. We recommend connecting with a faculty member so you can start planning early on in your undergraduate career.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English
- Minor in English
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
English students can apply for membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and its affiliated campus Literary Club. Students in the Literary Club go on theater outings and offer readings and other fun activities during the academic year.
Practical Experience. Real Results.
Not only do our faculty have years of experience and knowledge, but our students and alumni are applying what they learn in practical ways every day.
Dr. Todd Lawrence
Dr. Lawrence believes in the power of storytelling. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers blew the levees in 2011 to divert floodwater from a town in Illinois, they destroyed the predominantly African American town of Pinhook, Missouri in the process. Dr. Lawrence collaborated with residents to write about the disaster, authoring When They Blew the Levee: Race, Politics, and Community in Pinhook, Missouri with co-author Elaine Lawless. The text focuses on environmental justice and the persistence of community.
Mollie Laidly ‘17
Mollie immersed herself in literature and art history courses while completing internships with Graywolf Press, Minnesota Orchestra and other non-profits during her undergraduate career at St. Thomas. She began working at Twin Cities Public Television after graduation as a project coordinator, giving her the opportunity to use her writing, visual analysis and reading skills to promote the common good.
Henry Koller ‘19
Henry dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and examined various stories of injustice throughout his career at St. Thomas. As an English major, he learned the critical thinking, writing and speaking skills he needed to be successful in the rigorous law school curriculum at Stanford University.
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation.
- Law
- Editing
- Writing
- Teaching
- Marketing
- Non-profit administration
Broaden Your Horizons
You will challenge your perspective with an English degree through study abroad opportunities, internships and your coursework.
Internships
Our students intern with prestigious local publishers, including Graywolf Press, Coffee House Press and Milkweed Editions.
Conferences
We encourage all of our students to get involved with faculty-led research. Our students present their research at local and national literature conferences.
A Wide Range of Interests
Dr. Emily James
Dr. James teaches about 19th and 20th century British and Irish writers. Her interest in modernism extends across the arts.
Dr. Amy Muse
Dr. Muse sees theater as a space for experiencing wonder and intimacy. She teaches Shakespeare and performance for social change.
Dr. Kanishka Chowdhury
Dr. Chowdhury teaches postcolonial literature, and currently researches literary representations of victims of human rights injustices.
Unique Opportunities
Research. On-campus jobs. Graduate studies. English provides all of these opportunities for our students, and we want you to be a part of it.
Collaborative Research
English faculty are always eager to discuss their research interests with students, and want to collaborate with students on projects. Cassie Froese spent last summer working on a Young Scholars project with Dr. Heather Bouwman that explored the evolution of female agency in middle-grade and young adult fantasy books.
Center for Writing
We offer paid positions for students in our Center for Writing. Rachel Smith '18 used her experience working as a paid peer consultant in the Center for Writing as a stepping stone to a graduate program at Purdue University.
Fast-track
We offer a fast-track program to graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English in five years. Tove Conway enrolled in the program so she can pursue advanced literary study and move closer to her goal of becoming an English professor.
It's More Than Reading and Writing
English students have access to a bounty of opportunities, including on-campus events with renowned authors and study abroad courses all over the world.
See Another Side of the World
From single-country study abroad experiences in England, Scotland and Ireland to trips that visit a variety of European countries including the Netherlands, France, Greece and Italy, you have a number of ways to explore literature and culture.
We Bring the Experts to You
Viet Thanh Nguyen, the winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, came to St. Thomas to meet students and read from his novel The Sympathizer in 2017.
Ready for the Next Chapter
Whether you choose to go to law school or pursue an advanced English degree, we provide you with the tools to be successful at the next level. Our graduates are now studying at places like Yale, Fordham, Purdue and the University of Minnesota.
Your Teachers and Mentors
Talk about being a multi-talented. English faculty are recognized scholars and dedicated teachers who provide you with the individualized attention you need to reach your academic and career goals.
Prepared for What's Next
Recent alumni work in editing, writing, marketing, teaching, research and non-profit administration. Their advanced writing and critical analysis skills made them highly sought after in creative and language-based professions as well.
See the World in a New Way
English students not only know how to read and write well, they possess an adaptable skill set that allows them to “switch gears” at a moment’s notice. No matter what their path is, they are equipped with the tools they need for a successful career.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.