About English
The study of English language and literature is nothing less than the study of human experience and the ways in which our shared reality has been created and communicated throughout history. Courses emphasize interpretive thinking and precise written and oral expression, and the practices of reading, writing, and critical analysis. Students become adept at arguing a point, framing a narrative and analyzing various levels of meaning. English offers some of the most dynamic and versatile majors—preparing students for law school, teaching, careers in journalism, publishing, industry, the business world, and any profession where people need to read critically and communicate clearly.
English Education (7–12), B.S.
English Education (7–12), Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
Degree Information
Because an English degree helps students build important research and critical thinking skills, they are prepared for a range of careers. Our graduates are working in fields as diverse as writing, marketing, teaching, law, and television. Many English majors go on to pursue careers in law or political science, both writing-intensive options. Below are just a few job titles that English program graduates hold:
- Author
- Book Buyer/Agent
- Copywriter
- Editor
- English Teacher (K-12)
- English Professor (University)
- Grant Writer
- Insurance Report Writer
- Journalist
- Legislative Assistant
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Marketing Content Writer
- Medical Writer
- Public Relations Agent
- Publisher
- Screenwriter
- Speechwriter
- TV Reporter/Anchor
- Technical Writer
- Technology or Business Writer
- Web Content Writer
Sigma Tau Delta: Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. The Alpha Pi Chi Chapter at Buffalo State was founded in 2009 and recognizes excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service for undergraduate and graduate students.
Summer in Istanbul Program: Through this interdisciplinary study tour explores the ethnic and cultural diversity of Istanbul, Turkey, students study Turkish literature, autobiography, and memoir during a summer trip.
Elm Leaves Journal: Buffalo State's historic literary and arts journal that has been administered, edited and produced by Buffalo State students since 1948.
Tha Ink Club: This organization promotes freedom of expression, social and political awareness, through service, poetry, and spoken word, but mainly focusing on the verbal art form of poetry.
Write Your Own Future
Do you spend hours with your nose in a book? Do you have an affinity for the written word, brainstorming new ideas and creative solutions? If so, you might love Buffalo State’s English Program.
Stellar Faculty
Our faculty members have published countless books and articles in their fields, and present regularly at national and international conferences.
Small Class Size
Because most classes for English majors have about 20 students, students receive plenty of individualized attention.
Loads of Scholarships
Several scholarships are available just to Buffalo State English students.
- Dr. Charles A. Messner Scholarship ($5,000 annually)
- Professor Arthur L. Bradford Scholarship
- James J. Morris, Jr. Scholarship
- Dr. Joan D. Rosso Memorial Scholarship
- Laurence Shine Undergraduate Research Fellowship
- Bard Cappella Academic Award for Applied Literacy
- Estelle M. Engel Memorial Award
Reading opportunities
Students can show off their writing in campus event such as the Drop Hammer Student Reading Series
Student literature magazine
Student can participate in literary and arts journal that has been produced by Buffalo State students since 1948.
Minor options
Several minors complement the English major, including African-American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Theater, Legal Studies, Philosophy, and Film Studies.
"What I love about the flash fiction genre is the focus on sensory details. It's a different experience for readers; they have to fill in the gaps and learn to read in a different way. "
- Kim Chinquee
Associate Professor, English
"When you get students involved in play, they lose some of their anxiety, especially in the context of a classroom led by a literature professor.”
"I was blessed with exceptional professors who taught the great literary works from positions both analytical and creative, the importance of multiculturalism in the arts, the fundamental rules of storytelling and, later, how to break those rules to shape my own work,"
