English Major

Thinking of teaching English overseas? Eager to improve the persuasive power of your writing? Looking for a flexible major to equip you for a career in law, publishing, library science, or education? Love discussing good books or hoping to write one yourself?

MVNU’s English programs offer rigorous training in writing, reading, and analytical thinking from Christian teacher-scholars, equipping students for personal growth and professional flourishing in a changing world.

Majoring in English cultivates the skillsets sought by future employers, including facility in writing, oral communication, research, self-directed learning, collegiality, empathy, and problem-solving. You’ll gain rich access to “the best that has been thought and said” (in Matthew Arnold’s famous phrase), ensuring your grounding in literature that has stood the test of time.

You’ll spend your days discussing compelling literary works while exploring perennial human questions. You’ll hone your writing, presentation, research, and argumentation skills with professors who offer personalized feedback. And you’ll develop real-world experience through on-campus practicums like editing Penmarks, MVNU’s literary magazine, or tutoring in our Writing Lab, or through internships at local institutions.

What’s more, you’ll create a signature senior project that showcases your literary interests and serves as a graduate program essay, conference paper, or interview highlight. This will prepare you for diverse careers by acquiring transferable skillsets and dispositions desired by employers. At MVNU, you’ll discover your vocation while growing as a Christian thinker and word-steward.

Want to teach language arts? You can pair a major in English with a co-major in Secondary Education to earn your Ohio teaching license in grades 7-12 Integrated Language Arts.