English and Communication

Chairperson: Gentile, Ph.D. Professors: Foran, Ph.D, Mitchell, Ph.D., and Viera, Ph.D.; Associate Professors: Gentile, Ph.D. and Islam, Ph.D.; Assistant Professors: Baine, Ph.D., Heath, Ph.D., and Lindner, Ph.D.; Senior Lecturer: Nilsson, M.A.; Adjuncts: Bell, B.A., Bronson, M.A., Canne, B.A., Capossere, M.A., Dabkowski, M.A., Hessney Lynch, M.S., Gamet, M.A., Majsak, M.A., Martino, M.A., Naparsteck, M.A., O’Donnell, M.A., Pittman, M.F.A., and Pritchard, M.S.; Director of Communication and Media: Lindner, Ph.D.; Director of English: Mitchell, Ph.D.; Director of University Writing: Gentile, Ph.D.
The English and Communication Department prepares students with a broad understanding of the power of storytelling and other communication strategies employed at different historical moments and across a variety of media and cultural forms. English majors are educated in the uses of language and literature and in contemporary methods of literary, rhetorical, and cultural analysis. Communication and Media majors learn both the theory and practice of human communication and develop skills in one of three professional tracks. Students in both majors have the option to pursue New York State teacher certification, and our English education program provides excellent training in conjunction with the curriculum of the School of Education.

English program graduates commonly go on to successful careers in law, business, library science, publishing – anywhere that strong skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking and analysis, and problem solving and research are valued. Graduates of the Communication and Media program use their training in digital media and their extensive fieldwork and project management experience to pursue careers in advertising, public relations, and editing and publishing, among other fields.