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Department of English

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Department of English

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Broaden Your Insight into Language and Literature

The department of English offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in English to prepare graduates for a multitude of career choices. Students can take coursework in literature, creative writing, professional and technical writing, composition and rhetoric, and linguistics. The courses are designed for students who want to broaden their insight into the nature of language and literature, students who want to develop their writing abilities, and students who plan to teach. The student experience is enhanced by individual attention from dedicated faculty, multimedia approaches to teaching, and small workshop environments.

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Why Study English?

English majors work in every industry, across all professions, and in a multitude of job types. The writing, organizational, creative, analytic, and pragmatic skills you learn in English provide the foundational skills you need to be successful in the world after college.

Welcome From the Department Chair

The EKU Department of English offers instruction in literature, creative and technical writing, and language. This instruction is designed for students who want to broaden their insight into the nature of language and literature, students who want to develop their writing abilities, and students who plan to teach.

If you do not already have a major or minor, consider English. An English major or minor provides an excellent preparation for a wide variety of opportunities, including business and industry, government, social work, and teaching. It also is excellent preparation for law school. In fact, English majors can be found almost everywhere in the workplace.

English not only introduces students to the finest literature but also teaches students to think critically and to write well: two skills in demand in today’s marketplace. For these reasons the study of English is fine preparation for work and for life. Remember, however, that through your education you want not only to acquire a marketable skill but also to acquire an understanding of yourself and other people–which ultimately may be the most valuable skill of all. We believe our offerings can help you achieve both these goals.

– Dr. Charlotte, Rich

Photo of Charlotte Rich

The Department of English provides high-quality educational experiences for students and faculty. We offer up-to-date courses that focus on literature from a variety of cultures and times. In our classes, students learn to read critically and write both clearly and creatively.

Student Stories & Features


  • Wyatt Owens

    EKU English & History Teaching Graduate
    My favorite part about being an EKU student were the bonds I made with my peers and instructors. The community within EKU’s English program is fantastic and each person feels like they have a place. I received support from all of my instructors when I needed it. Without their support, I would not be able to teach and fulfill my other responsibilities now.
  • Anna Allen

    EKU English Teaching Graduate
    I would not be the teacher I am without the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University. The English and Education departments provided me with the knowledge, aptitude, and confidence to achieve great things inside my career field. My professors always challenged me to do my best and wanted to see me succeed.
  • Kaitlyn Taylor

    EKU English Teaching Graduate
    Earning this degree aided my career by showing me the types of literature to teach along with how to teach. I have experience not only studying the English content (i.e. grammar, literature, etc.) but also studying specific teaching techniques that I use in my career today. My favorite part of being an EKU student was building connections with peers and professors that I am still in touch with today.

Upcoming Events

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Thu
04

Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
Thu
12

Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
Mon
02

EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

at calendar-day
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03

EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

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20

News & Updates

EKU Psychology Highlights Telehealth Strategies During Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month in September brings awareness to one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially among young adults. According to Best Colleges, suicide causes about 21% of all injury-related deaths in ages 18-24. Evidence-based practice within Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Clinical Psychology program sheds light on strategies to deliver life-saving […]

Fostering the Future of Music

EKU’s Foster Music Camp Celebrates 90 years As the final concert crescendos beneath the stage lights and the last note hangs in the air, there’s a magic that lingers—an echo of growth, talent and unforgettable summer memories. For the young musicians of Foster Music Camp, the grand finale performance is a celebration of everything they’ve […]

90 Years in Harmony: EKU Celebrates Foster Music Camp Legacy

This year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates the 90th season of the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp, the second oldest music camp in the United States. Since 1936, the camp has welcomed thousands of young musicians to EKU’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky, offering a transformative experience in music education. “For almost a century, Foster Music […]

Contact Information

Department of English

Beckham Hall
Room 106
473 University Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-5861
Fax: 859-622-3156
kathy.mounts@eku.edu