English Degrees at Aquinas College
Explore English at Aquinas
From classical to contemporary works, all literature is a cultural conversation—and it’s YOUR time to contribute a verse! As a Saint in the Aquinas English department, you will join a passionate community committed to your growth as a writer, scholar, and individual. Because an English degree is about more than practicing how to turn a phrase.
You will have opportunities to meet established authors; publish both creative and academic work; explore British, American, and World literary traditions; effectively articulate yourself verbally and in writing; and — when you graduate — be able to translate your critical and analytical thinking skills in any field or graduate program. The next chapter of your life is just waiting to be inked.
It's Time to Write Your Future
Career Preparation based on leadership
Mission: The English Department serves students, the campus, and the community through the study of literature, writing, language, and theory. The Department prepares students for graduate programs and for careers in fields such as teaching, journalism, advertising, public relations, law, business, library science, professional writing, and editing for publications.
Successful majors in the English Department will complete their education with:
- a broad and detailed knowledge of the British, American, and World literary traditions;
- a facility with language that will enable them to express themselves effectively in persuasive, creative, and analytical modes of writing and speaking;
- an ability in critical and analytical thinking that will transfer to competency in a variety of professional careers;
- an ability to articulate an appreciation of literature as an art form, and its value for promoting personal growth, professional expertise, and social justice;
- a commitment to lifelong literary appreciation dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.
Contemporary Writers Series
Each year, the Contemporary Writers Series brings celebrated writers conduct workshops on campus, including Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney; author of The English Patient Michael Ondaatje; recipient of the National Book Award Jaimy Gordon; and popular performance poet Sarah Kay.
Alpha Chi Iota
ACI serves as Aquinas College’s Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta national English honors society and seeks to uphold its mission to “confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature,” to “foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language and writing,” to “exhibit high stands of academic excellence,” and to “serve society by fostering literacy.”
The Saint
Students love Aquinas for its small classes, personal attention, access to faculty, and hands-on experiences.
The Sampler
You can learn through volunteer activities and field trips to medical and research facilities.
Student Research
Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.Read More about Student Research
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
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Common Career Paths
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To learn more about careers, make an appointment with the AQ Advantage Center.
Occupational Employment and Wages - May 2023
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Writers and Authors:
| Employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| 49,450 | $42.11 | $87,590 |
Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $19.67 | $25.32 | $35.43 | $48.55 | $71.27 |
| Annual Wage | $40,900 | $52,660 | $73,690 | $100,990 | $148,240 |
For more information see: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Graduate School
We have collected resources to help you create an effective graduate school application.
Alumni Profiles
AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.
News from the English Department
Celebrating 50 Years in Tully Cross: Writing and Visual Art from Ireland Study Abroad Program
For fifty years, Aquinas students and faculty have traveled a small Irish village called Tully Cross. Students, faculty and alumni took on the task of combining a selection of works written and created there into the book Where We Left Our Last Few Words: 50 Years in Tully Cross.
Aquinas Students are Taking College One Class at a Time, Literally
Citing increased focus, reduced stress, flexibility, friendships and memorable experiences, students are thriving in the Block Model pilot program, also known as one-class-at-a-time scheduling.