English & Interdisciplinary Studies

Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences

WCSU's Department of English & Interdisciplinary Studies

Sharpen & broaden your mind.

WCSU’s English and Interdisciplinary Studies teaches students to read analytically, think critically and write clearly. You’ll explore complex questions and problems from more than one disciplinary perspective. You will develop skills of creative and critical thinking, insightful interpretation and articulate communication in speech and writing — all essential for professional success. 

English courses prepare students for success in a wide variety of careers. Our academic programs prepare students to enter fields where knowledge of texts, historical contexts, written and oral communication, and the powers of analysis and critical thinking are vital.

While many of our students find themselves well-prepared to teach English in elementary and secondary schools and to pursue graduate study in English, the English major prepares students for success in any field, such as law, publishing, marketing and advertising. We consider the English degree to be the “degree for life.”

Interdisciplinary studies courses encourage students to think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and emphasize creative and critical thinking in addressing the complex questions and challenges of an interconnected world. Our courses explore subjects, topics and problems from the perspective of at least three integrated disciplines, drawing from the arts, the humanities, the sciences, the social sciences, and professional studies. 

The Interdisciplinary Studies major allows you to combine two different disciplines to best suit your interests and career plans. Design your own degree, and let us prepare you for the real world! 

WCSU students studying

If you have any questions about our classes or degree programs please contact:

Çiğdem Üsekes, Department Chair
WH 325C
email: usekesc@wcsu.edu
phone: (203) 837-3294

Carol O’Connor, Department Secretary 
Warner Hall 304
email: oconnorc@wcsu.edu
phone: (203) 837-8470

APPLY TODAY ➞

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
email: admissions@wcsu.edu
phone: (203) 837-9000

Degree Programs

B.A. in
English

COURSE CATALOG ➜

B.A. in
Interdisciplinary Studies

COURSE CATALOG ➜

B.S. in English:
Secondary Certification

COURSE CATALOG ➜

Minors

Please consult your advisor for all program requirements.

Minor in
American Literature

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Minor in
English

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Minor in
Humanistic Studies

COURSE CATALOG ➜

Minor in
Science & Society

COURSE CATALOG ➜

Minor in
Sustainability

COURSE CATALOG ➜

Meet our Students/Alumni

More ABOUT OUR Students/Alumni

Mia Behunick

Recipient of the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies Major Award for 2023-2024

Mia Behunick

I’m an interdisciplinary studies major with concentrations in holistic health and psychology. Having a program available that allows me to combine both of my interests, elevate my studies, and learn from professors who are out of the box thinkers was an unforgettable experience. I hope to be a clinical herbalist in the future with a focus in women’s health. 

Read More about Mia →

Kwan Stowell

Recipient of John Eichrodt Prize for 2023-2024

Kwan Stowell

As an Asian migrant, Kwan has navigated diverse cultural landscapes, gleaning unique perspectives and innovative ideas that enrich her work. Fueled by a passion for transnational communication, she has embarked on an academic pursuit at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), aiming to earn a degree in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing.

Read More about Kwan →

Rachel Ohring

Recipient of the Provost’s Student Award for Academic Achievement and Resiliency for 2023-2024

Rachel Ohring

Rachel originally majored in Secondary Education at WCSU, but she decided to switch her major to English Literature. She also decided to minor in Psychology. In Fall 2024, Rachel is starting a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science at Southern Connecticut State University.

Read More about Rachel →

Sarah Fayad

Recipient of John Tufts Prize for 2023-2024

Sarah Fayad

Writing has always been my strongest and most loved subject. Taking material I’ve read and reflecting, responding, and adding to it enhances my understanding of the text. I hope to become an editor post-graduation and continue to collaborate with others on their writing. 

Read More about Sarah →
  • Mission

  • The Department of English and Interdisciplinary Studies seeks to promote the university’s mission by providing students with a high-quality education in English language and literature and in the theories, methods, and real-world applications of interdisciplinary studies. We are committed to developing students’ powers of critical thinking, analysis, reading, and writing. We believe students who complete any of the department’s programs will be prepared to compete vigorously in the global marketplace and to pursue a variety of career paths or to seek further education. 

  • Objectives

  • To accomplish this mission, the Department of English and Interdisciplinary Studies:

    • Develops and maintains a solid curriculum in language and literature that stimulates student curiosity, rewards critical engagement, and is central to a valuable liberal arts education
    • Offers interdisciplinary humanistic studies courses on relevant and contemporary topics that are best understood from a variety of different disciplinary perspectives
    • Offers major and minor degree programs in both English and interdisciplinary studies
    • Emphasizes critical reading and writing as an integral component of success in our programs, our university, and beyond
    • Builds a community of scholars, professionals, and life-long learners and helps initiate students in the profession(s) through regular events, faculty-student collaborative projects, and opportunities to tutor and to assist in the teaching of language and literature and interdisciplinary studies courses
    • Encourages and supports research, scholarship, and professional achievement that advance the field of study and enhance the programs and visibility of the university at large
    • Encourages interdisciplinary and interdepartmental initiatives to augment the intellectual vitality of the department and of the university and to help students develop an integrated approach to learning
    • Serves the community through event programming and collaborative projects and serves as a resource to local schools and other public institutions
  • Alpha Lambda Epsilon
  • The English department sponsors Alpha Lambda Epsilon, a local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. Candidates for undergraduate membership must have completed at least three semesters of college work and a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. Members must also have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in English and rank at least in the highest 35 percent of their class in general scholarship. Students may contact the department chair for more information on becoming a member of Alpha Lambda Epsilon.

The Department of English and Interdisciplinary Studies seeks to promote the university’s mission by providing students with a high-quality education in English language and literature and in the theories, methods, and real-world applications of interdisciplinary studies. We are committed to developing students’ powers of critical thinking, analysis, reading, and writing. We believe students who complete any of the department’s programs will be prepared to compete vigorously in the global marketplace and to pursue a variety of career paths or to seek further education. 

To accomplish this mission, the Department of English and Interdisciplinary Studies:

  • Develops and maintains a solid curriculum in language and literature that stimulates student curiosity, rewards critical engagement, and is central to a valuable liberal arts education
  • Offers interdisciplinary humanistic studies courses on relevant and contemporary topics that are best understood from a variety of different disciplinary perspectives
  • Offers major and minor degree programs in both English and interdisciplinary studies
  • Emphasizes critical reading and writing as an integral component of success in our programs, our university, and beyond
  • Builds a community of scholars, professionals, and life-long learners and helps initiate students in the profession(s) through regular events, faculty-student collaborative projects, and opportunities to tutor and to assist in the teaching of language and literature and interdisciplinary studies courses
  • Encourages and supports research, scholarship, and professional achievement that advance the field of study and enhance the programs and visibility of the university at large
  • Encourages interdisciplinary and interdepartmental initiatives to augment the intellectual vitality of the department and of the university and to help students develop an integrated approach to learning
  • Serves the community through event programming and collaborative projects and serves as a resource to local schools and other public institutions
The English department sponsors Alpha Lambda Epsilon, a local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. Candidates for undergraduate membership must have completed at least three semesters of college work and a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. Members must also have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in English and rank at least in the highest 35 percent of their class in general scholarship. Students may contact the department chair for more information on becoming a member of Alpha Lambda Epsilon.