Department of English and Writing
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Our students continue their active pursuit of literature and writing related activities after they graduate. Our alumni work in fields ranging from teaching on all levels to writing within different genres to editing for a wide variety of presses. "I was accepted into a MFA program over some 200 other applicants, and I feel I owe a good part of that to the writing department at SOU. I think they challenged me to look at my writing from different perspectives." —Gerard Olson, Alumni |
What exactly can a student do with an English and Writing degree? Our students go on to teach at all levels, work as editors and directors, and multi-task between seemingly unrelated career paths.
Many students come to Southern Oregon University for the Masters of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT), choosing English and Writing as their major. Recent graduate and MAT inductee Mirleen Arnold believes "an English degree is invaluable, both in teaching students and in commununicating with them, their parents, and the [school] staff." Arnold recommends "a couple of minors to round out your education."
When asked what advice they would give incoming students, both Model Railroad News editor Jennifer Lindsay and Redding news director Gerard Olson, say, "Be open minded." Lindsay credits her varied education for making her "the well-rounded and confident person [she has] become." Olson tells future students not to "be angry at critical theory; you'll come to love it." He is preparing to enter the MFA in Critical Studies program at the California Institute of the Arts.
Robert Felthousen went on to use his English and Writing degree to teach Dental Assistant classes and work as a Library Assistant at Rogue Community College. In his career, Felthousen says he "really relies on the effective communication skills [he] learned at SOU." He advises students to "read everything, love your library, and push the boundaries of your writing."
If you are alumni or know any alumni, we would like to hear how you use your English and Writing degree. Either contact your favorite faculty member or the webmaster at engweb@sou.edu.
