Ann Pelelo, Ph.D.
Professor of English
I strive to give to my students what my professors gave to me: knowledge, respect, and constant invitations to inquire beyond the surface of life.
English
Bachelor of Arts
The English language and literature major at Clarke loves reading novels, poems, and plays. But there is so much more to Clarke’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 could:
- 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.
Program Details
An English degree is an all-encompassing and versatile degree that offers graduates a wide variety of career paths to follow. With an emphasis on communication and the written word, English majors learn to research, study, and interpret information. In our Bachelor of Arts in English, your courses will make you marketable in a variety of career paths. You’ll learn to analytically read texts and articulate the core of those writings to others both orally and in writing. Our dynamic course offerings in literature, career preparation, and magazine publishing are designed to strengthen your ability to think critically, read sensitively, and articulate thoughts effectively.
The Power of Liberal Arts
The ability to write well, speak well, and problem solve are some of the top skills employers seek when hiring new graduates. Leaders need to know how to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. A liberal arts education and bachelor in English prepares you to do just that, forming those critical skills that separate leaders from followers. And, because a liberal arts education translates to many different careers, you also have the option of easily jumping into a new job if you’re ready to try something different.
Cool Classes
Here is a snapshot of the unique and challenging classes our English degree students take:
GLOBAL VOICES — This course contributes to students’ global awareness by examining literature from locations outside of England and North America.
THE POLITICS OF GENDER IN LITERATURE — This course analyzes texts through the lens of gender. Students may explore notions of masculinity, femininity, and gender fluidity.
LANGUAGE AND POWER — This course examines the powerful tool of language that inspires people to action and nations to change.
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants to our Bachelor in English are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
The Numbers
97% of business executives rate writing skills as very important, according to a Metlife survey.
93% of employers want candidates who think critically, communicate clearly, and solve problems (AAC&U). These figures add up to mean that an English degree from Clarke University is something that will fuel your future career as you move through your life.
How About a Career? We’ve got you.
What can you do with an English degree? The one-to-one learning that happens at Clarke in our Bachelor of Arts in English means students succeed at securing internships and subsequent career opportunities. Clarke English creative writing degree-seeking students have careers in Dubuque, Iowa, regionally, and internationally as:
- Magazine Editor
- Teacher
- Lawyer
- Musical Performer
- Librarian
- Writer
- Journalist
- Actor
- Human Resources Director
- Museum Educator
- Business Leader
- Corporate Organizational
- Behaviorist
- Technical Writer
- Public Relations
- So many more!
Program in Pictures
Clarke University English Majors Tenth Muse
Clarke University English Major Streamlines
Clarke University English Degree Class Streamlines
Assistant Professor of English Anna Kelly is the head of the publication, Tenth Muse
Clarke University English Degree Majors Streamlines
English Major Streamlines at Clarke University
Students in the English Major Streamlines at Clarke University
English Degree students working on Clarke Publication "Tenth Muse"
Clarke University English Major Streamlines
Steve Bellomy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
I encourage my students to recognize their own influence, as readers, on how, why, and in what ways literature matters.
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Careers in English
What can I do with a degree in this major?
Tenth Muse
The Tenth Muse is a student-produced literary magazine and is a venue for creativity in prose, poetry, and art. You will see your work in print in a professionally produced publication.
Streamlines
Clarke University, Loras College, and University of Dubuque host an annual conference celebrating language, literature, and writing for undergraduate students to share scholarship and creativity.
Internships
You’ll become immersed in real projects and work with real clients. Internships often facilitate entrance into the job market and are highly recommended for acceptance into some graduate programs.
Study Abroad
Clarke University offers several faculty-sponsored study abroad experiences to destinations such as Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. Study abroad trips encourage you to experience different cultures, broaden your mind, and discover your own passions.
Clubs & Organizations
Life at Clarke is living traditions, being proud, participating in the campus community, and being an active member of our greater community.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Ian Livingston
English and Spanish '11
Because of my education, and my writing classes especially, I am making a good income doing something I enjoy.
Kyle Majerus
English '18
The English major cultivated my communication, leadership, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which allowed me to flourish not only academically but professionally. The English major builds a strong foundation for a successful future.
Jenna Weber
English and Secondary Education '20
Being an English major at Clarke has helped me become a critical thinker and has taught me how to apply what I learn to multiple subject areas. This well-rounded understanding is something that I think anyone in the English field of study can use to their advantage when considering goals for their future.
1:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The one-to-one learning that happens at Clarke means students succeed at securing writing and publishing internships and subsequent career opportunities.
97
%
Writing skills
Percent of business executives who rate writing skills as very important, according to a Metlife survey.
27/6
States and Countries
Our students come from 27 different states and six countries.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke English for Yourself