Frostburg State University

What you'll study

The programme introduces students to a broad range of literary traditions and modes of inquiry, from medieval and early modern texts through nineteenth‑ and twentieth‑century British and American literatures to contemporary global writing. Course work balances historical surveys and authorship studies with thematic, theoretical and topical courses that explore genre, gender, race, media and cultural contexts.

Typical elements of the curriculum include:

• Literature surveys: introductory sequences in British and American literature that develop skills in close reading and historical contextualisation.
• Periods and authors: focused courses on medieval literature, Shakespeare, the Romantic and Victorian periods, modernism, postcolonial and contemporary literatures.
• Theory and criticism: literary theory, critical approaches and methods of interpretation.
• Linguistics and language studies: foundational courses in the structure and history of English, sociolinguistics and language variation.
• Creative and professional writing: workshops in poetry, fiction and non‑fiction, plus rhetoric, technical writing and digital composition.
• Research and capstone: upper‑level seminars, a senior project or capstone seminar that requires independent research, portfolio work or a substantial creative project.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: opportunities to take electives in film, theatre, cultural studies, history, communication and education to tailor the degree to individual interests.

The degree is normally taken alongside general education requirements and allows students to choose minors or double majors. Internship placements and practicum courses are available to provide workplace experience in publishing, libraries, marketing or community arts organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school completion certificate or equivalent. Typical admissions criteria include a competitive academic record with a solid performance in English courses and other humanities or social science subjects. Admissions decisions also consider the overall high‑school transcript and the strength of written work.

Applicants with significant non‑traditional or transfer credit should submit college transcripts; previous college writing or literature courses are reviewed for transfer credit toward major requirements. Creative writing applicants may be invited to submit a sample portfolio of original work, while those interested in teacher certification should review the additional state requirements for certification.

International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and provide proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests or institutional equivalents, unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates of the English programme develop versatile skills in critical thinking, research, communication and writing that are valued across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Publishing and editing, including copyediting and editorial assistant roles.
• Communications, public relations and content creation for corporate, nonprofit and cultural organisations.
• Teaching at the primary or secondary level (state certification requirements apply) and positions in adult education or tutoring.
• Law, library and information science, and graduate study in literature, creative writing or related fields.
• Marketing, advertising and digital media, where writing and analytical skills support brand communication and content strategy.
• Arts administration and community programming, supported by internship experience and local cultural partnerships.

The programme’s internship opportunities, writing portfolio development and faculty mentoring help students make direct connections to employers and graduate programmes.

Why study at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University offers a student‑centred undergraduate experience with small class sizes and direct access to faculty who are scholars, critics and practising writers. The English department emphasises close mentorship, opportunities for undergraduate research and a range of experiential learning options.

Students benefit from campus resources such as writing support services, a student literary magazine, public readings and visiting‑writer events. Local internships and community partnerships provide real‑world experience in publishing, education and cultural organisations, while study abroad and interdisciplinary course options allow students to broaden their perspectives.

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into professional roles or for continued study, with faculty advising to help students plan careers, build professional portfolios and identify graduate school pathways.