Department of English

English (B.A.)
Literature
Writing

The academic program in English offers a major (B.A.) with a concentration in literature or in writing. In addition, a minor in English and a variety of liberal studies or free elective courses for students in other programs are offered. Students may choose:

• English, American, and comparative literature
• linguistics
• criticism and writing
• and contemporary themes in literature and film.

Reasons to choose English at William Paterson:

• more options. Unlike most English departments, majors decide whether they want to specialize in—literature or writing. Students may take a more traditional English major—studying the great writers of the past and present—or learn how to become a successful writer. In both instances, students can take a wide range of literature and writing electives.
• personal attention. Class sizes are small—writing classes and many literature classes have fewer than 20 students. Faculty—who are full-time and experienced—meet regularly with students to help them succeed. Graduate assistants do not teach courses.
• exceptional faculty. Professors have written poetry, plays, screenplays, novels, memoirs, biographies, translations, scholarly editions, critical books, articles, and widely used anthologies. Among them are internationally known scholars, Fulbright scholars, prize-winning poets, and grant winners.

Career opportunites look bright for graduates:

• English majors find a wide variety of careers in communication, public relations, publishing, technical and business writing, and in the corporate world. Their writing and communication skills make University graduates very competitive.
• many English majors receive teacher certification for early childhood, elementary, or secondary education.
• alumni go on to graduate school for English, communication, journalism, law, or other professional programs.

To learn more, visit the Department of English homepage or contact:

Linda Hamalian, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of English
hamalianl@wpunj.edu
973.720.3056