Why choose the English program at Lyon College?
The English major at Lyon College has an unparalleled focus on our students' writing, which historically has set our graduates apart from their peers when they continue their studies in law school and in graduate school. The major also offers a unique focus on world literature, not only exposing students to a wide range of literary traditions, but also preparing them to confront the challenges of globalization.
Faculty members: Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature Dr. Terrell Tebbetts; Associate Professor of English Dr. Wesley Beal; Associate Professor of English Dr. Ronald J. Boling; Associate Professor of English Dr. Helen Robbins; Visiting Assistant Professor of English Dr. Vida Owusu-Boateng
Ways To Get Involved
English majors use their skills in several organizations across camps, including Social Council, Honor Council, the Student Government Association, and Lyon College’s newspaper The Highlander. Majors also work in the Morrow Academic Center as supplemental instructors and writing tutors.
After meeting certain course and GPA requirements, English majors are invited to join the honor society Sigma Tau Delta, which is in charge of the College’s literary magazine The Wheelbarrow. Sigma Tau Delta majors are responsible for curating content, judging entries, and editing the magazine.
Student Spotlight
“Lyon professors are tough on you and give you so much feedback because they want to prepare you for grad school. I’m thankful I went to Lyon.” - Cara Tomlinson Butler, scored top score on Arkansas Bar Exam in 2019
Interesting Places
Employers of recent Lyon College English Graduates include:
Buzzfeed, author of memoir/movie Boy Erased, Camp Founder Girls, the Citizens Bank, Timex, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Southeastern Missouri State University Center for Faulkner Studies, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Clinton Foundation Presidential Class, JET Program USA, City Year
Additionally, Lyon College English Graduates move on to prestigious graduate schools including:
Harvard Law, University of Cincinnati College of Law, Auburn University, Yale School of Law, Iowa State University, University of Arkansas Law School, and University of at Little Rock School of Law
For more information on the required courses for an English major or minor, view our courses page.
Careers for English Majors
Any field that requires good writing and analyzing skills welcomes Lyon’s English majors. Some careers that Lyon English majors go on to have include:
- Law
- Marketing
- Non-profits
- Public relations
- Journalism
- Banking
Starting Median U.S. Salary For an English Major
The starting median salary in the U.S. for a college graduate with an English degree is $38,000.
Mid-Career Median U.S. Salaries for English Major
Technical Writer- $58,000
Copywriter- $48,000
High School Teacher- $48,000
Communications Specialist- $51,000
Editor- $46,000
For more information on admissions to Lyon College, visit our Admissions page.