Bachelor’s in English Program Guide

English majors gain an understanding of the world around them by studying literature and analyzing complex texts and ideas. Earning a bachelor’s in English instills graduates with critical thinking skills and the ability to write and speak clearly and effectively.

Due to the all-encompassing nature of an English degree, graduates gain important skills that are necessary for various careers. Graduates can find flexible employment as freelance writers, educators, and marketers.

Read on to learn more about these programs and career opportunities for graduates.

A bachelor’s in English program focuses on refining research and analytical skills. Graduates become clear and concise writers and speakers. These abilities can apply across various career fields and can bring unique perspectives to various roles.

Unlike engineer majors or business majors, English majors do not always have a clear path from degree to the workforce. However, majoring in English refines skills that can allow you to work in different industries in a variety of positions.

A bachelor’s in English can give you room to explore diverse course offerings. Because of its multidisciplinary and flexible nature, a bachelor’s in English degree may be a good fit for students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree, but are not sure of their specific career path.

English majors study how to become better readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. By delving into diverse perspectives and texts, students expand their understanding of historical and cultural events. Many programs offer varied courses, allowing students to take classes in interest areas like British literature, multicultural literature, and women’s studies.

Along with literature courses, English majors typically complete several writing courses to hone research and critical analysis skills. Many programs require a literary theory course. English majors may also take creative writing classes and workshops. By studying literature and writing, English majors practice empathy while honing analytical skills.

Creative writing concentrations develop the writing skills needed to create original, well-crafted pieces of prose or poetry. By studying and analyzing other writers’ techniques, students further develop their own writing skills. Many programs offer workshop courses where students learn to critique other students’ work and revise their own.

A literature concentration focuses on analyzing novels, plays, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry. Through discussions, reading, and writing, students develop strong research and analytical skills. Programs may offer more specific specializations, such as American literature, British literature, or world literature.

Learners pursuing a film studies concentration study films in a similar process as they would analyze literature. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and write about film. Courses delve into the various elements of film and how filmmakers use different aspects of film to create a message.

A bachelor’s in English degree develops desirable soft skills that employers look for when hiring new employees. Because a bachelor’s in English degree can be interdisciplinary, students can focus their coursework in specific areas like creative writing or British literature.

Graduates can find work in publishing, marketing, journalism, and education. Many English majors become writers, social media managers, and teachers. Others continue on to graduate school and pursue creative writing or law.

Some graduates may choose freelance work, setting their own work schedules. Others may choose to work in technical writing for engineering companies.

Salary potential depends on career, location, and experience. Nevertheless, English majors can make competitive wages in many different positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), technical writers earn a median annual salary of $74,650, while high school teachers make a median annual salary of $62,870.

A bachelor’s in English is a versatile degree. Students learn to read, write research, and speak. These skills can apply across various career fields. English majors can pursue careers in marketing, writing, and management.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, the average annual cost of tuition for a four-year public university was $20,470. Additional costs to consider include housing, books, and materials. Costs vary based on whether you attend a public or private university and if the college is in state or out of state.

Graduates can pursue jobs in various fields, including writing, teaching, and marketing. Earning a bachelor’s in English can also open the door to different graduate programs, including law schools.

There are several career options for English majors experiencing high demand. For instance, between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects 7% job growth for technical writers. However, not all jobs are experiencing growth. During the same period, the BLS projects a 2% decline in demand for authors.

MA bachelor’s in English degree typically requires 120 credits. Most full-time students graduate in approximately four years. Prospective students may be able to shorten this timeline through accelerated programs or by taking courses over the summer.