English Degrees at MCLA
Study literature, writing, and cultural expression while developing the analytical and communication abilities central to the study of the humanities.
Engage Deeply With the Power of Words.
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Degree: Bachelor of Art
Program Delivery: On Campus
Next Term: Fall 2026
Why Choose English at MCLA?
MCLA's English department combines the study of literature and writing with practical learning experiences that prepare students for professional and creative careers. Students develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills while exploring literature, cultural expression, media, and creative writing within a collaborative liberal arts environment.
Hands-On Publishing Experience
Students gain real editorial and publishing experience, including competitive internships with Tupelo Press in North Adams, where they contribute to editing, design, and literary production.
Undergraduate Research & Projects
Students actively participate in research and creative projects and collaborate with faculty on literary and cultural studies.
Dedicated Faculty Mentorship
Small class sizes create a close academic community where students receive individualized mentorship from experienced faculty and accomplished alumni.
Career Outlook & Program Outcomes
Careers connected to writing, communication, and media remain central to many industries.
What Can You Do With Our English Degrees?
An English degree can lead to careers in publishing, media, education, communications, nonprofit organizations, and other fields that value strong writing and critical engagement with culture.
Career Opportunities
- Author or creative writer
- Editor or publishing professional
- Public relations specialist
- Grant writer
- Educator or academic researcher
- Communications specialist
- Media and cultural critic
Explore Our Programs
MCLA offers several English degree pathways. Click below to learn more about specific curriculum structures and course requirements.
Skills You'll Master
Spotlight Courses
Faculty
Meet Your Mentors
2025-26 Events
Spires is MCLA’s student-run, student-organized, and student-designed literary arts magazine. Throughout the fall and spring semesters, we collect creative prose, poetry, and art from the student body, with a new Editor-in-Chief bringing fresh energy each year.
The English & Philosophy Department brings renowned poets, fiction writers or essayists to campus each semester, to meet with students and to offer a public reading of their work. The Spring 2026 Visiting Writers Series features Fanny Choi and Rena J. Mosteirin.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
"I am most grateful for the faculty I met at MCLA, all of whom were thoughtful, experienced, and highly influential to me not only as a student, but also as an artist. My professors were knowledgeable and connected in the field, providing me opportunities for internships, extra-curriculars, and conference trips that gave me real-world experience and a life-long bond with my collaborators. "
Frequently Asked Questions
Get ready to be surprised. Careers for English majors are way more varied—and more lucrative over time—than you might expect, especially in today's economy, where transferrable skills are essential. Here are some of the careers our English Majors have followed immediately after graduation:
- Filmmaker
- Student Affairs administrator at Public University
- Published novelist
- Managing Editor of Literary Publishing Company
- Social Media Marketer
- Co-president of Theater Company
- Journalist at Regional Newspaper
- Non-profit manager
- Published poet
- Elementary School Counselor
- Communication & Outreach Communicator at Public Library
Thanks to engaging faculty, intriguing classes and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow students in and out of the classroom, MCLA is one of the best colleges for English majors. An English degree from MCLA prepares you to think about big questions and ideas and helps you develop valuable real-world skills.
Yes. English pairs well with many majors, and students often combine it with programs such as education, communications, or political science.
English courses at MCLA are designed with small class sizes that encourage discussion, collaboration, and individualized mentorship.
Students pursue internships in publishing, communications, media, education, and nonprofit organizations. Opportunities include placements with literary presses and cultural institutions.
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