Immerse yourself in literature, sharpen your writing and explore ideas that inspire creativity and critical thinking.
You’ll read widely and write often, gaining insights and skills that lead to careers in publishing, education, law, business, marketing and advertising, and many other fields.
As an English major, you can choose between a creative writing or literature track, developing your skills through small seminars, workshops and one-on-one mentorship with distinguished faculty. Build a portfolio of your work while developing versatile skills in critical thinking, writing and creative expression that can be applied in countless fields. Graduates have gone on to careers in publishing, education, the corporate and nonprofit sectors, and other rewarding fields.
If your goal is to become a professional writer, our low-residency Creative Writing graduate program in Manhattan will help you get there.
The best courses I’ve taken at Adelphi are in the English department. I’ve enjoyed my professors so much that I’ve taken several classes with them, from novels and short stories to poetry and even comics.
Justin Schweickert ‘26
English major and aspiring teacher
Student Life and Hands-on Learning
At the intersection of critical thinking and creative expression, you’ll gain experiences with real-world applications.
Internship Opportunities
Turn your passion for words into professional experience. Internships connect you with publishers, media companies, nonprofits and arts organizations, giving you the chance to apply classroom theory to storytelling, editing and content creation.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Join organizations like the Creative Writing Club to hone your craft and build lifelong connections in our vibrant literary community. You’ll develop confidence and valuable industry networks before graduation.
Creative Exploration and Innovation
Creative work is at the heart of your English education at Adelphi. Our faculty guide students in exploring literature, writing and critical analysis while encouraging experimentation with language, form and storytelling.
You’ll have opportunities to present your work at Adelphi’s annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, publish in student literary journals, and participate in readings—helping you build your portfolio and grow your professional network.
Adelphi’s SPARK Center (Scholars Pursuing Arts, Research and Knowledge) supports undergraduate artists with project funding, mentorship and resources to bring theatrical ideas to life.
Where Reading Meets the Algorithm
English and business management double major Sophia Sewpersad ’26 examines how “BookTok”, “Bookstagram” and social media algorithms are changing the way books are discovered, promoted and read.
Writers & Readers Festival
Our annual Writers & Readers Festival is dedicated to everything literary. Founded by Adelphi alumna and bestselling novelist Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.), the two-day festival features keynotes, panels and discussions with a wide range of published authors, as well as professional development workshops led by publishing professionals.
2026 Writers & Readers Festival
The annual celebration founded by Adelphi alumna and novelist Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.), welcomed over 600 guests for three days of workshops and panel discussions. Launch Gallery
2026 Writers & Readers Festival
The annual celebration founded by Adelphi alumna and novelist Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.), welcomed over 600 guests for three days of workshops and panel discussions. 9 Photos-
The 2026 Writers & Readers Festival opened on Wednesday evening, April 15, with a keynote conversation featuring Susan Lucci, who discussed her new bestselling memoir, La Lucci, with bestselling author Adriana Trigiani.
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Bestselling authors Susan Lucci (right) and Adriana Trigiani onstage at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center
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Bestselling authors Jodi Picoult (left) and Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.), headlined the festival’s first full day of events in a keynote conversation about writing, reading and the power of storytelling in a time of book bans.
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Jodi Picoult signs a copy of her 2024 novel, By Any Other Name, for one of her many readers.
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This year’s festival was the largest ever, attracting more than 600 Adelphi students and faculty members, alumni, high school students and teachers, and members of the larger community.
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Musical director Tim Weil and theater historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper discuss the landmark musical by Adelphi alum Jonathan Larson ’82, the subject of Weil’s new book, Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music That Changed Broadway.
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Novelist and memoirist Darcey Steinke and science writer Michael Rossi, PhD, talked about their new books, which explore the impact of fake science and superstition. Craig Carson, PhD (right), associate dean of Adelphi’s Honors College, moderated the conversation.
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Novelist Ed Park, who appeared in the panel discussion on the art of time in fiction, signs a copy of his book of short stories, An Oral History of Atlantis, for a festivalgoer.
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Puja Shah ’03, DMD (with mic), an alumna and current student in Adelphi’s MFA in Creative Writing program, discusses her novel, For My Sister, in a panel discussion devoted to first books by MFA students.
The foundation of an English major isn’t just stories, but perspectives. It’s about building your own perspective and understanding other perspectives… English is an invaluable study.
Ariyana Felician ’20, MA ’21
BA in English Literature, Honors College, Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP)
Considering Law School?
English majors train in the art of thinking, reading and writing with precision, developing skills to craft persuasive arguments, analyze evidence and communicate with clarity—abilities highly valued in law school.
High School Programs
Adelphi offers high school students the chance to work closely with faculty and get a real taste of college-level learning. Through hands-on activities, writing courses and other pre-college classes, students can explore their interests, build skills and even earn college credit before they graduate.
