Why Choose an English Major?
English majors “connect the dots” between what’s written on the page about human interactions and the diverse geographical, social, and spiritual contexts that create cultures. Their own writing — creative and analytical — responds to what they read and observe in real time, as well as what they study about literary history, popular culture traditions, and folklore.
Earning an English degree broadens horizons and prepares students for fulfilling careers in any industry.
A Rewarding Experience at ĢAPP
If you love language and want real-world skills that’ll take you to new heights, you’ll find pursuing an English major at ĢAPP a rewarding experience.
Your love of literature, writing, and self-exploration will find full expression in ĢAPP’s English program. Our courses help you develop communication and critical thinking skills that can be applied in any career, while also enhancing your creativity, self-expression, confidence, and imagination.
A Comprehensive and Versatile Education
As an English major, you’ll become well-versed in “the best that has been thought and said” in literature while simultaneously developing:
- Self-knowledge
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical abilities
You’ll study writing and language both as an art form and as an expression of significant thought, gaining cultural knowledge and a lively appreciation for some of the greatest works in English literature.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At ĢAPP, we provide numerous opportunities to engage with your studies in meaningful ways:
- Writing Practicum: Senior students tutor their peers in our Academic Success Center through this hands-on course.
- Senior Seminar: Each year’s Senior Seminar students present papers in a mini-conference, showcasing their research and writing skills.
As part of our English program, you’ll be an active and visible member of the university community throughout your time here.
Engage Beyond the Classroom
College life isn’t just about academics. At ĢAPP, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore your extracurricular interests through clubs and societies:
- The Booklings: A club for students from all majors who enjoy reading for pleasure.
- Verbal Asylum: A student club that organizes one or two spoken-word events each year, drawing large audiences.
- Sigma Tau Delta: Eligible students may be inducted into this international English honor society, recognizing excellence in English studies.
Join Our Passionate Community
Studying English at ĢAPP is more than just earning a degree; it’s about engaging deeply with language, literature, and self-expression in a supportive and vibrant community.
Explore our English program and see how ĢAPP can help you turn your love for literature and writing into a fulfilling career and enriching university experience.
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Good to know
Potential earnings*
Up to $95,000
Career prospects*
Excellent, as English graduates are employed across a wide range of industries
Program length
4 years
Outcome
- Bachelor of Science in Education with English Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Arts in English with Preparation for Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with English Specialization
What Makes Our English Program Stand Out

Real-World History Career Opportunities
Gain hands-on experience through our Public History coursework and internships, with opportunities to work at local historical sites and a world-class museum. This prepares you for careers in history preservation, museums, archives, and more.

Engage in Regional and Global History Conferences
Connect with history professionals and students from around the world by participating in regional and international undergraduate and scholarly history conferences hosted by the program.

Active Student Clubs for Learning and Leadership
Join our History Club and Debate Team to explore local history and develop crucial skills in analysis, argumentation, and public speaking through activities, excursions, and intercollegiate competitions.
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Equipping you with core skills that are in demand in every professional field
15k+
Alumni
76
Full-time Faculty
17
Mile from NYC
100% of First Time
Full-Time Freshman Receive Financial Aid
Job Opportunities
With an English major, you’ll be a valuable employee in many industries.
These are some of the most common jobs for graduates with an English degree:
- Copywriter
- Editorial Assistant
- English Teacher (including English as a foreign language teacher)
- Lexicographer
- Journalist
- Tutor
- Copy-editor
- Proofreader
- Content Manager
- Content Writer
- Social Media Manager
What You’ll Learn
Our curriculum has core requirements in grammar, expository, and research writing, and features multiple courses in creative writing. All students study a range of literature: key writers and diverse views (British/American/World) from ancient to contemporary eras. If you choose to major in English at ĢAPP, you’ll also have the opportunity to select minors in diverse fields to complement your developing skills and special vocational interests. Our literature courses include individual and group oral presentations that combine analytical skills in reading, research, and writing. These essential skills will ready you for a variety of careers, but you may also choose an additional discipline to accompany your English program. For example, many English majors jointly pursue teacher education, with certification in childhood, childhood/early childhood, or adolescence levels. Selected English majors also get the opportunity to do an internship for the annual literary/arts magazine, Bang & Whimper.
Degree Details
The cost of attendance is an estimate of what it will cost to attend ĢAPP for an academic year.
Course structure
All ĢAPP English Majors study the following topics for 36 credits:
- American Literature
- British Literature
- World Literature
- Creative Writing
- Rhetoric and Grammar
- Folklore and Mythology
You will also take additional courses based on the program you’re enrolled in (e.g. B.A. in English students choose electives, whereas teaching students will take a series of pedagogical courses).
You might consider any of the following minors to complement your English major:
- Humanities&Բ;—&Բ;film studies, theater, fine arts, communication studies, medieval and renaissance studies, religious studies, philosophy
- Social sciences — psychology, history, gender or ethnic diversity studies
- Physical sciences — chemistry, biology, health sciences
- Business
- Bachelor of Arts in English (18 elective credits) — This flexible English program will enable you to explore the topics that interest you most. You’ll also undergo focused study of an individual author or genre and give an advanced senior seminar.
- Bachelor of Arts in English with Preparation for (Childhood or Adolescence) Education — Along with an additional teaching program, this is a fantastic choice if you’d like to teach English at the elementary or high school level. You will take a course in Literature for Children and Adolescents, deliver an advanced senior seminar, participate in a writing practicum, and choose several elective courses. Upon completion of your English major and teaching program, you will be eligible for New York State teacher certification.
- Bachelor of Science in Education with English Concentration — If you dream of being a teacher and would like to teach English to elementary school children, this is another wonderful option for you to explore, which will prepare you for a New York State certification in Childhood Education. You can learn more about our teaching programs here.
- Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with English Specialization — This specialization is designed to allow you to pursue your interest in English while you acquire broad expertise in liberal arts by majoring in humanities.
Department Staff

Robert Stauffer, Ph.D.
Office: (845) 848-4105
Location: Casey Hall 19
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Tanya Radford
Office: (845) 848-4044
Location: Casey Hall 19
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Thomas Nowak
Office: (845) 848-4007
Location: Casey Hall
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James Reitter
Office: (845) 848-4014
Location: Casey Hall 19
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