What Can You Do with an English Degree?

English graduates often wonder what they can do with their degree. Are there other options besides careers in writing or editing? We’ve listed some of the best schools and best jobs for English majors so you can learn more about all the job possibilities available to you. 

What Is an English Major?

An English major is someone who studies the English language. Students with this major work in education, business development, social media, and marketing agencies. If you are an English major, you probably have a passion for creative writing and content writing. You can find jobs in a variety of industries with these skills.

How to Become an English Major: English Education Options 

Colleges and universities can offer several different English degrees and degrees on related topics. You can also choose to earn an English minor to bring a strong skill set with you when you enter the job market and pursue your future career. English degrees at all levels will help you develop the valuable skills to get jobs in social media, journalism, and creative writing. 

English Associate Degree 

An associate degree is a two-year degree available in Arts or Science. They will take you a step forward towards career possibilities as a proposal writer, grant writer, or advertising creative. Associate degree holders in English often work in temporary positions or entry-level jobs to build experience that will open up career opportunities. 

Best Associate Degree Programs in English

• Associate of Arts in English- Skyline College
• Associate of Arts in English- San Diego Mesa College
• Associate of Arts in Writing and Literature- La Guardia Community College 
• Associate of Science in English- Utah Valley University
• Associate of Arts in English- Medgar Evers College

English Bachelor’s Degree

Students who want a job in journalism, communication, and marketing often opt for a Bachelor’s Degree in English. A bachelor’s degree can be earned online or at a college or university, and will deepen your understanding of the discipline and open up higher-earning careers. Many employers prefer candidates with academic experience for teaching positions and senior roles. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in English

• Bachelor of Arts- Columbia University 
• Bachelor of Arts in English- University of Southern California
• Bachelor of Arts in English- University of Notre Dame
• Bachelor of Arts in English- Stanford University
• Bachelor of Arts- Yale University

English Master’s Degree 

You can get advanced degrees in English, literature, linguistics, and history to advance your career. A master’s program will strengthen your skills in the English language, as well as develop strong interdisciplinary soft skills such as creative thinking and analytical skills. 

Best Master’s Degree Programs in English

• Master of Arts in English and American Literature- University of Notre Dame
• Master of Arts in English and Comparative Literature- Columbia GSAS
• Master of Education- Columbia University
• Master of Arts in English- Harvard University
• Master of Arts in English- Southern New Hampshire University

English Career Overview: Is an English Career Worth It?

English Major Job Outlook

According to a report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the jobs held by English majors have a projected job outlook between -10 and 21 percent depending on the specific field. Postsecondary teaching positions are projected to grow the most, while secretarial and administrative roles are expected to shrink. 

English Major Salaries

The same report by BLS shows that the median wage of English degree jobs is around $50,000 annually. With an English major, you can find jobs in many industries. Your potential salary will vary depending on the field and your experience level. 

Best Jobs for English Majors: What Can You Do with an English Degree?

There are many jobs you can get with an English degree, but they will differ significantly based on the level of degree. In the tables below we have listed the best jobs for English majors depending on their level of education. 

Best Jobs for English Associate Degree Majors

Paralegals

• Average Salary: $52,920
• Job Outlook: 12 Percent

With excellent writing skills and a strong command of the English language from an associate degree, you can go to law school and become a paralegal. Paralegals support lawyers and attorneys in courts or corporate legal departments. Your critical thinking skills will be useful when performing research work for legal matters, collecting pieces of evidence, and selecting clients.

Travel agents

• Average Salary: $42,350
• Job Outlook: Five Percent

The job of a travel agent requires you to have excellent organization, communication and research skills. These are skills English majors develop through their studies. Travel agents help people make their travel plans by researching travel arrangements like tickets, accommodations, and car rentals. 

Proofreaders

• Average Salary: $41,140
• Job Outlook: -Seven Percent*

A proofreader is among the best career options for English graduates because they check the quality of written works. Industries like magazines, news departments, legal departments, and book publishers hire proofreaders to make sure published pieces are error-free.

*Job outlook data used is under editors from BLS

Preschool Teachers

• Average Salary: $31,930
• Job Outlook: 18 Percent

Preschool teachers work with young children between the ages of three and five. Knowledge of linguistics and grammar will make sure these kids are able to gain a stronger handle of the English language before moving onto kindergarten and elementary school. 

Teacher Assistants

• Average Salary: $28,900
• Job Outlook: Nine Percent

Teacher assistants work with licensed teachers. They have good interpersonal skills and need to be resourceful. Good time management skills and strong organization will help you work with school teachers to improve their students’ education.

Best Jobs for English Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Writers and Author

• Average Salary: $67,120
• Job Outlook: Nine Percent

English majors make successful careers in writing and publishing short stories, fiction and nonfiction novels, and even creative nonfiction. Many authors and writers start writing early and refine their skills by getting a bachelor’s degree in English and by working as freelance writers before moving on to book publishing.

Editor

• Average Salary: $63,400
• Job Outlook: Five Percent

With such a variety of content being regularly created in many different fields, editors are in-demand to apply their editing skills to ensure published works are error-free.  You can work in grant writing, for an English department at a school, or you might professionally edit blog posts. 

Technical Writer

• Average Salary: $74,650
• Job Outlook: 12 Percent

A technical writer is familiar with complex terminologies and has strong research skills. These writers create manuals, instructional guides, and technical documents. The transferable skills of an English major allow someone in technical writing to work in different industries. They get hired by marketing departments to write documents with complex terms and information.

Fundraiser

• Average Salary: $59,610
• Job Outlook: 16 Percent

Fundraisers have strong written communication skills that they use to raise funds for donations. They also have organizational skills to organize events and host events for this purpose. An education in the English language, experience in journalism, or a job in communication could help you become a fundraiser.

Interpreter or Translator

• Average Salary: $52,330
• Job Outlook: 24 Percent

English graduates who are bilingual can use their skills to be interpreters and translators. They are hired by schools, event organizers, courts, and hospitals to translate texts between languages. Their language skills are useful in meetings, events, and medical appointments. 

Best Jobs for English Master’s Degree Majors

PR Managers

• Average Salary: $118,430
• Job Outlook: 13 Percent

The primary duty of a PR manager is improving the public image of their client. They maintain a positive image, handle any negative publicity, and mitigate any issues. You need more than basic English skills for this career field, as excellent communication skills are necessary. A master’s degree in communications, public relations, or English will be helpful.

Business Development Specialist

• Average Salary: $115,640
• Job Outlook: 11 Percent

You can use creative skills to find business solutions as a business development specialist. This job has duties like finding innovative ways to develop the business, being resourceful in enhancing the impact of current assets, and brainstorming how to improve customer relations. These experts earn certifications from a business school to combine their English skills with business acumen.

Literature Professor

• Average Salary: $80,560
• Job Outlook: 12 Percent

A master’s degree is needed to teach at a post-secondary level, along with a certification in teaching. Literature teachers are professionals who teach in colleges or universities. They have research skills to make lesson plans and teaching material, as well as publish new academic material. 

Lobbyist 

• Average Salary: $125,350
• Job Outlook: Nine Percent*

The job of a lobbyist goes along with public relations and politics. Having the communication skills of an English major is going to be crucial in interacting with and persuading public officials. This job requires you to have an excellent command of words and additional experience or advanced degreees in fundraising, policymaking, public relations, or financial services. 

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*Job outlook data under Political Scientists in BLS

Librarians

• Average Salary: $60,820
• Job Outlook: Nine Percent

These experts manage the databases of libraries and organize the physical books. They help visitors find resources and train the library staff. On a normal day, they may supervise technicians and volunteers at a public library. They often double major in library sciences or library technologies to achieve a higher annual salary. 

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in English

1. Participate in all kinds of activities. Use your time at your university to hone your public speaking, effective communication, technical writing, and organizing skills. Exploring different career paths can help you decide which one is right for you. 
2. Practice on your own. Write stories, create a blog, or start a podcast. You might freelance or volunteer. This while hone a wide variety of skills and the experience might help you land entry-level positions and other job opportunities.
3. Research your industry. It is best to know everything you can about a company before applying for a job. You’ll need to know if you need a specific degree or certification before you start down that career path. 

As an English major, you can follow these tips to find a job that is perfect for you. By exploring non-traditional pathways, you could find a job you didn’t know you could get with as an English graduate. Practice strong writing skills and critical thinking skills and there’s not much you can’t do with a degree in English.