English & Philosophy

The Dean B. Ellis Library Clocktower, framed by autumn leaves

The Department of English and Philosophy is a place for big ideas and bold questions. Here, you'll explore literature, ethics, and human experience while developing skills in writing, analysis, and critical thinking. With a focus on a wide range of modern topics, our programs prepare students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them, whether they’re headed for graduate study, law school, or the workforce.

Every journey in English and philosophy begins with curiosity. From literature to logic, explore the degrees that empower you to write with purpose and think with depth.

Student with laptop writing in a notebook

English Programs

Explore our english degrees, minors, and certificates

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

M.A. in English

M.S.E. in English

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

B.A. in English

B.S.E. in English

Minor in English

Minor in Folklore Studies

Minor in Writing Studies

Philosophy Programs

Explore our philosophy degrees, minors, and certificates

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

B.A. in Philosophy

Minor in Cognitive Science

Minor in History & Philosophy of Science & Technology

Minor in Philosophy

Minor in Religious Studies

Our department offers a variety of opportunities to help you grow as a writer. Whether you're looking for feedback or hoping to get published, we're here to support you every step of the way.

A Writing Center tutor helping a student

The Writing Center

The Writing Center offers support for all your writing needs, whether it's an academic essay, a creative piece, or anything in between. Open to all A-State Jonesboro and A-State Online students, faculty, and staff, the center provides one-on-one help to strengthen your writing. Drop in on the third floor of the library or make an appointment online.

The Tributary

The Tributary is A-State’s annual student-run literary magazine, which is published each spring. It features poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art submitted by A-State students, celebrating their creative voices while offering hands-on experience in editing and publishing.

High School Writing Competition

Each year, high school students across Arkansas are nominated by their English teachers to submit original work to A-State’s High School Writing Competition, hosted by our department. Winning entries are rewarded with a certificate and official publication.

"Being in the English program at A-State is an experience I will always treasure. It brought me my best friends in the entire world and helped me cultivate and even greater passion for the humanities. The professors are wonderful people who truly care about their students and want to see them succeed.

- Abby Frisby, English ‘24

Philosophy helps you question assumptions, see the bigger picture, and think in new ways. You'll build strong reasoning and debate skills while exploring some of life's biggest questions—like what we can know, what's right and wrong, and what reality really is.

We also host a Philosophy Club where you can discuss ideas and debate with others who share your interests.

Philosophy Club

Philosophy Club is a space to connect with others who share your curiosity and passion for big ideas. We meet in Room 2026 in the Humanities and Social Sciences building, and everyone is welcome to join the conversation.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mark Herman
mherman@AState.edu

The Tributary

The Tributary is A-State’s annual student-run literary magazine, which is published each spring. It celebrates the creative voices of the A-State student body while offering hands-on experience in editing and publishing.

We accept works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, and photography. While we ask that essays and stories be no longer than 20 pages in length, students are welcome to submit multiple works from multiple genres for consideration.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The deadline for The Tributary is the last Friday of each February.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

You must be a student of Arkansas State University to submit any work.
Include a title and name (as you would want the byline to read) on the same document containing your work.
Submit your written works in .PDF or .DOC format.
Attach file in an email (do not copy and paste your document into the body of an email).
Email submissions or questions to astatetributary@AState.edu
For specific requirements, see below.

WORKS OF FICTION AND CREATIVE NON-FICTION

Do not exceed 20 pages.
You may submit multiple works, but only one work of prose per author will be considered.

Works of Poetry

You may submit multiple works, but no more than five poems per author will be considered.

Works of Art

Submit high resolution / print quality .JPG files.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORK

Submit in original picture format (not a .PDF).

To submit or ask questions, please email:
astatetributary@AState.edu

High School Writing Competition

Each year, high school students across Arkansas are nominated by their English teachers to submit works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to A-State’s High School Writing Competition, hosted by our department. Committee members then select the first, second, and third place winners in each category. Certificates are awarded to each winning piece, and each of them is published below.

2025 WINNERS

ESSAY

First Place: Deven Isbell, Nettleton High School. Teacher: Casey Harris.
- Title: "Confronting Morality: Dreams and Survival in The Road"
Second Place: Traceekiniya Rogers, Nettleton High School. Instructor: James Bittle.
- Title: "The Importance of Perseverance"
Third Place: Kaylie Arell, The Academies at Jonesboro High School. Instructor: Camryn Brown.
- Title: "Untitled"

FICTION

First Place: Kaylee Tribble, Highland High School. Teacher: Suzanne Wallace.
- Title: "A Hero's Lesson"
Second Place: Paetin Jennings, Bay High School. Teacher: Kalina Smith.
- Title: "A Place in Time"
Third Place: Deven Isbell, Nettleton High School. Teacher: Shawn Watson.
- Title: "The Uncoiling"

CREATIVE NONFICTION

First Place: Destiny Shaw, The Academies at Jonesboro High School. Teacher: Meredith Baine.
- Title: "A Gut Punch in History"
Second Place: Sadie Marie Manley, Highland High School. Teacher: Suzanne Wallace.
- Title: "Untitled"
Third Place (Tied): Ella Grace Lewis, The Academies at Jonesboro High School. Teacher: Nicole LaCount.
- Title: "Taking a Leap of Faith"
Third Place (Tied): Easton McDaniel, The Academies at Jonesboro High School. Teacher: Meredith Baine.
- Title: "Never Forget"

POETRY

First Place: Abby Collums, Bay High School. Teacher: Kalina Smith.
- Title: "Moonlight Confessions"
Second Place: Sophia De Lucena, The Academies at Jonesboro High School. Teacher: Katie Hamilton.
- Title: "Growing Up"
Third Place (Tied): Ashley Allen, Cave City High School. Teacher: Amanda Kazzee.
- Title: "Dark Cedar Eyes"
Third Place (Tied): Kinzie McDowell, Nettleton High School. Teacher: Gabrielle Fife.
- Title: "Untitled"

2024 WINNERS

ESSAY

First Place: Makayla Cross, Greene County Tech High School. Teacher: Meredith Baine.
- Title: "Following the Leader"

FICTION

First Place: Jo Mitchell, Paragould High School. Teacher: Kelli Rollins-Stidham.
- Title: "mirror boy"
Second Place: Jaelunn "Mars" White, Jonesboro High School. Teacher: Katie Hamilton.
- Title: "Untitled"
Third Place: Allie Carson, Jonesboro High School. Teacher: Nicole LaCount.
- Title: "Untitled"

POETRY

First Place: Paetin Jennings, Bay High School. Teacher: Kalina Smith.
- Title: "Metamorphosis"
Second Place: Alahna Sampson, Highland High School. Teacher: Julie Sandy.
- Title: "Untitled"
Third Place: Chandle Davis, Paragould High School. Teacher: Kelli Rollins-Stidham.
- Title: "Garden Rose"