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English

Strengthen your writing, communication, research, and analytical skills through discussion-centered learning, creative exploration, and faith-informed literary study while preparing for careers in writing, publishing, education, media, law, nonprofit leadership, and communication-focused industries.

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Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in English | Bushnell University | Eugene, Oregon

The English degree at Bushnell University prepares you to become a thoughtful communicator, analytical thinker, and skilled writer equipped for a wide range of careers and graduate pathways. Through discussion-centered classes and personalized faculty mentorship, you’ll study literature, writing, language, and culture while learning how stories, ideas, and communication shape the world around us.

You’ll strengthen skills in academic, professional, and creative writing while developing expertise in research, literary interpretation, critical thinking, and audience-centered communication. Coursework explores American, British, global, and faith-informed literature within historical, cultural, and theological contexts, helping you better understand human experience, communication, and meaning.

Grounded in thoughtful inquiry and Christian understanding, Bushnell’s English program prepares you for careers in publishing, journalism, communications, education, nonprofit leadership, public relations, law, media, and content creation.


This program is designed for students who want to combine writing, communication, creativity, research, and critical thinking through meaningful literary study and discussion-centered learning.

You’ll develop professional and creative writing skills while learning how to analyze complex ideas, communicate clearly, and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives. Through literature, research, and writing-intensive coursework, you’ll build transferable skills that prepare you for careers in communication-focused industries, graduate study, and leadership roles that require strong analytical and storytelling abilities.

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Why Choose English at Bushnell?

Small classes. Deep discussions. Personal mentorship. Bushnell’s English program creates a close-knit learning environment where you’re known by name and encouraged to grow as both a writer and a thinker. Through discussion-centered classes and individualized faculty support, you’ll strengthen communication, research, analytical thinking, and writing skills that prepare you for meaningful careers and graduate study.

Literature helps us better understand people, culture, faith, and the complexities of human experience. At Bushnell, you’ll study literature within historical, cultural, and theological contexts while learning how language shapes belief, meaning, and communication. Faculty invest personally in your growth, helping you develop confidence as a writer, researcher, and communicator.

3

minor options including Creative Writing, English, and Written Communication

1

required internship and senior capstone experience designed to build professional skills and career preparation

39

credits of major coursework focused on writing, research, literature, and communication

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Internship Experience

 Real organizations. Real writing. Real career preparation.

Through supervised internships, you’ll apply classroom learning in professional environments while gaining practical experience in writing, editing, communication, publishing, research, and organizational storytelling. Recent English students have interned with book publishers, nonprofit organizations, magazines, university departments, and faculty-led research initiatives.

Internship experiences may include editing manuscripts, developing written content, supporting communication strategies, conducting research, and contributing to publishing or media projects. Guided by faculty and professional mentors, these experiences help you strengthen workplace communication skills, build professional confidence, and explore careers in publishing, media, education, nonprofit leadership, public service, and communication-focused industries.

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What You’ll Study

How the Curriculum is Structured

Bushnell’s English curriculum combines literary study, writing-intensive coursework, research practice, and communication-focused learning to help you build adaptable, career-ready skills. You’ll study literature across historical periods, cultures, and genres while strengthening your ability to write clearly, think critically, and communicate effectively.

Coursework includes literary analysis, creative writing, professional communication, advanced writing, English grammar and syntax, research methods, and faith-informed literary studies such as Christianity and Literature or The Bible as/in Literature. Through discussion-centered classes, writing workshops, internships, and a senior capstone experience, you’ll develop practical communication and storytelling skills that translate directly into professional environments.

Skills You’ll Gain

Through Bushnell’s English program, you’ll develop practical, transferable skills including:

  • Write clearly and effectively for academic, professional, and creative audiences
  • Analyze literature, media, and complex ideas through critical thinking and close reading
  • Conduct research and synthesize information from multiple sources
  • Communicate persuasively through written, verbal, and digital formats
  • Develop storytelling and audience-centered communication skills
  • Edit, revise, and strengthen written content for clarity and impact
  • Interpret cultural, historical, and theological perspectives within literature
  • Collaborate on research, writing, and communication-based projects
  • Build adaptable communication skills valued across industries and graduate programs
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Widget (Careers and Skills)

Graduates of Bushnell’s Bible and Theology program pursue meaningful ctudents who graduate from the biology program at Bushnell go on to pursue these types of careers: 

  • Research Assistant 
  • Environmental Scientist or Ecologist 
  • Forensic Scientist 
  • Microbiologist or Medical Laboratory Technician 
  • Zoologist or Biologist 
  • Nutritionist or Food Science Specialist 
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“Bushnell was a place where I could fully embrace my identity as a believer, and the English program gave me the confidence to grow both personally and academically.

Through faculty mentorship, I was encouraged and equipped to pursue goals I once thought were out of reach as a first-generation college student.”
Gabrielle Morales ‘19
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“I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, and Bushnell’s English and Creative Writing courses have helped me turn that passion into a real career path. Working one-on-one with published authors and experienced faculty has helped me strengthen my writing skills, grow creatively, and gain confidence in my future goals.”
Jessica Woods ‘24

Frequently Asked Questions?

Contact Us

Office of Admissions

Have questions about Bushnell’s English program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.

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Connie Diffenderfer
Assistant Professor of English


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Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
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