Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The English Language and Literature degree blends study of literary texts with coursework in writing, rhetoric and language. You will take core seminars in literary analysis and interpretation alongside historical surveys of British and American literature. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Literary Studies and Critical Methods
• Survey of British Literature: from Medieval to Early Modern
• Survey of American Literature
• Shakespeare and Renaissance Drama
• 19th- and 20th-Century Novel and Poetry
• Modernism and Contemporary Literature
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing: fiction, poetry and non-fiction workshops
• Rhetoric, Composition and Professional Writing
• Electives in film and literature, gender and sexuality studies, ethnic literatures, and digital humanities

The programme typically includes a senior capstone experience such as an honours thesis, a substantial research project, or a practicum that places classroom learning into community, editorial or publishing settings. Students are encouraged to supplement major requirements with electives in related fields such as history, communications, education, and digital media.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions consider academic transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Candidates with strong writing samples or a portfolio are particularly competitive for writing-focused tracks.

Transfer applicants are evaluated on college-level coursework and credits; articulation agreements and advising help students plan degree completion. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised qualifications or prior study in English-language instruction.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature develop skills valued across many sectors: critical thinking, research, clear written and oral communication, and close reading. Common career pathways include:

• Publishing and editing (acquisitions, editorial assistant, copyediting)
• Journalism, content creation and digital media
• Marketing, communications and public relations
• Secondary teaching and roles in education (often after teacher certification)
• Non-profit and community engagement roles
• Law, library science and graduate study in literature, cultural studies or creative writing
• Technical writing, grant writing and policy analysis

Roger Williams students frequently combine majors or minors, undertake internships in nearby Providence and Boston, and use the university's career services to secure entry-level roles or placements for graduate programmes.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, allowing for individualized attention and collaborative research. The university supports experiential learning through internships, community-engaged projects, and study abroad opportunities that deepen literary and cultural perspectives.

Students benefit from on-campus resources such as writing support services, a robust library collection, and events featuring visiting authors and speakers. Proximity to regional cultural centres provides additional practicum and networking options in publishing, media and education. The programme’s flexibility makes it suitable for students aiming for professional careers, creative practice, or advanced study.