Department of English
In the Department of English, we teach students how to think critically and creatively, and we conduct research to advance knowledge about culture, language, and the written word. Our graduate and undergraduate curricula emphasize deep research skills and unbounded creativity, preparing students for successful careers in academia, business, law, and other professions, as well as nonprofit work, teaching, writing, publishing, and the arts. Courses refine students’ oral and written communication skills, teaching them to be precise, clear, and inventive stylists.
The study of literature and language is at the core of each undergraduate major, providing a common, foundational knowledge about the cultural contexts in which texts and linguistic artifacts are produced, interpreted, and circulated. Individual undergraduate majors (English, creative writing, technical and scientic communication, and professional and technical writing) provide specialized approaches to textual and linguistic critique and invention. Students graduate with enhanced capacities to understand both their cultures and the experiences of others, through varied experiences of collaboration and textual border-crossing that are inherent in our curriculum.
Classes in the English department are small. Students spend quality time with our award-winning faculty and have opportunities for individual and team-based research experiences. The department supports a number of internships. We invite visiting writers and scholars to speak every semester, and each spring students share their work at an undergraduate research conference and a student-run literary festival. Our undergraduate students publish in various Virginia Tech magazines, and graduate creative writing students serve as editors for two national journals.
Graduate programs in the Department of English include a general M.A. in English, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing.
News and Stories Spotlight
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Lifelong Learning Institute offers retired faculty new purpose and passion , articleThe member-driven volunteer organization for curious adults 50 and older is celebrating 10 years this fall with nearly 60 courses, field trips, lectures, and special events.
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Max Esterhuizen named College of Natural Resources and Environment director of communications and marketing , articleEsterhuizen ’12 will lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive strategic communications and marketing plan for the college that aligns with and advances universitywide strategic goals and initiatives.
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Making time for play , articleIt's not all work, no play. Seven of the busiest Virginia Tech faculty members and administrators talked about the surprising benefits they get from their spare time pursuits, from boxing to improv comedy to motorcycle riding.
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Building a 'Bridge' to post-graduation employment , articleThe Bridge Experience Program, now in its third year, is helping students transition from college into real-world careers. Christeana Williams '23 says the Bridge program in the English department helped her land a job in communications and prepared her more than other internships.
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Writing her own story: How Elizabeth Engel found her forever career , articleAfter earning her degree in English literature, Engel is now an exercise and health sciences academic advisor at Virginia Tech.
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Artificial intelligence at core of video game actors’ strike: Expert explains , articleThe Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has gone on strike against 10 major companies that make video games. Video games and communications expert James Ivory answers questions about the reasons for and potential consequences of the strike, including artificial intelligence (AI).
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