Academic Programs

fact sheet

What You'll Be Doing

Student reviews writing with her professor Gannon University believes in the many possible paths communicators can travel. Whether you are interested in writing, the arts, literature, law, business, or education, Gannon’s English program can help you achieve your dreams. As an English major, you will gain a foundation of research and critical thinking skills to help you build sound judgment and creative thinking, which can be used to accomplish unique goals, educate the next generation, manage businesses, record history and inspire communities.

Your study of literature will give you a richer understanding of human relationships and cultures that can be applied in all careers and will give you a competitive edge in a variety of industries. Possible career choices for English graduates include: investigative reporter, lawyer, publisher, editor, teacher, banker, technical writer, public relations executive, human resources manager, magazine writer and more. Salaries vary greatly depending on specific career choice.

 

Secondary Education Certificate

Secondary certification is a two-track program and qualifies graduates to teach English in seventh through twelfth grades. Students complete required courses for the English major as well as the following secondary professional education courses.

Education Curriculum
Assessment and Evaluation
Secondary Education Practicum I
Secondary Education Practicum II
Secondary Education Practicum III
Instructional Management of Exceptionalities III:
Middle and High School Level
Foundations of Math I**
Foundations of Math II**
Psychology of Learning and Teaching
Instructional Technology
Foundations of Teaching
Reading Strategies for Secondary Teachers
Methods and Materials of Teaching
Professional Seminar
Student Teaching
**Other college-level math courses may be substituted.

 

College Connections

English faculty pursue numerous research and creative writing activities, publish their work in scholarly journals, and present papers at professional conferences. They are also active in national, regional and local professional organizations.

The English department is situated in the College of Humanities, Business and Education, where students in fields such as history, theology, philosophy, business administration and secondary education can interact.

Gannon’s English department is affiliated with the Modern Language Association, Association of the Departments of English, College Composition and Communication, National Council of Teachers of English, and the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English.

Gannon’s English program has a student to faculty ratio of 5:1.

 

The Gannon Advantage

  • Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.

  • Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.

  • On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.

  • An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.

  • Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.

  • Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.
 
Departmental Web Pages
 
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Major Facts

    • 100 percent of recently graduated Gannon English majors are either employed or enrolled in graduate studies.

    • English scholarships are available to incoming freshmen for their four years as English majors.

    • Gannon English majors contribute their writing skills to The Gannon Knight (University newspaper) and Totem (literary magazine). Both publications feature student editors and are student operated.

    • Gannon English majors have the opportunity to gain practical experience by working in the University Writing Center as writing consultants.

    • Study abroad opportunities exist for English majors at locations such as Oxford University.

    • Internships in the English major’s junior or senior year are strongly encouraged and are available in many different areas, depending on your professional interests.

    • Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, offers scholarships and sponsors coffeehouse readings for students and faculty to meet and share their creative writing in a public forum.

 
 
 

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