English

Dive Deep into the Rich Depths of Literature and Advanced Language Mastery

CWI student writing in a notepad

Program Overview

Are you drawn to the world of literature and passionate about expressing yourself through writing? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) English program is designed to cultivate your critical thinking and writing skills. This program delves into the study of composition and diverse literary works, genres, and viewpoints, offering you a chance to explore the human experience through language.

The Creative Writing emphasis will prepare you for a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and offers unique opportunities, such as working on the College's literary magazine and engaging in writing-related internships. The Literature emphasis, focused on literary analysis and global perspectives, provides a broad understanding of literature and its role in understanding diversity on a national and global scale. Whichever path you choose, this program is your gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of English literature.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Fully Online

Time to Complete

2 years

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Learning Opportunities

  • Practical Literary Experience: Get involved in literary magazine editing or internships, gaining insights into the editing and publishing processes.
  • Independent Study in Creative Writing: Work closely with faculty mentors to develop and refine your writing, culminating in a capstone project.
  • Global Learning Through Literature: Engage in discussions about diversity and global perspectives through literary works.
  • Writing Intensive Curriculum: Adapt to various writing genres, enhancing your critical thinking and application skills in diverse settings.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

English – Creative Writing Emphasis – Associate of Arts Degree

English – Literature Emphasis – Associate of Arts Degree

2

YEARS

AA

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements
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Career Opportunities

  • Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

    Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050) and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    339

    Annual Openings*

    $23.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,984

    Annual Median Salary

    13.15%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. Excludes “Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School” (25-2032), “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

    264

    Annual Openings*

    $23.82

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,546

    Annual Median Salary

    12.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

    Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. Excludes “Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School” (25-2023), “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), and “Substitute Teachers, Short Term” (25-3031).

    55

    Annual Openings*

    $23.91

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,733

    Annual Median Salary

    29.39%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Writers and Authors

    Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. Excludes “News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists” (27-3023), “Public Relations Specialists” (27-3031), and “Technical Writers” (27-3042).

    46

    Annual Openings*

    $21.52

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,762

    Annual Median Salary

    26.4%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Editors

    Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

    38

    Annual Openings*

    $18.28

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $38,022

    Annual Median Salary

    15.08%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Library Technicians

    Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

    38

    Annual Openings*

    $14.10

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $29,328

    Annual Median Salary

    3.63%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

    Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library’s media equipment.

    23

    Annual Openings*

    $22.24

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,259

    Annual Median Salary

    17.71%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

    Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

    20

    Annual Openings*

    $14.61

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $30,389

    Annual Median Salary

    4.74%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Technical Writers

    Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

    17

    Annual Openings*

    $29.21

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,757

    Annual Median Salary

    16.67%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Desktop Publishers

    Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $18.71

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $38,917

    Annual Median Salary

    41.4%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Proofreaders and Copy Markers

    Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $15.38

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $31,990

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Congratulations to Dave Nicholas, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for February 2020.

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Join CWI Anthropology Professor, Nikki Gorrell, Tuesday, March 10, for a discussion on her fieldwork in Mayan communities.

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