Rollins College

What you'll study

The programme emphasises historical breadth and contemporary relevance, with required and elective courses spanning British, American and world literatures. Typical modules include surveys of medieval, renaissance, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century, and modern and contemporary literature; genre courses in poetry, fiction and drama; and specialised seminars in topics such as Shakespeare, African American literature, postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality, and literary theory.

Students also take courses in creative writing (workshops in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction), rhetoric and composition, and electives that build applied skills—editing and publishing, digital humanities, film and media studies, and interdisciplinary subjects that connect literature with history, philosophy or the arts. The curriculum is structured to combine core requirements with open electives, allowing students to pursue concentrations in literature, creative writing or a combined interdisciplinary path. Many students complete a senior capstone, honours thesis or practicum; internships and project-based courses give practical experience in publishing, non-profit communications, and arts administration.

Entry requirements

Rollins College generally requires completion of secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) with a competitive academic record. Admissions consider transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and letters of recommendation. Standardised test scores (such as the SAT or ACT) may be considered according to the College's current testing policy; international applicants are typically asked to demonstrate English language proficiency by recognised tests or equivalent documentation unless exempt.

Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and any required course descriptions; advanced placement or prior-college credit may be evaluated for course placement. Prospective students are encouraged to review Rollins' general admission guidance for the most up-to-date information and any programme-specific recommendations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature develop strong analytical reading, research and written communication skills that are valued in many fields. Common career destinations include publishing and editing, journalism and content production, marketing and public relations, communications and copywriting, and arts administration.

Alumni also use the degree as preparation for graduate study in literature, creative writing, library and information science, education and law. With additional certification or postgraduate study, graduates may pursue teaching careers. The programme’s emphasis on internships, writing portfolios and experiential learning helps students move into entry-level roles in non-profit organisations, cultural institutions, and the creative industries.

Why study at Rollins College

Rollins offers a small-college environment with low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing close mentorship from faculty who are active scholars, critics and writers. The English programme is integrated with Rollins’ liberal-arts curriculum, encouraging interdisciplinary study and opportunities to take electives across the arts and humanities.

Students benefit from practical opportunities — internships with local cultural organisations, publishing and editorial projects, community-engagement initiatives, and study-abroad programmes — supported by campus career services and faculty advisors. The college’s location near a vibrant arts scene provides further cultural resources for research, internships and public readings. For students seeking a personalised, writing-intensive education in literature and related fields, Rollins combines academic rigour with hands-on experience and strong faculty support.