About the Department

Welcome to the University of Nebraska at Kearney Department of English. We are happy that you have chosen to pursue your education with us. Our department has a long-standing reputation for outstanding teaching. Members of our faculty are among the best in the nation and publish actively in their specializations.

When students ask, “What can I do with an English major?” we respond, “What can’t you do with an English major?”  Join the Department of English to develop skills of text analysis and written expression and to gain a broad base of knowledge in the humanities. Graduates in our program have gone on to become successful teachers, writers, editors, and scholars, while others have entered careers in business, law, medicine, government, and the arts.

We offer many opportunities for students to gain a richer educational experience: visiting artists and lecturers, workshops, and support for national competitions and student conferences as well as student publications and organizations. We also provide many opportunities for our students to earn scholarships to support their education.

So if you are one with a passion for reading and writing about literature, or for creative expression, we have something to offer you. We look forward to working with you and enriching your life as a student of language and literature.

Jesse Nickel

“I have wanted to be a teacher for longer than I can remember. My involvement at UNK prepared me very well for my career as a teacher. My time as a writing tutor provided me with excellent experience working to help writers at all stages grow and be successful. I was also given the opportunity to network with both teachers and administrators across the state, as well as educators on an international scope. UNK truly prepared me to build a successful career as an educator.”

Jesse Nickel

Walnut Middle School

7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Beyond the Classroom

The Department of English at UNK allows its students to become involved early and often. With opportunities to earn scholarships, internships, and participate in organizations on campus, our students begin building a resume their freshmen year to develop skills that put them ahead in their future careers.

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Community

  • Sigma Tau Delta Sigma Tau Delta is a national English honorary that has existed on our campus for over eighty years. Students plan various activities throughout the year as well as attend and present papers at the national convention. The Carillon, sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is edited by students and features creative writing by students.
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Career Outcomes

  • Job titles held by alumni Attorney, Author, Book Acquisitions Editor, Business Owner, Director of Government Affairs, Editorial Assistant, High School and Middle School Teachers, Librarian, Library Media Specialist, Mental Health Therapist, Paralegal, School Psychologist, Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, Tenured Faculty Member, University Registrar