Experiential Learning

Ursinus English majors publish, share their research, and apply their skills in amazing internships.

Kaylen studied abroad in Paris in the summer where she took French literature, read Hemingway and visited where he lived and wrote his stories.
In 2023, with the support of the Watson Fellowship, Tommy embarked on a year-long trip to study comedy & depression around the world -- Spain, Austria, Turkey, South Africa, England, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, & Argentina.
During his spring semester, recent grad, Sam worked as an editor for a Shakespeare-focused literary magazine based out of the University of Georgia.
McCorry Ledebur ’25 took advantage of the U-Imagine Center’s Digital Spark program. Digital Spark pairs students with local businesses to work on their digital marketing needs. She spent a summer working with Shoen Safety, and hitting some huge achievements in their digital presence!
Students act and produce a short film for Medieval Literature, a popular spring course.
Dr. Kara McShane mentors summer fellow, Amber Leech '25 who spent their experience researching queer coding in film.
Meaningful campus employment is a great way to add professional skills to a resume. Gianna '27 is on the English education track with minors in Spanish and Creative Writing. She is working in the Career and Professional Development office as a Peer Associate specializing in Marketing and Graphic Design.

Hands-on experience is required for all English and Creative Writing majors.

Research

Research in English and Creative Writing means pursuing something you’re passionate about, working closely with a faculty mentor. Many English majors conduct research as part of the Summer Fellows program (including 40% of English & Creative Writing majors in the class of 2025!). Some students choose an even more rigorous experience through a year-long honors thesis, which can be either a critical or a creative work.

InternshipS

Internships let our majors apply their skills in real-world professional environments. You’ll get experience translating your experience that will make you more competitive for careers after college. Some students intern at local arts organizations; others discover that big companies need their writing, research, and thinking skills. Recent interns worked at The Community Foundation, Moonstone Arts Center, Spells Writing Lab, Grace Integrity Solutions, and more.

Study Abroad

Take your love of literature & creative writing all over the world! Majors have studied abroad in either semester-long or summer programs. Recent popular destinations include Japan, Paris, Florence, Prague, London, and more. English majors have also won the competitive St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia scholarship that allows them to study abroad for a full year in Scotland.

Teaching

For English majors interested in teaching, student teaching fulfills the XLP. English majors student teach at one of several highly-regarded local districts, such as Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford, Souderton, and others. Recently certified alumni now teach in many of the same districts where they student taught!

Away With Words: Meet Emily Duffy

Recent alumnus, Emily shares her Ursinus experience, including a unique opportunity to travel for a digital humanities project.