English at Oswego | SUNY Oswego

About Us

The English program at SUNY Oswego offers a dynamic and comprehensive education designed for students passionate about literature, writing, social history, and critical analysis. With a curriculum that covers a wide range of genres, periods, and cultures, the program provides students with an in-depth understanding of literary traditions and contemporary writing practices.

The program emphasizes both the art and craft of writing, offering opportunities to study the works of great authors, participate in workshops, and contribute to student-run literary publications. Whether you’re aiming for a career in writing, publishing, education or another field, our program equips you with the critical and creative tools you need to succeed in a wide variety of progressions.

Diverse Course Offerings

English engages students with a range of topics: Afrofuturism, games and visual media, gender/sexuality theories, Latina/o/x poetics, Norse mythology, Indigenous horror stories, apartheid, colonialism, and more. Classes explore the transformations of literary form over time and across different geographies.

Check out our Spring 2025 Course Booklet

Exceptional Faculty

Our internationally recognized faculty are dedicated to students’ intellectual growth. Faculty bring their expertise into collaborative learning experiences that are intensive, supportive, playful, and analytical--training you to leverage creative critical thinking and writing to address professional and social complexity.

One City One Campus Presentation at City Hall

Collaboration and Real-World Experience

English offers real world opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom, such as the English Honors Society’s recent “One City. One Campus. One Community” project. Additionally, many courses overlap with and contribute to other majors and minors.

Our Alumni

Graduates have a world of opportunities! From management, law, and publishing to library science, data management, and other fields that value persuasive writing and socially-sensitive analysis, our alumni use their training to become essential contributors in their professions and communities.

The English program here at Oswego doesn’t treat you like a student, but rather like a scholar. Professors treat you as equals and do their best to help you evolve in your styles of argumentation.

Emily Rundle

English, Biology

For my English major, I love the variety of classes I’m offered. I’ve taken classes that range from feminist theory to Harry Potter.

Shelby Erhard

English, Adolescence Education

The professors really want you to succeed and are willing to sit down and help you figure out your plans both before and after graduation. The English and Creative Writing Department has a very approachable atmosphere.

Megan DeBolt

English, Creative Writing

Interested in learning more about our major and minor?

Major Requirements Minor Requirements