"I have enjoyed my experience here at Western Montana College and am excited about the upcoming year.  I am convinced that I am studying under some of the best professors that academia has to offer" 
(Timothy S. Miller, Western Graduate)

One question people constantly ask about those enlightened individuals who have earned a degree in English is, "What can you do with an English degree?"

Let's ignore the fact that it's usually asked in a rude manner, and concentrate on the real issue at hand:  what is the purpose of a degree in literature and writing?

The important thing in college is to become a more complete human being, and the degree you choose will, to a very great extent, determine who that human being is.  You study, and you acquire not only skills to help you in your future career, but also knowledge, which forms your personality, and a larger sense of the world.  What kind of personality will you have if you study English?

First, you will be the kind of person who identifies and empathizes with others human beings.  Reading good literature forces you to see life from someone else's perspective, and this skill--the skill of understanding another point of view--is of great importance to employers, and great importance in participating in the world.

Second, you will be the kind of person who can communicate effectively and efficiently.  Most of the counterproductive conflict that occurs in the workplace and world is based on poor communication.

Let's face it:  the world needs more people who can read, write and communicate sensibly.  To find out more about what we offer here at the University of Montana English Department, explore our pages.