If you love to read and are a good writer, you should consider majoring in English.

English majors study the works of great writers to deepen their understanding of themselves and the broader world. Majoring in English helps students develop skills in creative thinking, critical reading and effective writing.

The faculty provides a one-on-one focus designed to improve each student’s writing abilities. Student and professor review drafts together, discuss using source material and building arguments, and fine-tune the student’s grasp of writing mechanics. The result: better, more confident and capable writers.

The English department aims to develop knowledge and appreciation of literature in English and of the various cultures, beliefs, and experiences expressed in this literature, as well as the faculty of sound criticism and skill and grace in English expression as a means of personal development and professional preparation. The Department of English offers three areas of concentration in the English major:

• Literature
• Writing
• English education

All English majors must pass the departmental English examination administered during the senior year. A minimum of fifteen hours in the major field must be completed at Dominican.

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Career Opportunities

Many English majors go to graduate school, and the rich and varied undergraduate education they receive at Dominican is the perfect starting point for graduate education.

Perhaps the classic career path for English majors is to become teachers after graduation. Many do—that’s why Dominican offers the concentration in English Education, precisely tailored to get Dominican graduates into the classroom as quickly as possible.

Law school, library school and publishing are other traditional favorites among English majors.

But English majors who learn how to emphasize the many “transferable skills” they gained during their time at Dominican—being able to think clearly, learn quickly, write well and see both the larger context and fine details—will find employers in many fields who welcome them.

Some jobs held by Dominican English graduates include:

• Grants manager, large Chicago nonprofit
• Assistant director, market research firm
• General counsel, major corporation
• Investment representative, investment banking firm
• English teacher in Japan
• Promotions coordinator, local parenting magazine
• Playwright

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