English Major

Language as Art

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or minor in English is a liberal arts degree designed with few hours in order to allow students to double major and develop a multiple array of career choices.

While many schools focus primarily on literature, students at Olivet will take course work in literature, writing, linguistics and visual literacy. Understanding the field of language arts will lead students into a variety of professions. 

Students will have opportunities for experiential learning, whether completing a required practicum in business and technical writing or participating in service projects through our honor society. Recently, students worked to collect research materials for those studying at American University in Burkina Faso, followed up by a student and faculty trip to the African nation.

To further enhance their studies, students can complete the rigorous Oxford Studies Programme, travel with a group to England over Christmas break or present at professional conferences.

English Careers

Law, journalism, education, public relations, business, editors, professional writers, technical writers, and many more

English is Ideal for those Who Have:

  • creativity
  • imagination
  • passion for reading
  • writing skills
  • proficient grammar

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 draws.

Chicago Public Library

Student Publications

Our entire world is made up of elements, both literally and figuratively. There are elements of fire, water, air and earth. There are elements 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 Olivet’s creativity. 

Tygr

Study Abroad

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

Learn More about Study Abroad

Mission Work

Missions in Action (M.I.A.) sponsors student mission trips to serve people living on the continents of Asia, Africa, South America, as well as in the U.S.

Missions in Action

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.

Teaching Assistants

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

Meet the Faculty

Beth Schurman

Preparing the next generation of English teachers is a passion for Beth Schurman. She is an experienced high school English teacher and also a higher education teaching professional. In her work with student teachers, she observes them in their assigned classrooms. An accomplished writer and speaker, she has presented at the National Council of Teachers of English and the Midwest Association of Teacher Educators conferences.

English Faculty

Alumni Careers in English

Attorneys
Communications directors
Editors
Freelance writers
Journalists
Librarians

Paralegals
Pastors
Professors
Teachers
Teachers of English in other countries

English with a Christian Purpose

The best way to see if Olivet is a good fit for you is to visit the campus. We offer unique, customized visit days every weekday, and special Purple & Gold days, too, where you can get up close at all things ONU.

Schedule a Visit