English Department

English at Davidson

Create. Critique. Communicate. Studying English prepares you for careers ranging from education and journalism to healthcare, law, consulting, marketing, publishing, and web design. English majors land jobs with software companies, startup ventures, and the entertainment industry. Whether editors or entrepreneurs, teachers or tech innovators, Davidson alums are applying their English majors all over the world.

Read. Write. Repeat. The English major offers in-depth study of English language and literature broadly defined. Analyze and create stories that give meaning, shape, and significance to experience. Work across genres and media, including fiction, poetry, drama, film, TV, video, performance, nonfiction, documentaries, and emerging digital forms.

Empathize. Interact. Explore. Discover new worlds, both real and imagined. Encounter differences and similarities across time, space, identity, and culture.

Studying English at Davidson

The study of English has expanded beyond the traditional literary canon. Studying English involves reading and analyzing texts, as well as creating them—and develops the skills that employers want most.

Man at computer holding a book while at work

Top 3 Myths About the English Major

The skills you develop in English classes—critical thinking, analytical reasoning, clear writing, empathy, and inclusive thinking—are valued in the workplace and vital to social justice and civil discourse.

Student at the Colson Whitehead presentation

Internships & Careers

Recent graduates have pursued careers in law, medicine, publishing, teaching, mass communications, technology, government service, public relations, film and the fragrance industry.

Literary Calendar

The English Department annually presents 8 to 10 writers, often winners of Pulitzer Prizes, MacArthur "genius grants," National Book Awards and various other honors.

The first event of Fall 2023 will be Davidson Reads featuring Lauren Yero ’07 and Jeff Jackson.

Literary Calendar

English Department News

Eliz Kirkland Sickles ’88 and Sarah C.B. Guthrie ’90

College as Muse: Alum’s Painting Captures the Joy of Community

The strength of community at Davidson College inspired one alum to capture the joy she felt as a part of that community in a work of art. That piece now graces the walls of the E.H. Little Library, thanks to alum Eliz Kirkland Sickles. Learn more.