I can’t stress this enough: an English major provides you with the critical thinking and communication skills that are seriously valued in many fields. I have heard from several of my employers that my writing and research skills, creative problem-solving ability, and capacity for observing patterns and connecting those to ‘the bigger picture’ (learned through a lot of close reading in literature classes) made me a stand-out employee. READ MORE.
Amy Mallory-Kani,BA in English, Ph.D. in English, University at Albany (SUNY),Product Communication Manager, Paperpile
Majoring in English allowed me to pursue various opportunities that ultimately wove together the unique skillset I leverage in my current role at Cisco… English classes at Penn State Altoona sharpened my critical thinking and collaboration skills, which are vital for the business world. READ MORE.
Cameron Conaway,BA in English, MFA in Creative Writing (University of Arizona), Executive MBA (University of San Francisco),Leader of growth marketing for Cisco Networking Academy; award-winning poet, business writer, and journalist; adjunct professor of digital marketing
You use communication, writing, and reading skills every day, and those who become really accomplished at writing become invaluable in today's world. READ MORE.
Lauren Everett-Hayes,BA in English, Minor in Professional Writing,Access and Collections Coordinator, L.A. Beeghly Library, Juniata College
Being forced to think critically turns into a natural reflex, much like going to the gym… And much like the gym, where you feel your strength increase with every passing month, you can feel your critical thinking skills increase with every new book you read. READ MORE.
Haldan Jacobson,BA in English and Political Science,Educational Aide, Malcolm X Elementary School, Washington, D.C.; Peace Corps Volunteer, The Gambia, West Africa (beginning 2023)
The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with constant awareness of my intended audience and overall goals for a piece—be it a cover letter, grant, or scientific manuscript—has allowed me not only to succeed in my own job but to help my colleagues and employers elevate their works as well. READ MORE.
Becca Betty,BA in English and BS in Biology,Science communication specialist, MA candidate in English Literature
I’ve developed a better understanding of other cultures, I’ve been able to teach some of the most incredible minds that (really) taught me more in return, and I've pursued my passion of trying to create a better and more equitable world. And this is just the beginning. READ MORE.
Diana Forry,BA in English,Ph.D. candidate in English Literature, Duquesne University
I wouldn't be a student going towards a Ph.D. in Creative Writing if it weren't for the English program at Penn State Altoona, which taught me how to look at my work critically, how to revise, and how to keep pushing forward. READ MORE.
Heather Myers,BA in English, minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, MFA in Poetry, certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies, West Virginia University,Current Ph.D. candidate in Creative Writing, University of North Texas
In the military, effective communication helped my subordinates to clearly understand my orders; in retail, it helped in difficult situations with customers; and in my current role I am expected to communicate with alumni, donors, and colleagues on a constant basis. READ MORE.
Joseph S. Miller,BA in English, minor in Professional Writing,Donor Relations Specialist, Development Office for the College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University Park
As an English teacher, I am tasked with helping my students develop their writing and reading skills, so having majored in English has supported my ability to excel in both areas. READ MORE
Maria Canela,BA in English, M.Ed in Education, Arcadia University,High school English literature teacher
As an inventor and a business owner, I find that drafting documents and technical writing are a major portion of my output. READ MORE.
Colin Lennox,BA in English and BS in Environmental Studies,Inventor, Ecologist, CEO
My work as a peer tutor [in the Penn State Altoona Writing Commons] is constantly used in my job. READ MORE.
Julia Fessenden,BA in English (Schreyer Honors Scholar), minor in history,Instructional assistant for third and fourth grade
My favorite experience in the English program was the study abroad trip to London.... It was my first real travel experience in a foreign country, and it laid the foundation for a love of travel that is still one of the most important parts of my life. READ MORE.
Christopher Paul Brown,BA in English, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Penn State,English teacher, Bishop Guilfoyle High School, adjunct instructor of English, Penn State Altoona
My degree in English has helped me to foster relationships with colleagues and communicate well interpersonally ... The English and writing faculty at Penn State Altoona care about you. READ MORE.
Christina Seymour,BA in English, MFA in Creative Writing, West Virginia University,Assistant Professor in Writing Communication, Maryville College
The ability to understand, retain, and utilize information gained in novel ways has often marked me as a leader in my field and has opened additional opportunities. READ MORE.
Joseph Patton,BA in English,Sales, Verizon Consumer Group
I continue to use the writing skills I developed every day of my life, and now I am passing those skills on to my children in their home education classes. READ MORE.
Elizabeth Ebersole,BA in English,Homeschool parent
The English Program publishes English E-News, a weekly email newsletter distributed each Tuesday during the academic year. If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please email English Program Coordinator Jeffery Stoyanoff at [email protected].
Suggested Academic Plan
Suggested Academic Plans are eight-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements.
An audio blog by Professor Todd Davis focussing on his ecological observations and experiences in the forests and on the streams of central Pennsylvania
