Study stories, ideas and cultural expression across time and place
Literature can be both an art form and a discipline where society is explored and reflected by the imagination. As a literature major at Linfield, you will develop your reading, writing and critical thinking abilities. From your first days on campus, you will join peers and professors in continuing conversations about language and meaning.
Curious whether this program is the right fit?
Share a little about yourself through our information request form to connect with an admission counselor and get answers about the literature program.
What You Can Expect
Wide-ranging study across cultures, genres and media
Coursework includes global and American literature, graphic novels, film, speculative fiction, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality and more. After completing a small core, students design the rest of the major around their interests.
Small, discussion-driven classes with faculty scholars
Classes are taught by active researchers, not teaching assistants, creating space for close reading, debate and individualized mentorship. Students build strong writing, research and interpretive skills through sustained engagement with faculty.
Interdisciplinary connections and hands-on opportunities
Literary study intersects with history, philosophy, politics, film, popular culture, race and gender. Students gain practical experience through the Writing Center, Camas publication and January Term study abroad courses taught in places like Portugal, Patagonia and Baja California.
Why Study Literature at Linfield?
Literature at Linfield offers a deeply personalized and intellectually rich experience grounded in close mentorship and interdisciplinary exploration. Small classes foster thoughtful conversation and collaborative inquiry, while faculty guide students through advanced research, individualized projects and a substantial senior thesis. Students engage with nationally recognized visiting writers, build résumés through campus publishing opportunities and gain experience that translates directly to professional contexts. The program’s flexibility supports double majors and minors, even in highly structured fields like nursing. Literature’s emphasis on interpreting complex texts, weighing competing interpretations and constructing persuasive arguments makes it exceptional preparation for law and medical school as well as careers in education, publishing, communications, nonprofits and business.
Accolades & Rankings
#1 College in Oregon
- TIME Magazine
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Social Mobility
- U.S. News and World Report
#1 Best Value College in Oregon
- Niche
Literature Career Outlook
A literature degree can open doors for your career
Through 2034, writer-related occupations are expected to grow by 4%*. In 2024, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $72,270, exceeding the national average of $49,000. While your income heavily depends on where you live, your level of education and the depth of your experience, enriching your expertise can help support your career growth and financial stability.
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Potential career paths include:
- Editor
- Teacher
- Communications Specialist
- Publishing Assistant
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator
- Lawyer
- Content Writer
- Researcher
What financial assistance is available?
Financing your college education can feel like a lot to manage, but 喵咪社区 is here to help make the process clearer and more manageable. Linfield’s Financial Aid Office offers personalized guidance from experienced counselors who can help you understand your options, plan ahead, navigate the and answer any questions along the way.
You can also plan ahead by estimating your cost of attendance using Linfield’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
喵咪社区 offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of college. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for many Linfield scholarships. Additional scholarships are available based on academic interests, achievements, life experiences and personal background.
Learn more about available scholarships on Linfield’s Scholarships page.
Request more information
Have questions about studying literature at Linfield? Reach out! We'd love to connect with you.
Joe Wilkins
Department Chair, Professor and Director of Creative Writing
T.J. Day Hall
503-883-2696
jwilkins@linfield.edu
Department Chair, Professor and Director of Creative Writing
T.J. Day Hall
503-883-2696
jwilkins@linfield.edu