Areas of Research & Study
Pursue your interests within the English Department—explore our areas of study and learn more about what concentration will be a best fit for you. Offerings are within the areas of Literature, Criticism, and Textual Studies, Rhetoric, Writing, and Linguistics, and Creative Writing.
Literature, Criticism & Textual Studies
Literature in the English Department at the University of Tennessee runs the gamut from Medieval and Renaissance Studies to 18th- and 19th-Century Studies to 20th- and 21st-Century Studies, covering a multitude of specialties.
Rhetoric, Writing & Linguistics
RWL students pursue interests in theories, pedagogies, and histories of rhetoric, writing, and language, in areas such as cultural and religious rhetorics, technical writing, sociolinguistics, and second language studies.
Creative Writing
In Creative Writing, students hone their skills as writers and grow as artists through rigorous application of craft, under the tutelage of our distinguished Creative Writing faculty and visiting writers.
Publishing
Students thrive on the skills, expertise, and deep literacy that the English major offers, preparing for careers in print, digital, and multimedia publishing through a customizable blend of creative, professional, and technical writing classes, relevant classes outside the department, and internships.
News
- Be Relentless: An Interview with Jerri Green
- Literature Builds Empathy: An Interview with Executive Director of A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee (ASAFET) Taylor Phipps
- Dzon Awarded Two Prestigious Fellowships for 2027
Alumni Profiles
Explore the careers of our wonderfully talented alumni. Their stories are among those of thousands of English Vol graduates who have gone on to rewarding careers in various avenues of life.
Career Tracks
A degree in English offers a broad set of career options, including fulfilling work in fields such as education, management, business operations, media, finance, law, arts, entertainment, sales, sports, and health care, among others.
Certificate Programs
The English Department offers two certificate programs: English Education Training & Certification, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate. Learn more about these important certifications in the links below.
Faculty Publications
Our faculty are at the forefront of literary and creative scholarship, meaning you’ll have mentors that are not only exceptional in their fields, but also ready to help mentor and inspire you. Check out some of our faculty’s recent publications and research at the link below.
Upcoming Events
