English at CSU
Discover Yourself
Write Your Story
In the English department at CSU you have opportunities to gather experiences, meet people, make friends, explore new ideas, discuss challenging theories and texts, as well as create your own texts. Your curricular and extracurricular experiences help you compose your life's story.
Whether you graduate from CSU with a BA, an MA, or an MFA, we offer you knowledge and experiences that immerse you in the
life of a reader, thinker, and writer and prepare you to meet your future goals. Studying here connects you to a tradition of excellence and expertise, encouraging you to take your place in a lineage of scholars, artists, and visionaries.
Be Part of a Dynamic, Compassionate Community
"The CSU English department has the feel of a small liberal arts college despite being at a public university with thousands of students. The classes are small and personalized so that every single person can share their ideas and communicate directly with their professors...You really feel that you are valued as a student because it is clear that all the faculty are invested in your success, and many will go out of their way to mentor and support you." ~Dakota Lewis, BA English: Writing, Rhetoric and Literacy
Ask anyone who studies, teaches, or works in English, and they will tell you that one of their favorite things about English at CSU is the people. Accomplished, caring faculty and small class sizes allow you to develop a meaningful relationship with faculty and peers. We seek to foster this connection in the department as well as with the local community. Students teach creative writing in local elementary schools, volunteer to lead writing workshops through the Community Literacy Center, and tutor in the Writing Center.
Study What You Love
I love my major because I get to dedicate time to something I'm really passionate about. Creative writing allows me to showcase my imaginative talent in an academic setting. As someone who used to daydream in class, this concentration allows me to fuel my desire within a collaborative workshop environment.
I get to do what I love every time I'm in a creative writing class and there is never a time when I wish I could be somewhere else.
— Catrina Vininski, BA English: Creative Writing
Cultivate Your Creativity and Critical Thinking
In an age of soundbites and social media, the creative and critical thinking skills you will gain through the study of language and literature have never been more critical. We offer an environment aimed at developing critical literacy, critical thinking, and culturally informed interpretive skills. Choose challenging courses in all concentrations. Explore your interests beyond the page through service learning, study abroad, multimodal projects, interdisciplinary work, and collaboration with both peers and faculty. Be inspired by the nationally recognized Creative Writing Reading Series which brings poets and authors to campus for readings and workshops.
We believe leaders in the field must be skilled at asking the right questions and making connections others don’t see. We help you do that by giving you the support and space you need to find your way.
Develop Your Vision
Find Your Place
As an English major at CSU, you have the opportunity to engage and explore. Clarify your interests and discover your voice through coursework. Find your path and focus your interests with an internship. Direct your passion into a meaningful life and meaningful work.
Expand your academic credentials by participating in the university’s annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference or Graduate Student Showcase or by entering one of the department’s many writing contests.
We encourage you to pursue opportunities relevant to your career goals.
Work with our internship coordinator to further explore career interests that include teaching, publishing, communications, and more. Participate in department-sponsored workshops on topics such as how to publish your work, how to attend academic conferences, and how to get into graduate school. Access additional resources available through the Career Center.
Students who major in English go on to work in a wide variety of fields. See what our alumni are doing. Peruse information about career prospects for English majors. Employers and graduate schools are welcoming people like you.
Experience Colorado
CSU and the English department would not be the same without the surrounding Fort Collins community and all the possibility it provides. Fort Collins rests in the Foothills of Northern Colorado, bordered on the west by the Rocky Mountains. From day hiking to extended camping trips, Fort Collins is perfect for people who appreciate the outdoors. A robust bus system, bike lanes and miles of trails, along with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, allow for various alternative transportation options.
Old Town Fort Collins is full of local businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores. The Wolverine Letterpress and Publick House is a non-profit literary/arts organization that provides ample opportunities to explore creative writing through Open Mic Nights and student showcases. From CSU, you have easy access to cultural events, professional development opportunities, and endless recreational choices.