What you'll learn studying English at UW-Platteville
The English program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is part of the vibrant Department of Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and Education. It is our mission to prepare graduates for writing and teaching careers in a variety of professional environments in which creativity, critical thinking, and a broad cultural perspective are required.
Whether you were drawn to the English program after completing an English literature course, or you knew before enrolling in your first college course that you wanted to be an English major, you will learn valuable skills that will serve you in any career field you choose. We offer courses in various disciplines that include professional writing, creative writing, film, literature, and education. Through your coursework, you will learn how to apply your knowledge in all personal, professional, and social situations in which ethical decisions demand a deepened knowledge of the human condition and an understanding of the past. You will also gain the critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills employers value.
Why study English and Writing?
In the English program, you will learn proficiency in literary analysis, professional and creative writing, cultural analysis and creation, and the mastery of rhetorical devices. Through your coursework, you will:
- Gain personally and professionally from an education in American, British, and literatures from all over the world by becoming intellectually more astute and literate.
- Acquire highly marketable skills for jobs in the publishing industry, creative and editorial positions, education, business, government, and nonprofit agencies.
- Receive a solid preparation for graduate studies in education, fine arts, professional writing/communication, literature, library science, rhetoric and composition, and law.
The more general objective of the English language degree program is to educate citizens to understand, think about, and argue complex cultural issues. Our courses are designed to broaden your perspective and increase your cultural literacy.
Each year, the department sponsors a number of visiting writer readings, student readings, and the Thomas Hickey Creative Writing Festival.
Careers in English
Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in English, a minor, or a certificate in English leave college prepared for a variety of careers in the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. Majoring in the humanities, including English, is also excellent preparation for law school, graduate school, and other advanced study.
Some of the careers you might pursue include the following:
- Advertising/marketing specialist
- Brand strategist
- Communications director
- Content manager
- Copywriter
- Editor
- English professor
- English as a Second Language teacher
- Grant writer
- Human resources manager
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Middle school or high school English teacher
- Paralegal
- Public relations specialist
- Publisher
- SEO specialist
- Social media manager
- Technical writer
- Translator/interpreter
- Writer
When you study English in college, you will have countless opportunities to improve your research and communication skills, become more proficient at problem-solving and critical thinking, enhance your creativity, and more. These skills are advantageous in nearly any type of career and will help prepare you to participate in meaningful ways in society.
Discover by doing
As an English major, you will learn inside and outside of the classroom. You can participate in internships, community-based service learning, study abroad, literary readings and programs, and other university events.
