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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

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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.
photo of Kaitlyn Taylor

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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2025 EKU Living with Animals Conference

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 am – March 15, 2025 at 5:00 pmcalendar-multiday
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Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

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Residence Halls Close

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Spring Break

March 17, 2025 – March 21, 2025calendar-multiday

News & Updates

Students Take Their Research to Harvard, Representing EKU at the National Level

In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors. “Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of […]

EKU Grad, Now Harvard Fellow, Joins Allied Gaming Board of Directors

Chi Zhao, ’10, a research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, was appointed as an independent board director for Allied Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company. She chairs the nominating and corporate governance committee and serves on the compensation committee. Zhao received a bachelor’s in broadcasting and electronic media from Eastern Kentucky University. As a […]

EKU Alum Sparks Viral Fame with Nostalgia-Fueled Content

In a moment of uncertainty; one may catch a familiar aroma of a childhood toy, turn the channel to reruns of a beloved TV show, or suddenly want a meal of only comfort foods that evoke warm memories once tucked away in the back of your mind. Spencer Barrett, ’13, built a substantial following on […]

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