Major & Minor
Studying literature—the classics to this week’s bestseller list— expands your understanding of humanity. As you turn each page, you’ll explore the elements of craft behind compelling poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and film. Wheaton’s literature concentrations span geography, time, and topics: diversity, pop culture/media, medieval/renaissance, and colonialism/postcolonialism/global. With a keen eye for detail and equipped with myriad marketable skills, English majors fill writer, editor, content creator, project manager, analyst, research, and related roles in nearly every industry from publishing and marketing to law and healthcare. They’re also well-prepared for law school or graduate study.
97% of English majors from the past five years have found employment, attended graduate school or achieved a fellowship or service opportunity within six months of graduation *
*outcomes data is based on a knowledge rate of 79% for the classes of 2014-2018
Wheaton English majors are eligible for accelerated admission to the Masters in Gender and Cultural Studies or Masters in Children’s Literature programs at Simmons University.
The Wheaton Edge offers experiences beyond the classroom.
2020, English
Martha Van Cott Singdahlsen '57 Wheaton Fund Career Exploration Fund
Seacoast United, Epping, NH
I was able to practice the promotional social media skills I’ve learned while taking classes for my concentration in contemporary culture and new media. I was also able to apply my journalism minor by interviewing families and writing an article for Seacoast United’s website.
2020, English
Esther Newberg '63 Wheaton Fund Stipend for Experiential Learning
Blydyn Square Books, Kenilworth, NJ
I learned that I want to work in publishing.
2020, English
The Cronin Family Career Exploration Fund
Wheaton College Athletic Communications, Norton, MA
My experience this summer taught me that I enjoy graphic design and marketing, and that it is something I’m interested in pursuing post-grad.
2021, Neuroscience, English (minor)
Caroline C. Edwards '70 Current Use Internship Fund
Healey Lab, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA
This experience provided an introduction to the career I hope to have in the field of neuroscience research. The skills I gained will allow me to move forward, not only in my academic work but also in my professional work outside of the classroom.
2021, English, Chemistry (minor)
Lauren Davis '04 Internship
Beverly Bootstraps, Beverly, MA
I feel so inspired to help my community and promote change after this summer. I hope to inspire others with my writing.
2020, English
The Cronin Family Career Exploration Fund
Wheaton College Lexomics Research Group, Norton, MA
During my internship I learned how to use modern technology to further analyze literature. I also gained insight into how scholars make new discoveries and points of interest in even the oldest pieces of literature.
This PSA was the final project for Writing in Professional Contexts. It explains the environmental hazards of parabens.
Beverly “Bev” Clark, 72, a longtime professor of English at Wheaton, passed away on March 18. Professor Clark taught at Wheaton for 44 years and…
A summer project exploring Black American identity and representation in YA literature and the news.
