English at Seton Hall is one of the liberal arts and, as such, is devoted to the search for wisdom and understanding. The mission of the Department of English is three-fold: 1) to provide all students with the essential linguistic and literary competency upon which other liberal arts disciplines may build; 2) to develop in all students the ability to think analytically, to read closely and to write well; 3) to provide majors with a broad knowledge and critical understanding of British and American literary traditions, with additional emphasis upon comparative literatures and genres. 

English courses emphasize the close reading of texts, the study of particular authors and genres, questions of critical theory and method, and the relationship of literary works to their historical periods and other disciplines. The department seeks not only to foster analytical reading and lucid writing but also to stimulate thought about the nature of human experience. In order to be servant leaders, students must be articulate, they must be able to think critically and analytically, and they must have a grounding in humane thought and letters in order to understand the historical and philosophical contexts of today’s world.  

Apart from such global rewards of studying literature, a degree in English-language literature offers intensive training in skills essential to the contemporary job market.  Graduates of Seton Hall University’s English program have gone on to graduate programs and successful careers in writing and editing, publishing, teaching, law, business and media.  

In addition to the English major, the department also offers an English minor and a writing minor, both 18 credits and available to students of any major. At the graduate level, the Department of English offers a Master of Arts designed for present or prospective teachers of English on the secondary or college level, for students contemplating the Ph.D., and for those already involved in careers in publishing, business, writing or media. English majors who qualify for the Dual Degree B.A./M.A. program in English can complete the M.A. degree in one year beyond their B.A.

Our faculty conduct internationally recognized research and innovative, technologically-enhanced instruction. Grounded in practical experience but exploring the frontiers of their disciplines, they are models of academic excellence.

View Full-time Department Faculty »

Fahy Hall. Opened in 1968, this building houses many departments of the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the dean of this College. In addition to classrooms and faculty offices, it contains communication and language laboratories, and a television studio.

The University Libraries have notable resources, including extensive holdings of almost 700,000 book volumes, and 1,127 current periodical subscriptions, back-files of more than 6,500 serial titles, electronic access to full text articles in more than 25,000 journals, a broad selection of indexing and abstracting services in both digital and print formats, various microform collections, music CDs, and audiovisual aids.  A complete listing of database resources can be found at library.shu.edu