Student Resources

The English Department at Frostburg State University provides a number of experiences for its students. From a wide array of course offerings to on-the-job work experiences, the English Department strives to equip its students for the future. The links below will take you to more information about opportunities available for you in the classroom, in internships and working experiences, in financial support, and in some of the classes that you'll be attending.

Sample Syllabi

The links below lead to PDF files that are samples of those you might see in an English course at Frostburg State University. You will need Adobe Reader to open the files.

Scholarships

In February, students will find applications for our departmental scholarships posted in Dunkle Hall. We have four scholarships to award. All interested applicants fill out the English department’s application and submit any additional items required by the specific scholarship(s). These materials are due by March 1. A scholarship committee reviews all of the applications and ranks them. Then, FSU’s Foundation strives to award as many scholarships as possible based on the funds available for each scholarship.

The English Department is quite fortunate in that it boasts many fine students who not only meet but also exceed the eligibility requirements. Each year the competition is quite keen. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply and to include ALL materials listed in each scholarship’s criteria. Please direct inquiries to either Dr. Kevin Knott or Dr. Kristin Shimmin.

Al and Abbie Rose Memorial

The recipient must be a transfer student who is a declared English major with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 at the previous institution(s). Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a former English instructor along with an essay that demonstrates an interest in the study of language and literature. This is a one-time award.

Pauline Tustin Hobbs Memorial

The recipient must be a declared English major at FSU with a 3.0 or better grade point average and demonstrated ability in writing or literary scholarship. Freshmen and transfers are eligible to apply with an incoming 3.5 grade point average. The award may be renewed. The English Department may request additional information following application.

Betsy Ross Rankin Memorial

The recipient must be an English major with demonstrated financial need and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above, with the completion of at least 60 credits.

Betty Favre Memorial

Recipient(s) will be English majors who are selected as winners of a department writing competition. Criteria for the competition will be announced annually.

Brandon M. Carroll Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled full-time at FSU. The recipient(s) must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 with a major in the Department of English and/or the Department of Mathematics. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of Washington or Frederick County (Maryland).

Louise Goshorn and Barbara (Goshorn) Bruchey Presidential Merit Scholarship in English

Applicants must be enrolled full-time at FSU majoring in the Department of English. The recipient(s) must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.5. Incoming freshman applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement in high school as evidenced by class rank and SAT scores in the upper quartile. Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Preference will be given to applicants in the following order of importance (1) academic ability (2) demonstrated financial need.

Internships and Field Experiences

The English Department at Frostburg State University offers opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in a number of areas. Students have gained experience working at online and print newspapers, in the university's public relations office, in social media development, and with other local and regional publications.

Why an internship?

An internship gives you practical experience in a professional setting, one that allows you to develop and refine a variety of skills. The hands-on experience you gain helps to build your resume and make you more marketable.

Who is eligible for a Field Experience or an internship?

To be eligible, you must have junior or senior standing. You can do an internship during semester or the summer. If you have a summer internship that is appropriate for English credit, keep in mind you’ll need to pay tuition for any credits you earn.

To be eligible for an Internship in English (ENGL 495), you must be in good academic standing. The ideal candidate should have

  • excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
  • 2-3 faculty members who can recommend you as a writer and as a responsible person (e.g., one who attends class regularly and on time, meets deadlines, contributes to class)

Credit Options for Internships

ENGL 494 - Field Experience in Writing: 3 credits for 9 hours work per week

ENGL 495/492 - Internship in English: 6 credits (18 hours per week) or 12 credits (36 hours per week). Additional 1-credit (ENGL 492) covers the seminar meetings with the internship coordinator

For an English Field Experience or Internship, please contact:

Dr. Jill Morris
Office: 138-A Dunkle Hall
Email: jamorris@frostburg.edu
Phone: 301.687.4238

For a Field Experience to be applied to the Journalism minor, please contact:

Mr. Andy Duncan
Office: 220 Dunkle Hall
Email: arduncan@frostburg.edu
Phone: 301.687.4241

Some examples of internship sites and typical writing opportunities:

On campus

  • News and Media Services (press releases with an option of writing an article for the alumni magazine, Profile)
  • WFWM (press releases, Facebook updates, publicity articles)
  • FSU Social Marketing Team

Frostburg and Cumberland area

Beyond the ‘Burg

  • Some literary magazines, such as Lines + Stars or The Washington Pastime, will allow you to work online
  • Look for opportunities at regional newspapers, non-profit agencies, and businesses.
Amy Barkman

Amy BarkmanInternship in News and Media Services, Frostburg State University.

Amy is now the advertising and marketing manager for Bedford Farm Bureau Co-op in Bedford, PA. She oversees all of the advertising/marketing/communications for four locations and handles the accounting work for the Co-op’s seed and fertilizer programs.

"One of the most rewarding and memorable experiences I had at FSU was an internship for Liz Medcalf in the News and Media Services office."

Amy Barkman

 

Kenisha Boone

Kenisha BooneInternship in the Washington Literacy Center, Washington, DC

Kenisha is now Program Manager, in charge of the education program at the Washington Literacy Center.


“Through my intern experience, I discovered that I preferred a life of meaningful service to others over a simple 9-5. My internship opened up my desire to work in the non-profit world. It is certainly rewarding to see a student you have worked with grasp a new task. My work is making a difference.”

Kenisha Boone

 

Eric Morris

Eric MorrisInternship for the Cumberland Times-News, Cumberland, MD

Eric is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Professional Writing, specializing in investigative journalism.


“I gained invaluable workplace experience while interning as a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. The time I spent in the newsroom prepared me for the fast-paced, deadline-driven life of a professional journalist.”

Eric Morris

PROGRAMS Offered by the Department

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