Career Options With an English Degree
Although the career path of an English major might not be as clear as that of an engineering or business major, there are plenty of viable options. Your options expand as you gain advanced English degrees or if you're fluent in other languages as well. However, even a bachelor's degree can get you started on a successful career track.
Other People Are Reading
-
Law
-
The most common undergraduate major among law school students is English. The analytical skills you develop as an English major will be extremely useful as you pursue a law degree. Law students are generally required to complete an enormous amount of reading each week, and if you enjoy reading, you'll have an advantage. The average starting salary of a lawyer is between $45,000 and $70,000, depending on location and the firm you work for.
Education
-
Another popular choice for English majors is to pursue a career in education. If you plan to teach in a public school, you'll need to obtain certification through a School of Education. However, people with an English degree can teach in many private schools without this certification.
If you have a master's in English, you can teach at two-year colleges. People with doctorates in English are qualified to teach at universities. You also might consider teaching outside of the country to students who have no previous knowledge of the English language. A starting salary of up to $45,000 per year is common for an English professor.
-
Ministry
-
If you plan to enter a seminary or divinity school, a strong background in English may prove to be extremely useful. Analyzing texts is a large part of a minister's life. The best ministers and preachers have a very strong handle on the English language, and public speaking skills can easily be applied to church services. If you do decide to take this route, consider a dual-major in religious studies.
Publishing
-
Book and magazine publishers are looking for people who can read and write proficiently. Publishing companies need researchers, fact-checkers, editors, promoters and marketers. If you enjoy reading and writing, and want to work for a publishing company, there are many options available that will fit your interests. Consider a dual-major in journalism if you wish to pursue a career in publishing. The starting salary of a magazine editor is between $30,000 and $40,000.
Writing
-
As with musicians, filmmakers and other creative individuals, your career path as an English major might involve a combination of a steady job with freelance creative work. Ask yourself what you like to write about and what sort of lifestyle you might enjoy to help you decide what type of writing you'd like to do.
-
