Find It Fast Panel

Upcoming Events

Admissions FAQ's

English

Dr. Becky Steinberger

5 Year

International B.A. to M.A. Option


Career Preparation


Small Class Sizes

Drs. Hamilton & Steinberger Podcasts on The Academic Minute

The Academic Minute Misericordia University Week Podcasts

 

What do superheroes show us about ourselves? 

This is the question that Dr. Patrick Hamilton, professor and chair of English, explored during his 2 1/2 minute podcast on The Academic Minute. Within the podcast entitled "The Secret History of Race and Comics" which draws on the book he and Dr. Allan Austin of MU's History & Government department co-wrote, Dr. Hamilton looked at popular culture through Superhero stories.

Click here to listen

Art that looks at the past can also inform the future

In her podcast entitled, "Reading Matt Hartley’s Eyam in Quarantine", Dr. Rebecca Steinberger, professor of English, compares Hartley's drama to the current COVID-19 pandemic, making a case for our actions today. Hartley's 2018 play explicates how the choice to self-isolate during the Plague's arrival in the English village of Eyam in 1665 resulted in stopping the spread of the plague to nearby communities.

Click here to listen

The Academic Minute features researchers from colleges and universities around the world, keeping listeners abreast of what's new and exciting in the academy and of all the ways academic research contributes to solving the world's toughest problems and to serving the public good.

The English curriculum at Misericordia University emphasizes the development of critical reading and writing skills as an essential preparation for professional life or graduate school. In addition, the study of literature offers the most enjoyable approach to the study of human nature, ideas, and age-old human situations and dilemmas.

Graduates from the English Department pursue a wide range of careers, including teaching (at both the secondary and college level), law, newspaper and magazine editing, web design/development, public relations, advertising, news reporting and writing, publishing, creative writing, technical writing, and script writing for media.

Lap Around the Track with Dr. Becky

Shakespeare Bust

Key Benefits

 

See what it is like as an English major ...
Be sure to check out this interview featuring current English major, Leah Brown

  • An emphasis on writing in all courses that prepares students for the job market or graduate school, and gives them an advantage in almost any field they may choose to enter.
  • A multi-disciplinary approach that links the study of literature to related fields, such as theatre, film and other media, philosophy, history, and art.
  • The BA to MA in English program with the University of Reading in the UK, which allows students to complete their BA and MA degrees in five years.
  • A secondary education certification that prepares students to teach English at the junior high/high school level, and a 100% pass rate on the National Teacher Exam.
  • A Writing Track for students interested in professional or creative writing, combined with practical experience through internships with local media outlets.
  • A highly qualified and accessible faculty, with PhDs from Columbia University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the University of Colorado, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
  • Small class sizes in upper-level courses (capped at 15), run as seminars. Students get individual attention, both in classes and in advising on career opportunities.

Alumni Podcast with Kaitlin Hall '17

Kaitlin Hall

Listen to a podcast with Misericordia English alum, Kaitlin Hall '17, and hear how her English/Pre-Law degree helped her in her career

Student Testimonials

Community Realized

Mary Pat Blaskiewicz '19

Mary Pat Blaskiewicz '19

It has been a privilege to work with the English professors in a variety of settings – from classroom activities to Sigma Tau Delta events to summer Literature Camp, to name a few – and I am grateful for the ever-present support, encouragement, and guidance they continue to offer.

Kristen Capitano '19

Kristen Capitano '19

From presenting at the International Hemingway Conference in Paris to conducting independent research, our English professors continuously motivate me and support me in all of my endeavors, and I feel well prepared to attend graduate school after graduating.

Madison Cardinale '19

Madison Cardinale '19

The professors are endlessly supportive and have always encouraged me to enhance my learning and experience in various ways such as provoking me to participate in academic conferences all over the world. I have also made some of the best friends I could ever imagine in the English department.

Meet a Student

Kayla Binner
Kayla Binner '21

"My time at Misericordia University as an English major did an excellent job preparing me for my current job as an editor at WebFX. In particular, the professional writing offerings gave me a strong foundation that has enabled me to excel in my occupation. My English classes under teachers such as Dr. Becky and Professor Hinton taught me critical thinking skills and how to write persuasively. Dr. Danner's professional writing classes were critical for knowing how to apply these skills in a real-life work environment. I attribute my success in getting a writing job right after graduation, and then quickly moving up through the ranks to become an editor, to these classes. I'm confident that the internships I received through Misericordia and the skills I learned through these classes helped me achieve my current position. Thank you, Misericordia!"

Kayla Binner '21
B.A. English - Professional Writing Track

Gabrielle LaManna
Gabriella LaManna '17 '20

"The English department was invaluable while pursuing both my BA in English as well as my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. The Pre-DPT/English track is one I would highly recommend as both majors pair together beautifully. While on the job hunt, my English degree was seen as a major strength to employers because they appreciated my ability to assess situations both analytically and intuitively. My English degree definitely helped me land my dream PT job."

Gabriella LaManna '17 '20
B.A. English
DPT

Taylor Rupp
Taylor Rupp '17

“Misericordia is more than a school to me, it is a home. I have made life-long connections at Misericordia, from peers to faculty. Every member of the English Department challenged me to grow, academically and as a person, while providing the encouragement I needed to succeed. Their unfailing support has gotten me through tough new experiences at a time that can be very uncertain for many people. The knowledge I gained from Misericordia allows me to be confident in myself while pursuing a master's degree in the UK, a goal that my professors helped me to achieve.”

Taylor Rupp ’17
B.A. English
Currently pursuing:
M.A. English, University of Reading, UK

Opportunities for Students

The English Department at Misericordia University provides a range of opportunities that support students' intellectual, professional, and emotional development.

Connect with the English Department

English Program & BA to MA Program Contact

Patrick Hamilton

For inquires about the English program at Misericordia University or the BA to MA program with the University of Reading, please contact Dr. Patrick Hamilton at (570) 674-8020 or