English

You love learning about yourself, others, and the world. You love language. You love writing. You want to find your passion. The English language and literature major at Clarke loves reading novels, poems, and plays. But there is so much more to Clare’s English degree than reading books. As a student studying in our English creative writing degree, you can expect to learn what makes professional presentations effective, magazine layout and editing, the power of meaningful analysis, and the communication skills needed to thrive in the twenty-first-century economy. Employers expect candidates who can articulate their thoughts with clarity and precision, both in speaking and writing, and graduates with a Clarke Bachelor’s degree in English have a great advantage. Additionally, employers seek energetic employees with the problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills the English literature major provides. Our bachelor of arts in English graduates have gone on to become high school teachers, digital marketing associates, graduate students, and successful entrepreneurs. Check out our campus visits and virtual visits in Dubuque, Iowa, so you can see for yourself that Clarke is one of the best English degree programs in the Midwest.

Why English at Clarke?

Through the Clarke English degree program, you’ll:

• Experience our contemporary and unique curriculum.
• Hone writing, speaking, and analysis skills.
• Engage in thought-provoking courses.
• Present your work at a conference.
• Produce a professional portfolio.
• Participate in publishing the Tenth Muse, Clarke’s literary magazine.
• Create a Capstone performance that reflects your talent and interests.
• Gain problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
• Publish your work.
• Engage in an internship.

A bachelor in English gives you the communication skills essential to succeed in today’s diverse employment market. Clarke’s BA English program emphasizes writing, literature, and professionalization. At Clarke, you’ll be taught and mentored by faculty members who are literary scholars and published authors — each invigorated by working with college students. Many English majors easily and effectively combine their major in English with another major or a minor. Consider, History, Communication, Graphic Design, or a Spanish minor to pair with your English degree.

What do the musical artist Sting, politician Mitt Romney, and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki all have in common? Yes, an English degree. Do you consider yourself creative? An English degree might be perfect for you. Bachelor of Arts in English is a way to immerse yourself in a wide world of literature, composition, and rhetoric. Your mastery of the curriculum will help prepare you for creative opportunities in professional settings, such as public relations or technical or freelance writing.

In this BA in English program, you’ll study:

• Literature and composition
• Expository, persuasive, narrative and descriptive writing
• Major literary genres, authors and forms
• Critical thinking, analysis, collaboration, and communication

Explore an educational path that sparks imagination — earn your BA in English. Earning a bachelor’s in English does not limit graduates to one career or field. In fact, and English degree helps students develop valuable skills that employers in multiple industries value, including competencies related to written and oral communication, problem-solving, leadership, research, and analytical interpretation.

Writing Minor

A creative writing minor in college gives you the communication skills essential to succeed in today’s diverse employment market. Clarke’s copywriting degree emphasizes writing, literature, and professionalization. At Clarke in our creative writing minor, you’ll be taught and mentored by faculty members who are literary scholars and published authors — each invigorated by working with college students. Many Writing minors easily and effectively combine with another major or a minor. Consider English, History, Communication, Graphic Design, or a Spanish minor to pair with your writing minor.