Department of English

Michael Decker, a grad student, documenting the rich history of fire lookouts in the American West in the Library archives.

Discover the power of words

University of Idaho’s Department of English offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary education where you can explore the power of language, literature and creative expression. You’ll focus on developing critical thinking, effective communication, creative problem-solving skills and prepare for your future career. Whether you're interested in creative writing, linguistics, technical writing, literary analysis or digital storytelling, you’ll build a foundation for lifelong success.

From small, discussion-based classes to hands-on research opportunities, we provide a supportive learning environment that challenges you to think deeply and communicate clearly. Unlock your potential and use language to shape ideas, stories and understandings.

Explore our academic programs

You’ll find a variety of undergraduate and graduate English degrees designed to fuel your passion for language and literature while equipping you with practical skills for professional success.

Undergraduate degrees

B.A. in English
- Creative writing
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Professional writing
B.S. in English

Graduate degrees

Certificates

Creative writing certificate
Technical writing certificate

Minors

First-Year Writing Program

University of Idaho’s First-Year Writing Program develops critical reading, writing and research skills essential for academic success and professional growth. Through small, collaborative classes, you’ll refine your ability to analyze texts, craft persuasive arguments and communicate effectively across various contexts.

Courses emphasize rhetorical awareness, inquiry-based writing and research integration, helping you adapt your writing for diverse audiences and disciplines. Faculty provide personalized feedback and writing conferences to support your development. Completing these courses will strengthen your foundation in writing and prepare you for success throughout your academic and professional career:

Learn more about writing placement and filing a Petition for Advanced Credit Exam.

Hands-on learning opportunities

Your education in the Department of English goes beyond the classroom. Whether you’re interested in publishing, editing, technical writing, journalism or creative storytelling, our internships, research projects and student organizations offer practical learning experiences that build your resume, network with professionals and apply your skills in real-world settings. Supplement your English skills by getting involved with clubs, volunteering, internships, jobs and more. Contact english@uidaho.edu for more information.

Explore experiential opportunities made for you

Internships and jobs

Gain practical writing and communication experience through internships and on-campus jobs that allow you to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.

English majors have interned with organizations in a wide variety of industries, including:

Publishing houses and literary magazines
News organizations and digital media outlets
Nonprofits and corporate communications teams
Technical writing and professional communication

Want to get involved on campus? Check out these creative opportunities:

Student writing and publishing opportunities

Sharpen your writing and editorial skills with student-run publications and campus literary journals. Whether you're looking to publish your own work or gain experience in editing and publishing, U of I offers opportunities for students from all disciplines to engage with literary production. From submitting your writing to working on editorial teams, you’ll build valuable skills in communication, collaboration and creative expression.

Get involved with U of I’s literary journals

Thistle: Undergraduate literary journal
Fugue: Literary journal
Brink: Literary magazine

Student organizations and honor societies

Joining a student organization is a great way to build connections, develop leadership skills and explore literary culture outside the classroom. Clubs are a fun, flexible way to get involved on campus and connect with peers who share your interests.

Explore student clubs and organizations

Writing, research and community engagement

Students in the Department of English can enhance their education through experiential learning in writing, research and community-based storytelling. Whether you're looking to strengthen your writing skills in the Writing Center, gain teaching experience through the Grace Nixon Institute or explore environmental humanities and advocacy with the Confluence Lab, these opportunities offer hands-on experience that complements your coursework and prepares you for future careers.

Grace Nixon Institute

The Institute offers a fully funded M.A. in English designed for English teachers. This flexible, summer-only graduate program can be completed over approximately five summers plus one academic semester. Participants typically take two graduate-level courses per summer (6 credits), totaling 30 credits over five years, followed by 3 additional non-thesis credits in a final semester to complete the degree.

To receive graduate credit and scholarship funding, participants must be admitted to or actively applying for the M.A. in English program. Degree credit scholarships are prioritized for students pursuing the full degree. Additional scholarship awards may be available depending on funding availability.

Need more information? We’re here to help

Grace Nixon Institute: Bryan Soderquist, English department administrative specialist
Master of Arts in English: Jennifer Ladino, director of M.A. in English

How to apply

To be considered for scholarship funding, submit your Grace Nixon Institute application by April 1. Priority is given to secondary English teachers who apply by the deadline—even if your University of Idaho admission is still in progress.

Request application

Teaching assistantships, scholarships and fellowships

Graduate students in the Department of English have access to competitive funding opportunities that support both academic success and professional development.

Graduate teaching assistantships

As a graduate teaching assistant you will typically teach small introductory writing courses (2-2 load) and receive extensive instructional support from the Director of First-Year Composition. In your third year as an MFA candidate, you may also teach undergraduate creative writing. All TAs participate in a one-week pre-semester workshop and enroll in ENGL 5230 Composition Pedagogy: Theory and Practice.

Full tuition waivers
$15,000 annual stipend
College-level teaching experience
Faculty mentorship

Scholarships

The English Department offers generous undergraduate scholarships thanks to donors who support our students’ success. Each year, we award about $200,000 to English majors in areas such as professional writing, linguistics, creative writing, literature, and secondary English education. We award scholarships to a majority of our majors who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate excellence in their degree. Scholarships help students continue their studies, excel in coursework, and pursue opportunities such as research and study abroad. Awards are based on academic achievement, classroom performance, financial need, or a combination of these factors.

Erma M. Scholtz Coppage & Richard P. Coppage Scholarship
Earl & Ada David Scholarship
Grace V. Nixon English Scholarship
Malcolm & Carol Renfrew English Scholarship
Leishman English Award
George W. & Kathryn S. Woodbury Scholarship

As a graduate English student, you are eligible for scholarships to support your academic success, creativity and teaching goals. To qualify, you must be enrolled in at least nine credits, and most scholarship decisions are made in April. Some scholarships require an application, while others are automatically awarded to all eligible graduate students.

Hogue Family Centennial Scholarship
Grace V. Nixon Graduate Scholarship
Estell Sauve Scholarship

M.F.A. Creative Writing Fellowships

M.F.A. candidates in Creative Writing may be selected for one of our unique, experience-rich fellowships:

Centrum Fellowship

Attend the renowned Port Townsend Writers’ Conference tuition-free, including lodging and meals. Writers participate in workshops with acclaimed faculty and engage with a national literary community. Open to all MFA program candidates.

Port Townsend Writers’ Conference

Writing in the Wild Fellowship

Spend a week writing in Idaho’s wilderness at either the McCall Outdoor Science School or the Taylor Wilderness Research Station. These immersive retreats offer space for creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration with scientists and researchers.

Hemingway Fellowship

Awarded to an outstanding third-year fiction writer, this fellowship provides time, space and resources to support the development of a book-length work. Benefits include:

A year off of teaching duties
A private office
An optional retreat at PCEI’s Artist’s Cabin

Join our community

Be part of a department that values reading and writing, critical thinking and creativity. As an English student, you’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful research, community outreach and creative work—all while building the skills to make a real impact in the world.

Meet with an advisor

Next steps

Meet our people

Meet experts in literature, writing, linguistics and digital humanities, who will offer you mentorship and insight that extends beyond the classroom. From award-winning novelists to researchers studying the intersections of language and culture, you’ll be taught by faculty members who are leaders in their fields and passionate about your success.

Department of English