English
February 8, 2022 2026-01-06 21:43
I majored in English at Rocky because I love literature, stories, and writing. But little did I know my humanities education would also provide me with "real world" skills in leadership, empathy, and strategic analysis I use every day as a non-profit executive director. Now that I’m starting my fifth job and third career change since my graduation, I can see how the humanities curriculum at Rocky made it possible for me to thrive in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. And of course, the professors at Rocky are the best!
Randi Lynn Tanglen, Ph.D. ‘98
Studying English at Rocky Mountain College was one of the best things I did in my life.
I got off a bus from Massachusetts in 1965 and was immediately welcomed into the vibrant community that would teach and nurture me for the next four years.
After RMC, I became a New York lawyer and successfully fought some of the most complex and difficult international law cases ever to come before the US federal courts. I worked in New York, London and Paris. Much of my success I have to attribute to the foundation that RMC gave me in effective communication.
I have gone on to publish more than 20 books of law, economic history, poetry and historical romance. I have become a professor of law at world class universities (University of London, and Catholic University of Paris and Lille France).
Much of my life has been a long effort to learn and communicate. I can’t thank the English faculty at Rocky Mountain College enough for teaching me how to do those things well.
Dr. Edward (Ned) Swan, BA (RMC), JD (NYU), PhD (Univ. of London)
When I started school at Rocky, I undervalued an English degree. Initially, I chose this major to heighten my critical thinking skills for a greater goal— law school. Though my English degree has been paramount to my success as a law student, it gave me so much more.
My professors allowed me to study and appreciate the time and history of the world around me. They showed me how to open my eyes and ears to the diverse views of my classmates and community which has been an invaluable asset. The best part, however, was that I learned all of this through reading a lot of beautiful works of literature
Hanna M. Walter,
J.D. Candidate 2022 | Alexander Blewett III School of Law | University of Montana
I arrived at Rocky, sight unseen—from Alabama. But I thrived in this college atmosphere and developed close friendships with peers 40 years younger than me. When I graduated at age 60, I finally left behind a too-long nursing career to be a writer.
On November 5, 2021, my debut children’s picture book, Montana’s Memory Day: A nature-themed foster/adoption story will launch. This story originated in a “Writing for Children and Young Adults” special topics’ class taught by associate professor of English, Precious McKenzie. Like Precious, Ashley Kunsa (Creative Writing), and David Crisp (Journalism), Rocky’s professors engage with their students and take an active interest in their college goals. So, yes—in case you’re wondering—an English degree from Rocky DOES open doors. And, book covers, too.
Sue Lawrence, AS in Nursing, 1983; BA in English: Creative Writing, 2019
English
English at Rocky Mountain College
English at Rocky Mountain College is at the heart of our liberal arts mission. It’s where students who love stories, ideas, language, and writing come together—whether they’re drawn to literature, creative work, or teaching. With three focused majors and three minors, you can shape an English pathway that fits your interests and long-term plans.
Why Choose English at Rocky
At Rocky, English is both challenging and personal. You’ll study with experienced, student-centered faculty who mentor you from your first writing course through internships, capstones, and job or grad school applications. The program offers three distinct options—Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and English Education—plus minors in each area. Small classes and a responsive curriculum let us adapt to student interests, offer individual support, and connect your work in English to real opportunities beyond campus.
99%
of students receive scholarships or grants
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Across all English programs, you’ll:
- Read closely and analytically.
- Think critically about texts, culture, and ideas.
- Write clearly, persuasively, and creatively.
Literary Studies majors build deep knowledge of British, American, and world literatures, practice multiple critical approaches, and strengthen advanced analytical writing.
Creative Writing majors develop a sustained writing practice in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, learning the craft and habits of working writers.
English Education majors combine strong preparation in literature and writing with coursework and practicum experiences that prepare them to teach in grades 5–12.
Minors in Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and English Education offer a focused version of these strengths alongside another primary major.
$49K
average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in English in Montana according to ZipRecruiter
88%
of students are placed in internships
Information
Majors:
Literary Studies
Creative Writing
English Education
Minors:
Literary Studies
Creative Writing
English Education
Faculty
Gayle Fallon
Henrietta Goodman, Ph.D.
Ashley Kunsa, Ph.D.
Nicholas Plunkey, Ph.D.
Maclain Scott
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Coursework and Requirements
You’ll start with foundational classes in writing, close reading, and key literary traditions, then move into advanced courses tied to your concentration. Literary Studies majors focus on surveys of British and American literature, criticism, Shakespeare, and upper-level seminars. Creative Writing majors complete introductory and advanced workshops, professional writing, contemporary readings, a capstone, and literary journal work.
English Education majors blend core English courses with education methods and secondary teaching requirements. Each pathway includes room for electives in areas such as Native American literature, African-American literature, and contemporary world fiction.
Course highlights include:
Course highlights include Close Reading of Poetry and Literary Criticism, where you sharpen analytical skills; British and American literature surveys that ground you in major authors and movements; and Studies in Shakespeare and Contemporary World Fiction. Creative writing students move from Introduction to Creative Writing into genre workshops and advanced courses, edit The Rocky Mountain Review in Literary Journal I & II, and present their work in campus readings. English Education students add History and Grammar of English, Writing Consultant Practicum, and Teaching Content Courses in Secondary Education, graduating ready to lead their own classrooms.
Explore Areas in English
English Major – Literary Studies
Focus on British, American, and global literatures, literary theory, and critical analysis. You’ll develop advanced skills in interpretation, argumentation, and writing that translate across many fields.
Pair With: Communication Studies, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Business, or Psychology to strengthen your preparation for law, public policy, publishing, marketing, or graduate study.
Career Pathways: Editing and publishing, communications and PR, teaching, nonprofit and advocacy work, law and policy, graduate programs in English or related humanities fields.
English Major – Creative Writing
A workshop-centered program in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, supported by literature and professional writing. You’ll practice the habits of working writers while building a substantial body of original work.
Pair With: Communication Studies, Business, Art, or Psychology to support careers that blend storytelling, content creation, branding, or audience engagement.
Career Pathways: Journalism and media, content strategy and copywriting, publishing, arts and nonprofit communications, teaching, and strong preparation for MFA programs and other graduate study.
English Major – English Education
Combines deep study of literature and writing with education coursework and classroom experience. Prepares you to teach English in grades 5–12 and to lead students in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Career Pathways: Middle and high school English teaching, literacy coaching, curriculum development, educational leadership (with further study), and roles in youth programs or educational nonprofits.
Minors in Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and English Education
Each minor adds focused strength in reading, writing, and critical thinking to another major.
Pair With:
- Literary Studies Minor: Communication Studies, History, Political Science, Business, or Pre-Law.
- Creative Writing Minor: Communication Studies, Art, Business or Psychology.
- English Education Minor: Elementary or Secondary Education, or any field that includes teaching, training, or outreach.
Career Pathways: These minors enhance readiness for careers in teaching, communications, marketing, public service, arts and nonprofit work, law, and graduate or professional programs where strong language and thinking skills are essential.
Field Experience and Mentorship
English at Rocky extends well beyond the classroom. Creative writers edit and publish The Rocky Mountain Review, read at end-of-semester events, and are featured in the Writers-in-Progress series. The Reading Series brings regional and nationally known authors to campus, and a periodic Writing & Publishing in New York City course connects students with agents, editors, and working writers. Internships with local newspapers, TV stations, and RMC publications give you hands-on experience. Throughout, faculty mentor you individually—helping you refine your voice, choose courses, secure internships, and plan your next steps after graduation.
Career Ready
An English degree from Rocky is versatile and marketable. Literary Studies graduates work as editors, writers, communications specialists, teachers, and analysts, and many pursue graduate school or law school. Creative Writing alumni become journalists, editors, content strategists, government and corporate writers, teachers, attorneys, and physicians who rely on clear communication. English Education graduates teach in middle and high schools and often move into leadership or advanced education degrees. Across all tracks, employers value Rocky English grads for their ability to interpret complex information, think critically, and communicate with clarity and nuance.
Information
Majors:
Literary Studies
Creative Writing
English Education
Minors:
Literary Studies
Creative Writing
English Education
Faculty
Gayle Fallon
Henrietta Goodman, Ph.D.
Ashley Kunsa, Ph.D.
Nicholas Plunkey, Ph.D.
Maclain Scott
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Connect and Learn More
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