English

Reading, writing, speaking, listening and visual literacy.

At Olivet, students explore all aspects of language arts. Olivet’s focus is to teach students to communicate effectively, to interact critically with a wide range of texts, and to apply these skills in their lives of service to God and humanity.

 

Areas of Study

Starting freshman year, students receive instruction directly from their professors, instead of just reading and meeting a list of deadlines on their own. Professors are ready to prepare students for professional success. And, they’re equally eager to pray with students and help them find !

English
English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching
English Teaching
Literature
Writing

Chicago's Literary Community Next Door

With convenient access to some of the top publishers, book sellers and writing professionals in the country, Olivet students often journey to Chicago for literary events. The American Writers Museum, the Poetry Foundation, the Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest are just a few of the many benefits of Olivet's proximity to the city.

Chicago Public Library

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Learn why Olivet’s dedication to faith and integrity have earned its rank as Illinois's number one Christian university.

Campus Visit

We offer several different ways for you to visit our beautiful campus! Whether you visit in person or online, choose a personalized visit or energetic event day, we want to show you all that Olivet has to offer.

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Apply to Olivet

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

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By the Numbers
60
minutes from Chicago
15:1
student-to-faculty ratio
60
pages in the 2019 issue of Olivet’s Tygr Student Art & Literary Magazine
40K
network of Olivet alumni

Dr. Beth Schurman

Preparing the next generation of English teachers is a passion for Dr. Beth Schurman. She is an experienced high school English teacher and also a higher education teaching professional. She works with Olivet student teachers, to observe them and provide feedback during their teaching experience. An accomplished writer and speaker, she has presented at the National Council of Teachers of English and the Midwest Association of Teacher Educators conferences.

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Study Abroad

More than a dozen study abroad programs provide opportunity for experiencing the Christian faith in other cultures and countries.

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Mission Work

Olivet's Shalom Project provides opportunities for students to serve people living on the continents of Asia, Africa, South America, as well as in the U.S., through volunteer trips.

Shalom Project

Aurora Yearbook

English majors have opportunities to contribute articles for Olivet’s student yearbook. Finding the stories and capturing the personal angles are a creative pursuit.

Aurora Yearbook

Student Publications

The entire world is made up of elements, both literally and figuratively. There are elements of fire, water, air and earth, and those of fiction, of music, of electromagnetics. Tygr, the student art and literary magazine published each academic year, is dedicated to cultivating individual perceptions of the elements that make up our world. Written and published by students with faculty advisors, this magazine brings together a unique collection of the elements of Olivet’s creativity. 

Tygr

Short Story Contest

Sharpen your pencils and charge up your laptops. The ONU English Department annually sponsors a short story contest for current ONU students.

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Teaching Assistant Opportunities

Students who excel in writing often work closely with their professors in presenting lectures, grading papers and tutoring at-risk students.

Take the next step

Apply Today

Ready to take the next step? Applying takes only a few minutes and is a great way to get the ball rolling. It helps us know you are serious about college — and considering Olivet. We will take it from there!
 

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Visit Online

Explore campus with an online tour and set up a virtual meeting with your admissions counselor. Of course, you will want to come to campus as soon as possible, but our online visit should help you in the meantime.

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Schedule a Visit

Excited to experience more? We’d love to plan a personalized visit just for you. Click below and we’ll schedule a time for you to travel to Olivet, take a campus tour, meet your admissions counselor and visit with a professor.

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