American Studies
This interdisciplinary program encourages students to combine, cross, and stretch academic boundaries as they study the diversity and complexity of American history and cultures.
Opening Doors for Young Minds
Students with an emphasis in English teaching study literature and writing and learn how to teach these subjects for secondary school students. Principals look for teachers who are willing to organize additional tutoring support, advise clubs, and publish yearbooks, newspapers, or literary magazines. Opportunities offered through the Department of English help majors get a jump start on these interests and skills. The composite degree offers a robust curriculum with opportunity to specialize in literature, writing, or American studies.
English Programs
Creative Writing
Read, write, and workshop original creative fiction and nonfiction work with your fellow students as you gain practical skills to launch your creative writing career.
English Teaching
Future teachers of English in secondary schools study literature, writing, and pedagogy while having opportunities to gain practical experience through tutoring, action research, and professional development events.
General English
The General English option offers Statewide Campus students a broad range of courses across all areas of the English department.
Literature
Learn the value of storytelling as you practice the writing, speaking, research, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills that prepare you for a career that matters.
Technical Communication and Rhetoric
Develop your professional communication skills with an emphasis on current techniques relating to technology.
Folklore
Learn to analyze folktales, legends, jokes, personal experience narratives, proverbs, superstitions, festivals and celebrations, yard art, dance, and costume.
Creative Writing (MA/MS in English)
The MA/MS in English with a Specialization in Creative Writing allows students to do advanced work in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
Literature, Culture, and Composition (MA/MS in English)
Work in a cohort to examine and analyze literature, cultural expression, and rhetorical argumentation's effect on the world.
MA/MS in English
Study literature, culture, and composition or creative writing from award-winning faculty.
MA/MS in Folklore Studies
Folklorists may analyze folktales, legends, jokes, personal experience narratives, proverbs, superstitions, festivals and celebrations, or yard art, dance, and costume.
Master of Technical Communication
Focus your studies and participate in professional seminars while deepening your knowledge of technical communication
PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric
Become an expert on facilitating action through effective, persuasive, or intentionally rhetorical communication.
Archiving and Public Programming
The Archiving and Public Programming certificate provides professionalization and skills for those seeking employment in public, state, and non-profit institutions.
Digital Writing and Publication
The Digital Writing and Publication certificate program introduces students to competencies required to begin producing written work in a digital format.
Program Highlights
Associate Professor Josi Russell Speaks at Helicon West
Associate Professor Josi Russell was the featured speaker at Helicon West’s August event at the Thatcher-Young Mansion in Logan.
USU Technical Communication and Rhetoric Alumna and Faculty in Journal of Business and Technical Communications
USU Technical Communication and Rhetoric PhD alumna Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq, Assistant Professor Avery Edenfield, and Professor Emeritus Keith Grant-Davie have published an article in the Journal of Business and Technical Communications.
Upcoming Events
Get Involved
The Department of English, the largest humanities unit in the university, is a diverse community of teachers, scholars, and students, who work together towards a better understanding of the English language and its manifestation in literature, writing, culture, and the workplace. Despite the size of the department our classes are small, offering individualized attention that helps students succeed and opens doors to both undergraduate research opportunities, and ultimately to careers that matter.
Undergraduate Research
Utah State University is one of the premiere undergraduate research colleges in the United States, and students of English can take advantage of opportunities to partner with faculty on projects.
Digital Folklore Project
Stop sending memes to your friends and start sending them to us! Help researchers analyze digital folklore and track internet trends.
Helicon West
This uncensored open-mic is the perfect place to read your poetry and other writing in front of an audience.
Internships
The English department's internship program is designed to help students enrich their education, gain practical experience, and earn credit towards their degrees.
Sigma Tau Delta
USU's chapter of the English Honor Society, a group dedicated to highlighting high-performing English students.
Sink Hollow
Gain valuable publishing experience by curating, producing, and marketing USU's undergraduate literary magazine.
Study Abroad
Study languages and cultures in their native contexts in order to gain an understanding of populations of other countries and the origins of many different facets of modern society.
The Bull Pen
Discuss your creative writing with other writers, participate in poetry slams, and flex your creative muscles with other students.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Utah State University offers many options for financial aid, including university level scholarships and aid available to specific colleges and majors.