Department of English

Welcome

So, you have a way with words. Iowa State University’s Department of English will help you connect your interests in writing, literature, and language to meaningful careers. Our graduates work in education, communications, business, technology, law, and many other fields.

From technical writing internships to studying Irish poets abroad, you’ll learn by doing. Find support from distinguished faculty renowned for their research and creative activity. We offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Your major, your way

Enjoy the flexibility of pursuing your degree while focusing on your own particular area of interest. Whether you choose creative writing, literature, linguistics, teaching of English, technical communication, or more — we will help design a degree program that fits you and your future career.

Explore majors

Creative activity and research

Department faculty members are active in research, writing, and collaborations. Graduate and undergraduate students have opportunities to work with and learn from some of the most well-respected authorities in their field.

Volker Hegelheimer (Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University)

From the department chair

The Department of English community encourages a climate of acceptance and understanding for the variety of lived experiences among our students, faculty, and staff. We respect that these experiences come in many forms, including, but not limited to, neurodiversity, ethnic and racial heritage, gender and gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic standing, veteran status, and physical and mental ability. We value the participation of diverse individuals in debate and decision-making in our department and recognize the power of language both to enable oppression and to effect positive, systemic change. We strive to use that power to create an inclusive, equitable environment. A commitment to including all voices in discussions that impact the lives of community members can ensure that we are a vibrant, relevant, and evolving department that endeavors to challenge outdated assumptions and systemic inequities to revitalize our field and our institution.