Earn your English degree at Portland State University and prepare for careers in writing, publishing, teaching, media, law, and beyond. PSU’s program combines literary studies, creative and technical writing, and hands-on publishing experience. With small classes, faculty mentorship, and access to Portland’s creative community, you’ll graduate with versatile skills for today’s career landscape.
Turn your passion for writing, literature and communication into a versatile, career-ready degree in the English program at PSU. You’ll gain critical thinking skills, hands-on experience and professional connections that open doors to publishing, teaching, media, law and beyond.
Our curriculum lets you customize your studies as you explore the vast field of writing, publishing and literature. You’ll take innovative courses and diverse electives, including literary studies, film and digital media analysis, publishing, creative writing and technical writing.
While following your interests, you’ll learn to write and communicate effectively, analyze complex material and work both independently and collaboratively — skills that matter to future employers. You can also gain hands-on experience through internships that will grow your network and positively impact your community.
Discover Writing, Literature and Publishing in a Creative Community
Portland, Oregon is well-known as a hub for writers and creatives. PSU’s English program builds on that reputation by creating an environment for aspiring writers and creatives to grow.
Gain Real-World Experience: Internships, Publishing and Literary Engagement
At PSU, you can hone your writing and editing skills in our in-house literary magazine and award-winning student-run press. You can also leverage city connections to find internships and jobs in Portland’s creative community.
Personalized English Degree Pathways
Our flexible curriculum provides the unique opportunity to study the entire life cycle of writing and literature studies, from literary interpretation to creative writing to professional and technical writing to comics and digital media to editing and publishing. You’ll have the autonomy to personalize your program to match your skills and interests.
Customize Your Bachelor’s in English: BA, BS and Accelerated Master’s Options
Qualified undergraduates can enter an accelerated Bachelor’s + Master’s program that leads to a BA/MA in English. Students who want to put greater emphasis on math and the sciences can pursue a B.S. in English.
Expert Faculty, Personalized Advising and Student Support
Our program offers small class sizes and dedicated student support services. Our undergraduate faculty advisor works with students on academic planning. Faculty mentors help students make plans for graduation and beyond.
Our program prepares graduates for meaningful work in fields that value communication and critical thinking skills such as teaching, writing, editing, marketing, law and business, public policy and nonprofits. Plus, PSU’s University Career Center can help prepare you to get your first job after graduation.
What Can You Do with an English Degree?
Graduates from our program pursue careers in:
- Arts and Media: Curators, video producers and digital content creators
- Education: Teachers, librarians and academic professionals
- Law and Public Policy: Lawyers and community organizers
- Healthcare and Administration: Healthcare administrators and public health communicators
- Technology: Web developers and UX/UI specialists
- Urban Planning and Development: Urban planners and policy analysts
- Writing and Publishing: Creative writers, editors and copywriters
Top Employers Hiring PSU English Graduates
Our graduates work in Portland and beyond with organizations such as:
- Local school districts
- Local colleges and universities
- Reputable publishing houses, including:
- Dark Horse Comics
- Simon & Schuster
- Penguin Books
- Tin House
Unlock Graduate School Opportunities with a PSU English Degree
Many students go on to enroll in PSU’s graduate programs in:
- Book publishing
- Creative writing
- English
- Professional writing
- Teacher education
- Technical writing
Our graduates have also joined highly competitive graduate programs at prestigious universities and attained professional degrees in law, medicine and library science.
Take the Next Step: Start Your English Journey at PSU
Creative individuals who love to read, write and discuss books, culture and art will find a home in PSU’s English program, where they can combine their passions with practical communication skills that lead to fulfilling careers. Apply today.