This year’s Novel Life event will feature bestselling authors, Jason Mott, Jennifer Haigh, and Jonathan Evison.
Read more about A Novel Life – March 25English
Dive Deep into the Rich Depths of Literature and Advanced Language Mastery
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
Primary Locations
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
Available Fully Online
Degree RequirementsCareer 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)*
*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
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose English as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Idaho Launch
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
News
Get paid to do your homework! CWI students are invited to submit their writing to this annual contest for a chance at publication on the College’s website and cash prizes. Submissions are due...
Read more about 2022 President’s Writing Awards Submissions Now OpenA course that teaches application of literary theory to texts may sound abstract and even impractical at first, but for students in Liza Long’s class, their final project offered a real-world...
Read more about English Students Experience the World of Publishing FirsthandA short film created by Assistant Professor of Art, Goran Fazil, and English Adjunct, Dževad Vrabac, was accepted into the 2021 Monologues & Poetry International Film Fest.
Read more about Fazil and Vrabac Film Accepted into International FestivalResources, training, and contests during CTL's Accessibility Week for faculty highlight how small changes can help students access and engage in courses.
Read more about Faculty Increase Course Accessibility for StudentsJoin Storyfort and CWI for The Novel Life – a dive deep into processes, practicalities, passions, and how the conception and writing of a novel gets done.
Read more about The Novel LifeCongratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.
Read more about Seven CWI Faculty Promoted to ProfessorsCongratulations to CWI instructors, Liza Long, Anna Gamboa, Cathy Carson, Hollie Leavitt, Joel Gladd, and Charles Dickinson!
Read more about CWI Innovative Educator of the Year Nominees for 2021Congratulations to students recognized for exceptional creative nonfiction, critical analysis, fiction, first-year writing, literature-based and original research, poetry, and technical writing....
Read more about 2021 President’s Writing AwardsCWI is excited to welcome renowned poet, Jimmy Santiago Baca, to campus virtually for a reading and workshop Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Read more about Writers and Words Series Welcomes Jimmy Santiago BacaCongratulations to Dave Nicholas, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for February 2020.
Read more about Faculty of Distinction—February 2020Join CWI Anthropology Professor, Nikki Gorrell, Tuesday, March 10, for a discussion on her fieldwork in Mayan communities.
Read more about The Maya: Past, Present, and FutureRequest More Information
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