University Catalog 2025-2026

Department of English

The Department of English offers introductory and advanced courses in writing, language, literature, and film. The first-year course required of all undergraduate students develops skills in expository writing and in analytical reading. Advanced courses in writing are available to all students and cover a variety of areas, including journalism, technical and business writing, and creative writing. These courses give students opportunities to pursue special personal and career interests, as well as to do courses in literature, linguistics, rhetoric, and film.

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts major in English with six concentration options:

  1. Creative Writing
  2. Film Studies
  3. Rhetoric and Professional Writing
  4. Linguistics
  5. Literature
  6. Teacher Education

Additionally, the Department of English administers eight different minors in American Literature; Creative Writing; English; Film Studies; Journalism; Linguistics; Rhetoric, Writing, and Professional Communication; and World Cultural Literacy.

English Honors Program

The Honors Program in English provides courses that challenge and inspire English majors to pursue their scholarly interests at an advanced level. Honors students enjoy courses in small, seminar settings, engage in independent study, develop expertise in a variety of research practices, and earn recognition for excellent work beyond ordinary requirements.

For admission, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must have completed at least three English courses above the freshman level with a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Internship Program

Internships provide the opportunity for on-the-job experience in writing, editing, graphics, and publication under expert supervision in professional settings. For more information, please visit the Internships website.

Study Abroad

English majors have the opportunity to study abroad in many foreign cities, including London, Oxford, and Prague. For more information, please visit the Study Abroad website.

Student Organizations

  • The English Club is a student-run organization that is open to all NC State students who have an interest in English.
  • Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Pi Theta, the NC State University Chapter, recognizes high scholastic achievement and offers opportunities for leadership and service.

Graduate Programs

At the graduate level, the Department of English offers three graduate degrees: a Master of Arts in English, a Master of Science in Technical Communication, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. In conjunction with the Department of Communication, the Department of English also offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media. For more information, please visit the Graduate School website.

Certificate Program

The department offers a five-course certificate program in Professional Writing, available to students not seeking a degree at NC State. The certificate offers preparation in practical writing and editing, including both journalism and technical writing.

Faculty

Department Head

  • Jason Swarts

Professors

  • Chris Anson, Distinguished University Professor
  • Barbara Bennett
  • Belle Boggs
  • Helen Burgess
  • Kirsti Cole
  • Huiling Ding
  • Robin Dodsworth
  • Marc Dudley
  • Marsha Gordon
  • Jeffrey Mielke
  • Jason Miller, Distinguished Professor
  • James Mulholland
  • Juliana Makuchi Nfah-Abbenyi, Associate Dean of Faculty & Staff Development & Success
  • Miriam Orr
  • Stacey Pigg, Director of Graduate Programs
  • Jeffrey Reaser, Director of Undergraduate Studies/Programs
  • David Rieder
  • Laura Severin
  • Erik Thomas
  • Walter Wolfram

Associate Professors

  • Zachary Beare
  • Agnes Bolonyai
  • Christopher Crosbie
  • Casie Fedukovich
  • Paul Fyfe
  • Andrew Johnston
  • Jennifer Nolan
  • Margaret Simon
  • Timothy Stinson
  • Douglas Walls
  • Rebecca Walsh

Assistant Professors

  • Meg Day
  • Chris Lindgren
  • Michelle McMullin
  • LaTanya McQueen
  • Carter Sickels
  • John Stadler
  • Justin Tackett
  • Anu Thapa

Teaching Associate Professor

  • Jim Knowles

Teaching Assistant Professors

  • Anna Gibson
  • Taylor Schey

Senior Lecturers

  • Paul Broyles
  • Daun Daemon
  • Christa Gala
  • Rebecca De Haas, RPW Advisor
  • Holly Hayes
  • Gene Melton II
  • Paul Isom
  • Koren Kessler
  • Chad Lewis
  • Wanda Lloyd
  • Catherine Mainland
  • Brooke Mulhollem
  • Thomas Phillips
  • Matthew Porter
  • Al Rodriguez
  • Caitlin Stuckey
  • Laura Waldrep

Lecturers

  • Sara Alexander
  • Alok Amatya
  • Amy Berrier, Associate Director, Graduate Student Support
  • Derwin Campbell
  • Gabrielle Carrero
  • Robin Clayton
  • Ashley Everette, Associate Director, Undergraduate Student Support
  • Melanie Graham
  • Peter Hager
  • Julia Esperanza Helo
  • Tommy Jenkins
  • Chris Kampe
  • Amy Kaufman
  • William Lawrence
  • Jen McConnel
  • Settle Monroe
  • Benjamin Murphy
  • Richard Nace
  • Ed Reges
  • Sarah Ruiz
  • Bethany Van Scooter
  • Brandon Shackelford
  • Amber Simpson
  • Elizabeth Wagner
  • Fiona Wang

Senior Research Scholar

  • Neal Hutcheson

Director

  • Jamie Larsen, Director of Professional Writing Program

Associate Director

  • Christin Phelps, Associate Director, Professional Writing Program

Assistant Director

  • Chelsea Krieg, MFA Program

Emeritus Faculty

  • Brian Blackley
  • Hans Kellner