English

Students at Western may choose among three majors under the English program.

Each of these majors prescribes a series of courses and electives designed to guide students toward mastery of a body of knowledge and/or skill.

Standard Major

The standard major is competitive with literary programs across the country. Students in this field are good candidates for graduate study in English or comparative literature, law school, business, political science -- any field or career that demands excellent language and analytical skills.

Creative Writing Comprehensive

Our comprehensive program gives students the opportunity to gain solid credentials in literary analysis while broadening their writing credentials in creative writing, media writing, and editing.

Teacher Licensure

Students graduate fully prepared to teach secondary English. They also earn credentials necessary for graduate training or for careers that require strong speaking, language, and analytic skills.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing is ideal for those who demand rigorous instruction in creative writing, poetry or screenwriting. The low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program is a 60-credit, student-centered program for writers who choose to live their lives and hone their writing skills at the same time.

Co-Curricular Activities

Students in Western's English program have the opportunity to participate in three co- or extra-curricular groups: 1) The English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, 2) The English club, WordHorde, and 3) The Spoken-Word Performance Troupe. Sigma Tau Delta is the program's Honors Society, giving students an opportunity to become involved in service to both campus and community. WordHorde is the program's expressive organization, staging bi-weekly open-mic variety shows. The Spoken Word Troupe performs for venues in the Gunnison Valley and beyond, representing the program's creative writing emphasis.