English

Dive Deep into the Rich Depths of Literature and Advanced Language Mastery

CWI student writing in a notepad

Program Overview

Are you drawn to the world of literature and passionate about expressing yourself through writing? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) English program is designed to cultivate your critical thinking and writing skills. This program delves into the study of composition and diverse literary works, genres, and viewpoints, offering you a chance to explore the human experience through language.

The Creative Writing emphasis will prepare you for a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and offers unique opportunities, such as working on the College's literary magazine and engaging in writing-related internships. The Literature emphasis, focused on literary analysis and global perspectives, provides a broad understanding of literature and its role in understanding diversity on a national and global scale. Whichever path you choose, this program is your gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of English literature.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Fully Online

Cost

$8,560

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

2 years

Group of students talking at a table

Learning Opportunities

  • Practical Literary Experience: Get involved in literary magazine editing or internships, gaining insights into the editing and publishing processes.
  • Independent Study in Creative Writing: Work closely with faculty mentors to develop and refine your writing, culminating in a capstone project.
  • Global Learning Through Literature: Engage in discussions about diversity and global perspectives through literary works.
  • Writing Intensive Curriculum: Adapt to various writing genres, enhancing your critical thinking and application skills in diverse settings.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

English – Creative Writing Emphasis – Associate of Arts Degree

2

YEARS

AA

English – Literature Emphasis – Associate of Arts Degree

2

YEARS

AA

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements

Cost: $8,560

Person with glasses sitting at a desk with a computer

Career Opportunities

  • Postsecondary Teachers

    1434

    Annual Openings*

    $35.69

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,235

    Annual Median Salary

    45.6%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

    514

    Annual Openings*

    $28.54

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $59,363

    Annual Median Salary

    2.91%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Proofreaders and Copy Markers

    Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $16.26

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $33,821

    Annual Median Salary

    -15.72%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Academic CalendarNew Student Checklist

News

This year’s Novel Life event will feature bestselling authors, Jason Mott, Jennifer Haigh, and Jonathan Evison.

Read more about A Novel Life – March 25

Get paid to do your homework! CWI students are invited to submit their writing to this annual contest for a chance at publication on the College’s website and cash prizes. Submissions are due...

Read more about 2022 President’s Writing Awards Submissions Now Open

A course that teaches application of literary theory to texts may sound abstract and even impractical at first, but for students in Liza Long’s class, their final project offered a real-world...

Read more about English Students Experience the World of Publishing Firsthand

A short film created by Assistant Professor of Art, Goran Fazil, and English Adjunct, Dževad Vrabac, was accepted into the 2021 Monologues & Poetry International Film Fest.

Read more about Fazil and Vrabac Film Accepted into International Festival

Resources, training, and contests during CTL's Accessibility Week for faculty highlight how small changes can help students access and engage in courses. 

Read more about Faculty Increase Course Accessibility for Students

Join Storyfort and CWI for The Novel Life – a dive deep into processes, practicalities, passions, and how the conception and writing of a novel gets done.

Read more about The Novel Life

Congratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.

Read more about Seven CWI Faculty Promoted to Professors

Congratulations to CWI instructors, Liza Long, Anna Gamboa, Cathy Carson, Hollie Leavitt, Joel Gladd, and Charles Dickinson!

Read more about CWI Innovative Educator of the Year Nominees for 2021

Congratulations to students recognized for exceptional creative nonfiction, critical analysis, fiction, first-year writing, literature-based and original research, poetry, and technical writing....

Read more about 2021 President’s Writing Awards

CWI is excited to welcome renowned poet, Jimmy Santiago Baca, to campus virtually for a reading and workshop Tuesday, Oct. 27. 

Read more about Writers and Words Series Welcomes Jimmy Santiago Baca

Congratulations to Dave Nicholas, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for February 2020.

Read more about Faculty of Distinction—February 2020

Join CWI Anthropology Professor, Nikki Gorrell, Tuesday, March 10, for a discussion on her fieldwork in Mayan communities.

Read more about The Maya: Past, Present, and Future
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