Internships
- Breakthrough Collaborative
- Bush House Museum
- Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
- Hawthorne Books
- Literary Arts
- Oregon State Library
- Pacific Sun Newspaper
- Salem-Keizer School District
- UCLA Department of Bioengineering
Program Snapshot
- Degree Type
-
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts
- Program Type
-
Major, Minor
- Credit Hours
-
124
- Time to complete
-
4 Years
- Campus
-
Salem
Student Success
Gabriel Tallent's '10 debut novel was blurbed by Stephen King and received accolades from prominent outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Financial Times.
Gabriel's Story
A first-time novelist earns critical acclaim
Gabriel's novel, My Absolute Darling, examines the complexities of human relationships through the lens of a father and his 14-year-old daughter. In the novel, he also explores the theme of global warming and humankind's mistreatment of the planet. Because of the intricate layers and polished prose, Stephen King hailed it as a masterpiece.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Curious where this major can take you? These are the real internships, graduate opportunities, and careers our English students have gone on to.
-
-
Graduate School Destinations
- Brigham Young University
- Emerson College
- Grand Canyon University
- Hawaii Pacific University
- Pacific Northwest College of Art
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Sonoma State University
- Syracuse University
- University of California, Davis
- University of Colorado
- University of Edinburgh
- University of San Diego
- University of Washington
- Vanderbilt University
- Western Washington University
-
Employment Outcomes
- Accenture
- American Express
- Care Oregon
- Fulcrum PR & Communications Group
- Grand Central Publishing
- Pixelberry Studios
- Pacific University Library
- Portland Public Schools
- State of Hawaii
- The Portland Observer
- Willamette Week
Alumni Stories
Our English program has produced many successful alumni who have made their mark in various industries. Whether it's publishing, journalism, or education, our graduates have excelled in their chosen paths. Connect and learn about other English students.
-
E.M. (Ellen) Lewis ’94
Playwright champions common ground in controversial topics
E.M. (Ellen) Lewis ’94 uses her plays, like “The Gun Show” and “Magellanica,” to spark conversations on divisive topics such as gun ownership and climate change, promoting dialogue and highlighting shared humanity through her storytelling.
Introducing Some of Our Faculty
Our English faculty members consist of distinguished scholars and experienced educators who possess a strong passion for their discipline. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, creating an intellectual environment for students.
-
Meet Professor Chasar
Dr. Mike Chasar focuses on American literature, creative writing, and cultural studies. He integrates diverse media formats into his teaching, encouraging students to explore and create a wide range of projects from podcasts to community outreach.
-
Meet Professor Hernandez
Dr. Teresa Hernández is a border scholar whose research explores Latine/x literary and cultural studies, border theory, and Women of Color feminist theory. Her students benefit from her expertise, which spans U.S. multi-ethnic literatures, Critical Latine/x Indigeneities, and gender studies.
-
Meet Professor Nadelson
Scott Nadelson, a prolific writer, has showcased his talent through a diverse array of publications, including novels, stories, and essays. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of close reading and analytical exploration.
Curriculum
Tell stories, produce ethical arguments, and recognize the impact of language on history and popular culture. In your classes, you will discuss literary theory and develop your communication and writing skills. Explore our English degree through our course options.
-
ENGL 341 Shakespeare
Explore Shakespeare's plays across his dramatic career, including comedies, tragedies, and histories. Understand the role of theater in early modern English culture and politics. Examine the recurring cultural, historical, and political issues that Shakespeare's works engage.
-
ENGL 331W Fiction Writing
Sharpen your fiction writing skills through engaging workshops and in-depth discussions on narrative craft. You'll create a substantial portfolio of fiction through drafting and revision, while also critically analyzing published works.
Program Requirements
Our English program offers two tracks — in literature or creative writing — and each requires 40 semester hours to complete the major, with a total of 124 credit hours required to complete the degree.. Core courses make up 8–12 semester hours. Each student pursuing a major will be required to complete 4 semester hours in literature outside the modern Anglophone tradition and 4 semester hours in American Ethnic or Post-Colonial Literature. Depending on which track they select, students must take another 20–24 semester hours in literature or writing classes, including senior seminar work.
The minor program in English consists of twenty semester hours selected in consultation with an English Department advisor.
Admissions Information
Our English program is open to first-year students, transfer students, and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Willamette University is committed to supporting our students with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. No separate application is needed to be considered for these scholarships. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically evaluated for merit-based scholarships, starting at $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, including cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if available.
