Old Main
College of Arts & Sciences

English Writing

Watch Video
▶
 Request Info

Why pursue a degree in English Writing at North Central College?

A writing program teaches you to become skilled at crafting and writing critical essays, poems, stories, arguments and other creative works. The study of writing presents students the opportunity not only to write what they know, but to progress beyond into challenging and unexpected work. A successful graduate from this program will be able to interpret writing, literature and multimedia texts, and tout in-depth knowledge of writing in formal and theoretical contexts.

At North Central College you will work alongside faculty who are working writers themselves. English and writing skills promote innovative executives, critics, editors, consultants, professors, publishers and writers. In this program, you’ll gain a liberal arts core and important writing skills to create meaningful impact in graduate school or across any career you choose.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Developing a writerly craft and practice in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and playwriting.
  • Using language to celebrate storytelling as a uniquely human way to bridge misunderstanding and encourage new thought
  • Considering the artistic, historical and cultural contexts of modern writing

then a degree in ENGLISH WRITING might be for you.

Why study English Writing at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Advanced Creative Nonfiction
  • College Humor Magazine Practicum
  • College Literary Magazine Practicum
  • Creative Writing for Self Discovery
  • Introduction to Professional Writing
  • Multimedia Authoring
  • Narrative Form and Practice
  • Place and Travel Writing
  • Playwriting Form and Practice
  • Poetic Forms and Poetics
  • Popular Genres of the 19th–21st Centuries
  • The Novel Across Time
  • Writing Commentary and Cultural Criticism: The Public Intellectual
  • Writing for Social Change
  • Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies: Text/Technologies

Campus Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As an English Writing major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Get published in the award-winning Chronicle news magazine and ncclinked.com news website.
  • Join Sigma Tau Delta, an English honor society with interest in literature and writing.
  • Join the staff of The Kindling and 30 N to learn about publishing, marketing and editing
  • Meet and learn from established writers through the Visiting Writers Series. Previous guest writers, across a variety of genres, have included New York Times bestsellers, NEA fellows, prize winners and more.
  • Stop by the Writing Center to brainstorm or improve your work.

Visit the English Department on social media on Instagram and Facebook.

More Department information

English, Writing, B.A.

The English Writing Major is a comprehensive plan of study offering a diverse range of courses. Students may seek proficiencies across five distinct genres: poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting or rhetoric. By carefully calibrating coursework from 100-levels through a senior capstone writing project, students will be well-prepared for a variety of professional opportunities. Writing majors participate in either the College literary magazine, 30 North, the humor magazine, The Kindling or the College newspaper, The Chronicle, gaining leadership as editors and practical new media skills. Internships are encouraged for real-world experience.

Writing majors find work in publishing, the law, corporate and non-profit settings, teaching, the arts and many other fields that seek persons trained to ask powerful questions, research and organize complex information, and synthesize that information with careful attention to detail. A B.A. in English-Writing fosters a citizen-critic concerned for what is ethical, inclusive and humane in public and private spheres.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see English.

A minimum of 38 credit hours to include:

Core Courses

Professional and Public Writing Courses

Two of the following with at least one course at the 300-level or above:

Advanced Electives at the 300-level

Two of the following:

Advanced Electives at the 400-level

One of the following:

Practica Experience

Two credits from the following:

Electives

Eight additional credit hours of elective ENGL courses at any level with:

  • at least four credit hours in literature
  • no more than four credit hours at the 100-level

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

English Studies Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Current students and recent graduates in English have secured internships in:

  • Journalism
  • Technology
  • Podcasting
  • Social Media
  • Non-profits
  • Literary magazines
  • Digital Media
  • Television Production
  • Media Relations
  • Marketing
  • Grant Writing


Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in English have been accepted at:

  • Northwestern University
  • McGill University
  • Loyola University
  • University of Texas
  • University of Minnesota
  • Northern Michigan University
  • Creighton University
  • Butler University
  • University of Montana
  • University of South Dakota
  • West Virginia University

Careers

Recent graduates in English include:

  • Director of marketing and communications, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, Chicago
  • Art gallery owner, Arnould Gallery, Marblehead, MA
  • Assistant professor of English with an emphasis on digital literacy, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • High school teacher at East Aurora High School
  • Administrator for The Center for Cultural Exchange
  • Lawyer at Raymond G. Wigell, Ltd.
  • Senior Associate Defense Attorney
  • Director of Development, TriCity Family Services
  • Associate Director of Writing Center and Lecturer, University of Kansas
  • Advocacy Assistant, Prairie State Legal Services
  • Principal, Brand Partner at Intention
  • Global Manager, Content and Marketing Campaigns, Videojet
  • Managing editor for John Wiley and Sons Publishers
  • Youth Librarian, Glen Ellyn Public Library
  • Associate Editor, Neighborhoods.com
  • Senior Entertainment Relations Officer, Oxfam America
  • International Services Coordinator, UIC

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.