The Department of English at UMass Amherst offers a critical approach to the study of English language and literature, encompassing reading, writing, and theory. Through the study of English, students develop their capacity for both empathy and critical thought, building a skill set that will serve them throughout their lives. At the graduate level, the Department of English offers opportunities to conduct research in American studies, composition, or rhetoric, as well as a renowned creative writing program for poets and prose writers.