Department of English

Central Piedmont offers English courses that specialize in reading comprehension, composition, research, rhetoric, creative writing and literature, all of which meet the needs and interests of students working towards any Associates degree.

What You Will Learn

English courses at Central Piedmont will provide you with instruction in composition, creative writing, and literature as well as college and career study skills. Upon completion of our English courses, you will:

  • learn to write clearly and coherently in English in order to be prepared for other college-level courses, the workplace, and the conduct of your personal life
  • gain experience in literature and the humanities in order to recognize and appreciate the aesthetic dimensions of your life

If English is not your first language, explore how you can learn English at Central Piedmont.

Learn More about Central Piedmont General Education Requirements

Why Choose Central Piedmont

We offer all students a real-world, hands-on, well-rounded education in order to provide the foundational skills and knowledge you need to succeed in any career. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the student clubs and organizations, such as the Creative Writing Club - Student Writers Assembled Guild.

Save money by taking English courses at Central Piedmont. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Real World Education

At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.

Transfer Credit 

All college-level English courses at Central Piedmont transfer to any North Carolina four-year institution. 

Visiting students often transfer credit back to their home institution. You should contact your College and Central Piedmont’s Advising and Transfer Services for additional information.    

Central Piedmont Department of English also offers secondary education students the opportunity to obtain college credit in English courses while still in high school. Students looking to gain the skills they need to attend college should consider the following programs: 

What We Offer

  • Foundational English

    You may need to take foundational English courses before you can go on to take ENG 111 and other English or upper-level college courses:

    Learn more about the difference between the transition and co-requisite courses and how to determine which Central Piedmont English course you will place into.

    Tutoring is available from the English department for students enrolled in English courses. All Central Piedmont students enrolled in curriculum courses may receive free tutoring in math, science, and writing, as well as various other subject areas offered through multiple learning resources and platforms. 

  • Available English Courses, Locations, and Delivery Methods

    The English courses you take may depend upon your program. In order to take English 111, you must meet the criteria established by the college. You will be placed into English classes based on your unweighted high school GPA. Learn how to determine which Central Piedmont English course you will place into. For a full listing and descriptions of English courses, please visit the college catalog. If you have any questions or concerns, contact an advisor

    To meet the needs of our diverse student population, we offer some English courses online. Course offerings and availability can change each semester. Always confirm where and how (in-person, online, or combined) English courses are available for upcoming semesters.

    Visiting Students

    If you wish to transfer English course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.

    Corporate and Continuing Education

    Central Piedmont's Corporate and Continuing Education provides non-credit, non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.

    College and Career Readiness

    If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.

    College Credit for High School Students

    Visit Career & College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.

  • Explore Careers

    Taking English courses at Central Piedmont can give you the knowledge and foundation you need to succeed in a variety of careers. Visit Career Coach for detailed career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.

  • Piedmont Poetry Review

    The Central Piedmont The Piedmont Review is an e-journal published each spring and fall to showcase fresh poet voices that present the poet’s world in new ways.

    Submissions are accepted year-round via email to patricia.bostian@cpcc.edu or to colin.hickey@cpcc.edu. Interested students should submit their poems (no more than five) in the body of the email (not as an attachment). All manuscripts receive serious, careful attention; we try to respond within two or three months, but response time is slower over the summer. Work previously published in any form will not be considered. Please let us know in your cover letter if your submission is simultaneously being considered elsewhere, and please let us know immediately if your work is accepted by another publication.

  • "The Hammer" Student Art and Literature Magazine

    "The Hammer" is Central Piedmont's student arts and literature magazine. All visual, literary, and graphic arts included in the magazine are crafted, written, and designed by current Central Piedmont students. The visual art showcased in the publication's pages is taken from the college's Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, which showcases our top student talent and highlights the variety and skill of the college's visual arts program. Literary works included in past issues have been winners of the local level of a national literary competition sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College.

    "The Hammer" was founded in 2017 and is run by the Central Piedmont English department, with support from other departments.

    Check out the latest issue of "The Hammer" magazine.

English Department Tutoring

At select times during the week, faculty in the English department will use their office hours to provide assistance for student's writing essays and drafts.

See tutoring times and locations