Breadcrumb
Department of English
We empower students to use the transformative tool of language to enact change and uphold the values of social justice. Through our robust curriculum, students analyze texts and language, challenge entrenched ideas, and think critically about how to amplify diverse voices. With a priority on hands-on learning, our students create, listen, write, teach, and plan their mark on the world.
Program Overview
Studying English at Humboldt State, students work closely with faculty and a supportive cohort of peers to explore the deep connection between theory and practice, critique and creation. Graduates leave the University with a renewed passion for the study of English and a broad set of skills to carry into diverse and exciting careers.
Bachelor of Arts in English
English is a place for students who want to make a difference in their communities. How do words and stories shape our worldview? By studying the relationship between language, identity, and power, English students will engage in conversations about social justice, pedagogy, literature, and writing that extend beyond the classroom.
Master of Arts in English
Our graduate students study how language acts upon the world in order to communicate effectively with diverse communities and envision a just society. The M.A. program values the deep connection between theory and practice and emphasizes hands-on learning through teaching assistantships, tutoring, and internships in editing, digital humanities, and library curating and archiving.
Real-world Opportunities
English majors and graduate students have so many opportunities to dive in and learn by doing: from joining the editorial staff at Toyon to participating in teaching internships, producing podcasts, and designing books for Humboldt Press.
Tailored to You
We tailor each student’s experience to their passions, academic interests, and career ambitions. Our faculty are committed to offering flexible course schedules and customized degree pathways.
A Thriving Community
English majors and graduate students are part of a close-knit learning community at Humboldt. With a faculty to undergraduate student ratio of about 17:1, students develop meaningful relationships with faculty and peers, with multiple opportunities for active collaboration through research, publishing, teaching, and community organizing.
Featured Alumni - English B.A.
Featured Alumni - English M.A.
Careers
In preparation for a range of career opportunities, English majors and graduate students will study great works of literature, learn how to analyze literary texts and their contexts, improve their writing and critical thinking skills, and explore the beauty of the English language.
- High School English Teaching
- Research and Library Science
- Authorship and Book Design
- Book and Journal Editing
- Ebook and Digital Media Production
- Social Media Marketing
- Podcast and Audiobook Production
- Literary Marketing, Publicity, & Agenting
- Video Game Development and Production
- Animation Writing
- Story Editing for TV and Film
- English as a Second/Foreign Language Teaching
- Arts Administration
- Communications for Nonprofits & Activist Organizations
- Law and Legal Advocacy
- Non-profit Organization Development
- Copywriting & Communications Strategizing
- Business and Technical Writing
- University and Community College Teaching
- Writing Center Administration
- University Program Coordination
- Grants, Fundraising, and Development
- Bookstore Management
Achievements
Achievements
Janelle Adsit
English
Janelle Adsit was accepted to the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship, founded in Nigeria in 2018. As part of the 2024 cohort, she will collaborate with colleagues from 36 countries to pilot new programs that utilize the arts to support health justice and community wellbeing. Projects will be presented at the upcoming Global Arts in Health Festival. https://artsinmedicinefellowship.org/
Nicolette Amann
English
Nicolette Amann, Lecturer in English, who coordinates the Redwood Writing Project for local Humboldt teachers, and Anne Hartline from the School of Education facilitated a year-long professional development program on the untold local histories of Humboldt County and California. This project resulted in multiple sharable lessons that have been published at the National Writing Project site. Various CAHSS faculty presented as part of the program:
- Ryder Dschida (History)
- Loren Cannon (CRGS/Philosophy)
- Sarah Ray (Env Studies)
- Nicolette Amann (English)
- Dominic Corva (Sociology)
- Suzanne Pastor (History)
Marianne Ahokas, Nicolette Amann, Sarah Ben-Zvi, Natalie Giannini, Tessa Head, Kerry Marsden, Jolien Olsen, and Erin Sullivan
English
Humboldt's First Year Composition Program Faculty has received the CCCC's Certificate of Writing Program Excellence. They are recognized for their long-term dedication to co-create the program around research and best practices for first-year writing instruction and to provide professional development leadership across campus. CCCC will present our program with a certificate at the award presentation of the 2024 CCCC Annual Convention in Spokane, Washington, on Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m.