Explore literature with an English minor

You can develop communication and creative skills and work with American, British and world literature with an English minor from Carlow University. You will develop critical thinking and analytical skills highly sought by employers, and refine your writing skills.

You can adapt your learning experience to suit your academic and professional goals. Possible professions include law, teaching and professional writing.

You will be encouraged to engage with literature that intrigues you, including crime fiction, literature in translation and environmental justice literature.

English minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits in English is required.

Required Courses

  • Chaucer
  • Introduction to Linguistics
  • Shakespeare

Learn to read critically, think clearly, communicate effectively and write persuasively

As an English major, you will build an understanding of British, American and world literature, significant writers, and writing strategies. You can also focus on areas of interest through electives that can lead to a minor or double major.

You will develop effective communication, critical reading and thinking skills and learn advanced analytical research methods, preparing for a variety of professions that rely on those skills such as law, teaching and professional writing.

You can gain publication and presentation experience through Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, as well as editorial experience with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts, and the Carlow University newspaper.  

A Carlow students sits at her desk with her laptop. Her hands are folded and she is smiling at the camera.
Degree:

Bachelor of Art

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

English degree curriculum

The English major curriculum focuses on timeless literary works and writers who address today’s major issues. Course options include Peace/Justice Themes in American Literature, Shakespeare in the 21st Century,  Literature in Translation, Myths and Monsters, and Visions of Social Change. Other courses cover genres such as the American novel, Romantic or Early Modern women writers, and contemporary issues in poetry, drama and prose by modern British authors. A Writing for Social Media internship is also available.

Quick facts

  • Establish a strong foundation in British, American and world literature
  • Develop practical skills that are highly sought after in professional environments
  • Gain valuable professional experience through publication or conference participation, editorial opportunities and internships  
pretty female college student sitting in a classroom full of students during class (shallow DOF; color toned image)
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Understand literature in an online world

English and Liberal Studies double major Caitlin McDonough ’21 is grateful for the attention students receive from faculty in the English program. “I experienced the timelessness of literature through new perspectives, and I learned how to grow and market my writing skills for an increasingly online world.” 

Alternate degree completion option

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for English majors

Employers seek candidates with critical and creative thinking skills; this provides English majors unique opportunities beyond their field of study, including public relations and social media management. Many English graduates use their writing skills in business or nonprofit settings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for public relations specialists is expected to increase 7% over the next 10 years.


Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Experience a well-rounded education

English major Madeline Longmore ’22 said Carlow has exceeded her expectations since the moment she enrolled. “The small community has allowed me to be seen as a person instead of another number in a large lecture hall. The English literature program has exposed me to a wide range of artists and historical perspectives. The English professors have made diversity and intersectionality a basis for all their curriculum. I have learned more than literature; I have experienced bodies of work that connect our past to our present.”

Madeline Longmore English student testimonial
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

English faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Fine tune your writing skills with a minor in Creative Writing

You will develop your creative and critical thinking skills and learn how to tell a good story with a minor in Creative Writing from Carlow University. You can adapt your learning experience to fit your academic and professional interests and cultivate your writer’s voice in workshop settings.

You will learn practical skills, such as editing and graphic design, that translate well to a variety of fields where clear communication is essential. You can focus on poetry, creative nonfiction or fiction and develop an understanding of story, narrative structure and the elements of language. You will explore great literary works and deepen your relationship with these texts through discussion and critical examination.

Creative writing minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major, requires 18 credits and can be designed to suit your academic needs.

Required Courses

  • Introduction to Creative Writing
  • Poetry I: Finding Your Voice
  • Fiction I: Character, Setting, and Plot
  • Creative Nonfiction: Description, Narration, and Dialogue 

Write and inspire with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing

You can build on your creative skills and refine your writing technique with Carlow’s Creative Writing major. You will explore the works of great writers while deepening your relationship with these texts through critical examination. 

You can workshop creative pieces with peers as well as working writers, and develop your ability to understand creative concepts like context, image and voice.

You can gain experience in editing, graphic design and other practical skills by working with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts. Opportunities such as the Madwomen in the Attic writing workshops and annual anthology and the Red Dog Reading Series can help you hone public reading, critique and editing skills.

A Carlow student listens on his headphones as he works on his laptop.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Creative writing degree curriculum 

In introductory and special topics courses, you will study poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, and learn how to critique work in a workshop setting. You can study sound, rhythm and line in poetry studies; learn the essentials of a good story while studying fiction; and focus on narration, description and dialogue if your interest is creative nonfiction.

Other courses include world literature and language.

Quick facts

  • Concentrate on poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction
  • Cultivate your writer’s voice
  • Intern with “The Critical Point” and the Red Dog Reading Series
A female creative writing student stands in a well-lit hallway.
Spirit Ambassador Carly Hapach (Class of ’23 biology/perfusion technology) outside the University Commons, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Alternate degree completion options

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for Creative Writing majors

With a background in creative writing, challenging and rewarding career opportunities abound, such as becoming a copywriter, working in publishing or advertising, or freelance as an editor or writer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for technical writers is slated to grow 7% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the expansion of scientific and technical products, as well as a need for web-based product support.


Creative writing major publishes first novel

Malcolm Randall, a junior creative writing major and forward on the basketball team at Carlow University, fulfilled that goal in the fall of 2021. On Oct. 16, his first novel, titled “Sheriff Sebastian Part 1: The Boy,” was published and available for sale on Amazon.

Read his story

▸ Watch his story on WTAE-Pittsburgh

Malcolm Randall, wearing a white sweatshirt and grey pants, sits next to a basketball court holding his new novel.
Malcom Randall, a junior creative writing major, and basketball player, who published his first young adult novel “Sheriff Sebastian,” in St. Joe’s Gym, Monday, January 24, 2022. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

KJ Miller, Creative Writing graduate
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Creative writing major says connections make program unique

Creative writing major KJ Miller ’21 said Carlow’s program is unique because of the connections students make. “Each professor in the program creates a knowledgeable and familiar environment, so that you are always learning how to perfect your craft as well as be comfortable sharing your own work. You gain mentorship on a new level – not only do they want to advise you, but they want to see you succeed while giving you all of the tools you need to do so.”

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Creative Writing faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Learn to tell engaging stories with a digital storytelling degree

No matter your academic background, the ability to tell a good story across a variety of formats is essential. In the Digital Storytelling minor program, you will learn journalistic and documentary approaches to storytelling, information-gathering skills such as interviewing and research, and production of audio and visual media.

You can discuss what you are most passionate about by creating digital content such as videos, podcasts and feature stories. With the school-wide emphasis on social justice, Carlow University encourages stories that shine light on marginalized groups and individuals. 

Digital storytelling curriculum 

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required.

Required Courses

  • Introduction to Media & Society
  • Writing for Media
  • Media Criticism
  • Digital Storytelling
  • 2 media production courses

Grow your skills in organizational communications

You will set yourself up for career success and master highly sought-after skills in business management with a corporate communications degree from Carlow University.

In the Organizational Management degree program, you will learn corporate principles of strategic planning and interpersonal skills, organizational communication and media relations in a corporate setting.

With a unique combination of courses from Carlow’s communication and business management programs, you will gain hands-on learning experiences and cultivate valuable leadership skills.

A Carlow students smiles at the camera during class. She is surrounded by other classmates.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus or online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Corporate communications degree curriculum 

The Organizational Management degree curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach, offering courses from both the communication and business management programs. You can adapt your learning experience to suit your interests while cultivating career-ready knowledge and leadership skills through courses in interpersonal communication and corporate principles of strategic planning.

Quick facts

  • Acquire a wide range of skills and the ability to adapt to fast-paced environments
  •  Tailor your learning experience to your specific interests
  •  Benefit from a 99% job placement rate

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree 

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for PR and corporate communications

Program graduates have a 99% job placement rate. Students go on to work for private and public companies, health care organizations, nonprofits and government agencies. Career opportunities include human services, marketing communications, event planning, philanthropy and public relations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, employment for public relations managers is slated to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, faster than average. These professionals are essential for organizations’ maintenance of public image.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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3 Keys To Mastering Storytelling In Marketing Communications

3 keys to mastering storytelling in marketing communications Tell a good story—one that somehow defines your values—the essence of who you are, and why others should care—and you’ll capture the hearts and loyalty of customers…

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#2
FROM OUR BLOG
How Digital Media Has Changed Communications

Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.

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Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
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Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Understand the power of media with a Bachelor’s in Communication Digital Media degree

From marketing to grassroots social movements, a well-crafted message is key. With a Digital Media degree from Carlow University, you will learn the art of strategic messaging and its place in the big picture.

You will learn to develop and critique messages and hone the skills needed for written, oral and digital communication, as well as gain experience in marketing, social media and public relations. 

With an emphasis on social justice, the Digital Media degree builds a strong foundation in strategic communication for advocacy, boosting the well-being of marginalized groups. You will learn how to develop digital stories about critical issues, including gender and racial equity, immigration, and public health.

A Carlow student listens on his headphones as he works on his laptop.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Media studies major curriculum 

You will master the elements and software of digital media to deliver your message clearly, concisely and widely through courses such as Digital Storytelling, Mass Media Society and Communication Ethics.

With an emphasis on social justice, the Digital Media degree provides the opportunity to engage with interest-specific coursework and extracurricular activities. 

Additional hands-on experience is available on campus. Through the Youth Media Advocacy Project, you can work with middle and high school students to develop communication advocacy campaigns. You can also get involved with “The Carlow Chronicle,” a student-run newspaper, and its sister podcast, as well as a webcast. 

Quick facts

  • Develop and employ strategic communication for advocacy
  • Grow your understanding of critical issues such as gender, race and class
  • Explore digital media and what it takes to create a digital message
  • Refine your communication skills in the Youth Media Advocacy Project or the student-run newspaper

Alternate degree completion options

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for Digital Media 

Armed with a digital media degree, you’ll find a wide range of career opportunities, including advertising, public relations, and sports and other media.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, though employment for writers and authors is expected to decline 2% from 2019 to 2029, employment for public relations managers is expected to grow 9%.

Admission requirements and application process 

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

Anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

2021 Carlow Laureate Chanessa Schuler.

Find your voice.

Carlow Young Laureate Chanessa Schuler appreciated how the university’s Youth Media Advocacy Projects helped her reach a fulfilling career in media. “What I learned about Carlow is that it is very much connected to the outside community. I appreciated that the school saw me for who I was and not just as a student, that I was part of a larger institution and that I mattered.”

Read Chanessa’s story

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FROM OUR BLOG
3 Keys To Mastering Storytelling In Marketing Communications

3 keys to mastering storytelling in marketing communications Tell a good story—one that somehow defines your values—the essence of who you are, and why others should care—and you’ll capture the hearts and loyalty of customers…

#1
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
How Digital Media Has Changed Communications

Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
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Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Communication while focusing on your social change interests

You have seen the world change so much in such a short amount of time: climate change, human rights violations and wealth inequality, to name a few. You feel the need to help. With our social change degree, you can explore critical social justice issues and learn the communication skills necessary for social advocacy work. 

This communication degree can be tailored to your specific interests in social justice, positioning you to make a difference and create change at the local, state and federal levels.

A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Social advocacy curriculum

The social advocacy curriculum includes in-person and online courses. In addition to your communication courses, political science and social work courses are included in the curriculum to help you develop your understanding of how communication relates to social policy and advocacy. You will have the opportunity to focus your social change degree on specific interest areas including poverty, education equality and health care. 

With access to Carlow’s Hopkins Communication Lab, you will gain critical learning experiences, develop and practice professional presentations, and perform research. 

Hands-on experience includes the Youth Media Advocacy Project, an organization that empowers middle and high school students in the community to develop communication advocacy campaigns.

Quick facts

  • Courses offered in-person and online for a hybrid model
  • Focus on your social justice interests
  • Access to our communications lab
  • Hands-on experience with the Youth Media Advocacy Project
Communications students work together with documents at a table.
Edward Scott, left, (Class of ’22, respiratory care) and Choomia Darwin (Class of ’22, respiratory care) study for a final exam at the A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology, Monday, December 9, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University), 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Career opportunities for communications

Students with a communications degree can work in an array of media and communication occupations such as a public relations specialist, a reporter or specialized areas of communications outreach for an organization.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communications occupations is projected to grow four percent from 2019 to 2029. The public relations specialists job market is expected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is largely driven by organizations’ need to develop their public image.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admission.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

#1
FROM OUR BLOG
3 Keys To Mastering Storytelling In Marketing Communications

3 keys to mastering storytelling in marketing communications Tell a good story—one that somehow defines your values—the essence of who you are, and why others should care—and you’ll capture the hearts and loyalty of customers…

#1
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
How Digital Media Has Changed Communications

Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
next arrow

Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Minor in communication

One skill set, highly sought by employers, crosses all academic disciplines at Carlow University: communication. The Communication minor program of studies will teach you how to build and maintain relationships across diverse cultures and groups, and cultivate leadership and team-building skills.

The Communication minor is ideal for students interested in counseling, health professions, business and other fields where interpersonal communication is essential. With an emphasis on working with others, courses will help you build written and digital communication skills.

Communication minor curriculum

The Communication minor can be customized to your interests and needs, and is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required (6 credits must be 200 level or higher; 9 credits must be completed at Carlow University). 

Required Courses

  • Interpersonal/Relational Seminar
  • Persuasion
  • 4 communication elective courses

Prepare for a dynamic field with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree

Be the voice of change for a community, help market a business or product, or become a business leader with a communications degree from Carlow University. You’ll develop the tools you need to communicate effectively through oral, written and multimedia outlets. Gain practical, real-world experiences by collaborating with Carlow multimedia artists, writing for our student-run newspaper or announcing Carlow Celtic sporting events. If you have a specific focus in mind we offer tracks, including organizational management, advocacy and social change, and digital media.

As a communication major, you have the opportunity to not only reach your audience but your personal goals, too. Our Communication alumni remain connected to the program as a strong professional network for any communication graduate.

Quick facts

  • Develop skills valued by employers
  • Specialize your studies with program-specific tracks (organizational management, advocacy and social justice, digital media)
  • Get hands-on experience with the student-run newspaper and the sports radio program
Professor Michael Balmert teaches a communications ethics, Wednesday, January 29, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Communication degree curriculum

Classroom and real-world practice help you hone problem-solving, team-building and critical thinking skills, all highly sought after by employers. In the Hopkins Communication Lab, you can practice professional presentations and perform research. Student tutors can help you master your public speaking skills.

10:1

student to faculty ratio

Choose a communication track that is right for you

As a communication major you can choose the general track or specialize your studies to better fit your career goals. In each track, you will access hands-on learning opportunities, such as developing your news writing and research skills by working with “The Carlow Chronicle,” a student-run newspaper, and polishing your broadcasting skills with “Carlow Sports Talk.”

Advocacy and Social Justice

Focus on communication and social justice preparing you to make a difference and create change at the local, state, and federal levels

Digital Media

Concentrate on crafting messages across multiple platforms, like social media and gain experience in marketing and public relations

Organizational Management

Focus on business communications, including media relations and the principles of strategic planning

Liberal Arts advantage

As a Carlow University student, you have the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded liberal arts education full of career-readiness pathways including our honors program, internships, service-learning, study abroad and research.

Carlow Compass logo

The Carlow Compass is our general education curriculum that allows you to develop your knowledge and skills as you discover what you want to study or pursue as a career.

Learn more about the curriculum

Career opportunities for communications

Career opportunities for communication majors are projected to increase 4%* as organizations in every industry continually need communication professionals to create, edit and deliver information through multiple platforms.

  • Work in the arts, entertainment, sports, business and government industries
  • Hold job titles like content creator, announcer, editor, translator, reporter, journalist or author

We help you get to where you want to be
Our Office of Career Development offers one-on-one services including job search help and internship programs.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Find the right mix.

Haley Chiusano ’22, a communication major, was very impressed with the helpful atmosphere at Carlow. “I have learned so much (at Carlow). The professors are so knowledgeable and the coursework is very fair. It pushes me to be a good student, while also allowing me to have time for other things such as volleyball and my job.”

Alternate degree completion options

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

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Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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