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 scientfic 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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TikTok ban could set precedent for social media free speech and privacy, experts say , articleFreedom of speech versus national security? Experts discuss what the TikTok ban means for social media, privacy, and public opinion.
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Technology grant program fosters teaching innovation , articleGrant-supported faculty projects explore innovative uses of technology to help students build their digital literacy, increase engagement, gain transferable skills, and prepare for future roles.
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Scholarship program, ‘having someone there for you’ connects two Hokies for life , articleJulie Byrd knew the Beyond Boundaries Scholars program was the perfect way to give back. What she didn't realize is that she'd find even more ways to help a first-generation student like herself.
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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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Ben Thomas strives to keep Virginia Tech track programs in stride , articleThomas ’92, a Lynchburg, Virginia native who was a distance runner at Virginia Tech and graduated with an English degree, coached an Olympic gold medalist this summer and now oversees Virginia Tech's track and field programs.
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