Student Experience

What to Expect

Life in the English Department

Feel at Home

The rumors really are true: English majors have more fun. Our undergraduates can be found at a coffee house in Old Town Fort Collins discussing their writing; at the Globe Theater in London; and on the plains of Zambia, where we collaborate with local schools and community health centers.

Students majoring in English might form lasting friendships in the classroom or connect at a reading by nationally acclaimed writers such as Lauren Groff, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Ada Limón.

Through your involvement in social activities, writing competitions, and social justice initiatives, you will find that CSU’s English department is the perfect place to build a resume—and a life.

Hear from Current Students & Recent Graduates

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Catrina Vininski


Majors: English & Communications

Minor: Film Studies

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Erin Fuller


Major: English - Creative Writing

Minor: Music, Stage, & Sports Production

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Hannah Prinzi


Majors: English & Political Science

Minor: International Development

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Pete Wilson


Majors: English & Philosophy

Concentration: Literature

Advice from Recent Grads

Reaching out

Grace Detwiler used her keen sense of initiative to open the ominously creaking door to writing opportunities in the realm of the macabre.

The Student Experience

CSU English senior Natalia Sperry recounts studying abroad, collaborations with professional writers, department community.

“I think it’s important for English students to know about the Honors Program, which can sometimes seem like a STEM or research-oriented program...It can allow for meaningful creative opportunities to work with professors one-on-one." 

— Natalia Sperry, BA in Creative Writing ’20

Education Abroad

There are many opportunities to study abroad while earning your English degree, including three summer programs led by department faculty

Community Education and Health in Zambia

WHAT: This summer CSU faculty-led program takes students to Livingstone, Zambia to assist Zambians in educational settings (schools, after school programs, adult literacy programs, physical education programs), community health areas (clinics, home-based care, health education programs), gender equality programs, and sustainable building. Coursework focuses on ethics, motivations, and sustainability of development work.

WHEN: May 13 - June 1, 2024 (Program participants will depart Denver on a group flight on May 11.)

  • NOTE:  Pre-Course prepatory meetings will take place during the spring term on the CSU Campus and/or online.

WHERE: Described by many as "the Real Africa", Zambia is a country of wide open spaces rich in wildlife, with magnificent forests, wild rivers and wetlands - studded with lakes and impressive waterfalls. Livingstone is historically an English speaking community.  Livingstone is also the gateway to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe to the South. Zambia's National Parks, such as the Kafue, have a staggering amount of wildlife and unparalleled game viewing opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to work on community driven projects and enjoy the natural beauty of all that Zambia has to offer.

PROGRAM LEADER: Ashley Davies, Senior Instructor, Department of English, and Jennifer Reinke, Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University.

LEARN MORE / APPLY

Summer in Oxford, England (Honors)
Sustainable Energy Futures in Denmark

Semester-Long Options & Funding

Semester in Todos Santos, Mexico

This 10-week semester program in residence at CSU’s Todos Santos Center in Mexico features coursework from a variety of disciplines with a different academic focus, or theme, every semester.

In partnership with CSU's School for Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES), the Spring 2023 semester academic focus is Sustainability. The spring semester features courses on environmental justice, intercultural competency, online storytelling, and sustainability.

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea is a multiple country study abroad program open to students of all majors emphasizing comparative academic examination, hands-on field experiences, and meaningful engagement in the global community.

Students live, take coursework, and travel aboard the MV World Odyssey ship as a part of a unique shipboard community comprised of students, faculty, staff, lifelong learners, and ship crew for 100+ days, exploring at least 10 countries and 4 continents.

Education Abroad Scholarships

Office of International Programs Scholarships

The Office of International Programs (OIP) offers several additional need-based and merit-based scholarship opportunities. Awards range from $250 to $2,500.

Clubs and Organizations

Inklings: The English Social Club

Meet and hang out with your English Department peers and get to know others across the Fort Collins English community. Our rotating schedule of activities will give you a chance to share your ideas and your work with a group that can relate.

When: Tuesdays @ 7pm in Eddy 100

Community Literacy Center

The Community Literacy Center strives to create a range of sustainable community-based literacy programs to promote community action and social change with multiple populations. Our goals are to contribute directly to the literacy needs of Larimer County by offering programming that complements existing literacy education opportunities and to advocate for increased public awareness about the needs and contributions of our diverse community.

Flyer for Dead Poets Society depicting an illustration of a skill inside a circle adorned with leaves.

Dead Poets Society

Calling all poets! Join your classmates and share your love for all things poetry at a meeting with the Dead Poets Society. This student-run club hosts weekly discussions centered on a particular poetic theme. In addition, two workshops are offered per semester for students to comment and discuss their own writing with their peers. 

When: Mondays @ 7pm in Eddy 100

Group photo of members of Dead Poets Society

NCTE@CSU

NCTE@CSU is a professional student organization that welcomes students from all majors, undergraduate and graduate. Meetings provide a forum for discussion and learning, and a place where students can be involved in the changing face of education. Meetings include social gatherings, timely speakers, and professional development seminars.

Flyer for Rekindle the Classics

Rekindle the Classics

Rekindle your love of classic literature with the CSU Department of English and Poudre Libraries Rekindle the Classics. Join graduate students and faculty in lively and informative discussions of literature favorites.

Flyer for Rekindle the Classics

Greyrock Review

The Greyrock Review is an undergraduate literary journal created and published by a group of undergraduate students during a year-long internship. The content of The Greyrock Review comes from submissions from students of all majors who seek to show off their talents and become published writers and artists. The goal is to support and promote the literary arts, while learning the intricacies of printing, promoting and publishing a high-quality literary journal.

Scholarships

Funding Opportunites

You can find up-to-date English scholarship information on the College of Liberal Arts Scholarship Page. The English department offers a variety of scholarships to qualified English majors, and the College of Liberal Arts and the University offer other opportunities as well. You can also apply for scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office, so long as you meet the criteria.

The CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA) is available from October 1 until March 1 at 11 p.m. (MST). Apply at colostate.academicworks.com or access the application through RAMWeb under “Financial Aid.”

Complete the General Application. Be sure to review and complete any Recommended Opportunities for which you wish to apply.

After you fill out the CSUSA, we strongly encourage you to fill out the College of Liberal Arts Scholarship Application to be considered for even more department-specific scholarships.

To be considered for need-based scholarships you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) By March 1. Learn about this process through the Office of Financial Aid’s website.

How Do I Apply?

All the information you need for the scholarship application process is outlined by the College of Liberal Arts.

Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship

Undergraduate students may submit creative writing from multiple genres to be considered for this award. Undergraduate submissions may include one or more of the following genres: three to five poems, one short story and/or one creative essay. Awards usually are for $500 per academic year in the form of tuition waivers, but a few awards of $1,000–$1,500 for special merit have been given in the past. You can find the submission guidelines on our website in early September, and the deadline is in early October.

Applying to Be a Writing Center Consultant

Writing consultants work in the CSU Writing Center with student and community writers through 30-minute online or face-to-face writing sessions. Shifts usually include 8-12 hours weekly. Extensive training provided. Contact Director Mike Palmquist for more information about available positions at mike.palmquist@colostate.edu

Student Employment

The Student Services Office provides lists for full-time and part-time positions on or off campus. For more information, visit http://ses.colostate.edu/ or contact the office at 970.491.571.