Department ofEnglish
You are here:
Home
Concentrations

Concentrations

The Penn State English major now offers concentrations in four subject areas:

Literary & Cultural Studies

Literary & Cultural Studies gives you access to historical and emergent traditions of literature, culture and thought.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing blends the practical and the ideal as it gives you the space and challenge to explore and develop your creative talent.​

Professional & Media Writing​

Professional & Media Writing prepares students for careers in technical and professional writing, editing, and information design.

Rhetoric & Writing​

Rhetoric & Writing may appeal to students interested in careers in management, law, politics, publishing, or education.

English majors are not required to select a concentration, but they are strongly encouraged to do so.

To fulfill a concentration, a student must take at least four classes from the courses listed under an individual concentration. The four courses required for a concentration will also fulfill four of the five prescribed electives for the major. Additionally, future sections of ENGL 487W (Senior Seminar) will be matched to a concentration. Students are encouraged to choose a senior seminar from their selected concentration.

The concentrations envision a flexible major with the potential for focused individualized study. Selecting a concentration will provide a blueprint for choosing electives toward a more strategic course profile that targets post-degree goals. By fulfilling a concentration students can also build useful peer and faculty networks as they manage their degree requirements.

Upon graduation students can request a certificate for a completed concentration. Contact Kim Johnson for additional information.

Students are encouraged to focus on a single concentration and may receive certification in no more than two concentrations.