Talented and engaged English/Communication faculty members provide challenging and creative opportunities for students to become successful and engaging professionals. In the close-knit environment of the beautiful Immaculata campus, students and professors work together in making a student’s vision become a reality. Through close collaboration with vibrant faculty, students are mentored in both internships and professional conference participation, thus making their undergraduate education more meaningful and marketable.
The English major provides students with opportunities for energetic discussions of major literary works, introduction to theories of literary criticism, and mentored research on topics of interest. Advanced literature and writing courses build on the liberal arts course in developing critical thinking and creative writing. This major offers a solid foundation not just for teaching, but for many careers that rely on clear communication and a breadth of knowledge. The English major may be combined with any of our inspiring minors.
The communication major prepares students for career opportunities that require creativity, effective communication, and problem-solving. This major offers crucial internships in which the student engages with professionals and learns the career expectations first-hand. While continuing Immaculata's long-standing emphasis on the importance of the liberal arts, the major in communication provides a broad foundation for advanced study and for employment in the areas of communication. Many interesting minors combine to make communication a marketable and flourishing major.
Mission
With belief in the core values of Immaculata University, the English/Communication Department will:
- Remain faithful to the Christian values espoused by the University;
- Demonstrate ongoing care with respect to one another and to our students;
- Provide service to the University through courses provided for majors and non-majors and through our extra- and co-curricular activities;
- Maintain integrity in the quality of our programs and courses;
- Remain current in our field as both learners and teachers;
- Hold teamwork as an integral value within our department.
We will continue to produce excellent writers, teachers, professionals, and graduate students. We will enhance the way we teach students to write and communicate through new programs, services, and course offerings.
IU Core Values Faith...Caring...Service...Integrity...Learning...Teamwork
Some Highlights:
- Small classes and frequent contact with professors create a non-threatening yet challenging atmosphere.
- Working with the same academic adviser for four years enables students to feel confident in their academic choices while in college.
- Students are encouraged to complete at least one internship while at IU and preferably two. Some recent internships have been completed at Philadelphia Magazine, the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Chester County Hospital Development Office, QVC, and the IU Sports Information Office.
- English majors can complete secondary certification in English in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Students are encouraged to conduct independent research with a faculty mentor and to present at local conferences, thus getting a sense of the profession.
- Immaculata shares an affiliate agreement with the College of Arts and Sciences of the Dublin Business School, where students may study for a semester or complete an internship in Ireland.
- IU now has a graduate program in Public Relations through which students can further their professional education.
“Every time I come back to visit, I feel like I’m returning home. Immaculata is really my second home.” Julie Castner '07
“The size of the department is a great asset. Students never have to make an appointment to see their professors.” MaryBeth Gallagher '00, ABD, Morgan State University
If you have any additional questions, please contact us.
Dr. Melanie Kisthardt, mkisthardt@immaculata.edu
English and Communication Department Chair