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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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Department of English Degrees & Certificates


Undergraduate Programs

graduate Programs

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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Foster Music Camps

June 7, 2026 – June 26, 2026calendar-multiday
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New Faculty Symposium

August 4, 2026 at – August 7, 2026 at calendar-multiday
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STEM START

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News & Updates

Alexandra Szarabajko Honored with EKU’s Young Alumni Award

Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko,’15 ’16 ’18, was awarded with the Young Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Young Alumni Award recognizes individuals who graduated from EKU in the last 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional talent in their […]

EKU Graduates Celebrate Their Paths to Success

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated the Class of 2026 at spring commencement ceremonies held on May 7 and 8, 2026, at the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. “At EKU, every path is made possible,” said EKU President David McFaddin at the commencement ceremonies. “Each of you took a unique path to get to this […]

More Than Words: EKU Shapes Sign Language Interpreters

At major events and public speeches, a sign language interpreter interprets in real time, making each word clear for Deaf and hard of hearing viewers. This critical service extends beyond the stage and screen to hospitals, classrooms and workplaces, where interpreters help ensure access to communication every day. Yet across the U.S., there are not […]

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