English Literature and Writing Degrees at Aquinas College
Explore English at Aquinas
From classical to contemporary works, all literature is a cultural conversation—and it’s YOUR time to contribute a verse! As a Saint in the Aquinas English department, you will join a passionate community committed to your growth as a writer, scholar, and individual. Because an English degree is about more than practicing how to turn a phrase.
You will have opportunities to meet established authors; publish both creative and academic work; explore British, American, and World literary traditions; effectively articulate yourself verbally and in writing; and — when you graduate — be able to translate your critical and analytical thinking skills in any field or graduate program. The next chapter of your life is just waiting to be inked.
What English Degrees Can You Earn at Aquinas?
Real World Publishing Experience
The English Department serves the students, campus, and community through the study of literature, writing, language, and theory. The Department prepares students for graduate programs and for careers in fields such as teaching, journalism, advertising, public relations, law, business, library science, professional writing, and editing for publications.
We hope to provide students with a broad knowledge of the history and development of literature in English, as well as to develop their reading, writing, speaking, critical and analytical skills to prepare them for graduate studies and careers. We also hope to instill in students an appreciation for literature as a means of understanding human experience.
- Students will have a broad and a detailed knowledge of the British, American, and World literary traditions.
- Students will have a facility with language that will enable them to express themselves effectively in persuasive, creative, and analytical modes of writing and speaking.
- Students will have an ability in critical and analytical thinking that will transfer to competency in a variety of professional careers.
- Students will have an ability to articulate an appreciation of literature as an art form, and its value for promoting personal growth, professional expertise, and social justice.
- Students will have a commitment to lifelong literary appreciation dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.
Contemporary Writers Series
Each year, the Contemporary Writers Series brings celebrated writers conduct workshops on campus, including Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney; author of The English Patient Michael Ondaatje; recipient of the National Book Award Jaimy Gordon; and popular performance poet Sarah Kay.
Alpha Chi Iota
ACI serves as Aquinas College’s Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta national English honors society and seeks to uphold its mission to “confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature,” to “foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language and writing,” to “exhibit high stands of academic excellence,” and to “serve society by fostering literacy.”
The Saint
The student-run newspaper at Aquinas College is called The Saint.," and it offers opportunities to write, edit, and shoot photos.
The Sampler
The SAMPLER is Aquinas College's annual art and literary magazine featuring curated poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, scripts, and artwork
Student Research
Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.Read More about Student Research
Library Art Gallery
Not only do faculty and students consult on their written work in this space, but our annual reading of the Top Ten poems from the student literary magazine, The Sampler, occurs here each April during National Poetry Month.Read More about the library gallery
Aq English Graduates say it Best
My time at Aquinas has changed me immensely. Over my four years here, the people and experiences on and off campus have pushed me to become a better student, a better friend, and a better person.
Grace Wilson - Class of 2025
Being an AQ Saint is truly exceptional because the unwavering support never ends. At Aquinas, everyone shares the common goal of achieving greatness, and you'll never feel alone on that journey.
Grace Maguire - Class of 2024
My experience at Aquinas has allowed me to create connections and develop skills that I will carry with me throughout my career. Aquinas didn't bring out traits in me that I did not already possess; rather, it allowed me to utilize these traits and paint an even better picture of myself.
Jama Jama - Class of 2024
I liked that Aquinas had a religious focus and was far enough from home to give me a sense of independence, but not too far from my family.
Emily Jones - Class of 2023
I liked that Aquinas had a religious focus and was far enough from home to give me a sense of independence, but not too far from my family.
Leah Ash - Class of 2023
Where Do Aquinas English Graduates Find Careers?
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Common Career Paths
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To learn more about careers, make an appointment with the AQ Advantage Center.
Occupational Employment and Wages - May 2023
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Writers and Authors:
| Employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| 49,450 | $42.11 | $87,590 |
Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $19.67 | $25.32 | $35.43 | $48.55 | $71.27 |
| Annual Wage | $40,900 | $52,660 | $73,690 | $100,990 | $148,240 |
For more information see: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Graduate School
We have collected resources to help you create an effective graduate school application.
Alumni Profiles
AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.
NEws from the English Department
Finding Her Hive: How Anna Bee Built Community at Aquinas
Anna is a widely beloved member of the Aquinas community, and she is every bit as kind as she is diligent. Her story at Aquinas is one of thoughtfulness and heart, traits that run through every chapter of her story, shaping her into the person she is today.
Alumni Spotlight: Anna Skog
Anna Skog ’21, who dual-majored in English Writing and Communication, has graciously shared her success story in becoming a Digital Content Producer for WOOD TV8.
Student Symposium Creates a Space for Significant Contributions to Academia
Aquinas College recently held the 2024 Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Symposium, a twice-annual event that showcases the quality and diversity of AQ's research.
Honoring Aquinas College’s Newest Emerita Faculty
Aquinas College proudly conferred emerita status on three distinguished faculty members: Professor Barbara McCargar, Professor Jennifer Dawson and Professor Michelle DeRose.
Celebrating 50 Years in Tully Cross: Writing and Visual Art from Ireland Study Abroad Program
For fifty years, Aquinas students and faculty have traveled a small Irish village called Tully Cross. Students, faculty and alumni took on the task of combining a selection of works written and created there into the book Where We Left Our Last Few Words: 50 Years in Tully Cross.