Lewis University

What you'll study

The programme combines survey courses in British, American and world literature with focused seminars in areas such as Shakespeare, modernism, postcolonial literature and contemporary fiction. You will develop close reading and critical thinking skills, learn research methods in literary studies, and practise advanced writing across genres.

• Core literature surveys: historical overviews from medieval and early modern periods to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
• Literary theory and criticism: introduction to major theoretical approaches and applied critical methods.
• Writing and rhetoric: courses in academic writing, professional writing, technical writing and rhetoric that sharpen argumentation and style.
• Electives and concentrations: options in creative writing, film and media studies, linguistics, digital humanities and gender or postcolonial studies.
• Capstone experience: a senior seminar or research project that synthesises study and demonstrates sustained literary research or a substantial creative portfolio.
• Practical learning: internship placements, practicum opportunities and community-based projects that develop workplace skills in publishing, communications and education.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor's programme ordinarily requires a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent and a college-preparatory transcript. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English and academic readiness for university-level reading and writing.

• High-school academic record with emphasis on English and humanities coursework; a competitive academic profile is preferred.
• Personal statement or essay describing interests in literature, writing and academic or career goals.
• Letters of recommendation are welcomed and can strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; advanced standing may be awarded for previous university-level work.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior education in English.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature from Lewis pursue a wide range of careers where communication, critical thinking and analytical reading are prized. The degree also provides strong preparation for graduate or professional studies.

• Publishing, editing and literary agency work
• Content strategy, copywriting, marketing and public relations
• Teaching and education (many graduates pursue teacher certification or graduate study for K–12 careers)
• Law and other professional schools where strong reading and writing skills are essential
• Library, archival and cultural heritage roles
• Non-profit and government communications, grant writing and advocacy
• Digital media, technical writing and user-experience content roles

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic university located near a major metropolitan centre, offering a close-knit campus environment with accessible faculty and small class sizes. English majors benefit from faculty mentorship, opportunities for internships and community-engaged projects, and ready access to internship and cultural resources in the wider Chicago area.

• Student-centred teaching: small seminars and individual advising help students develop original research and polished writing portfolios.
• Practical experience: built-in internship and practicum pathways link classroom learning to real-world workplaces in publishing, communications and education.
• Support services: writing centre, career services and research librarians provide targeted help for projects, graduate applications and job placement.
• Flexible pathways: options to combine the major with minors or certificates in areas such as creative writing, digital media or education to tailor career preparation.