Contemporary American culture has painted a negative image of the Bachelor of Arts degree in English, if the Broadway musical Avenue Q is anything to go by. Contrary to this image, however, English graduates successfully find jobs in any number of fields.
Why is English such a useful major? For one thing, the close study of literature trains students to think critically and communicate effectively. English majors analyze texts—poems, stories, novels, essays, and other literary works—and find new ways to understand them. This analytic skill can be applied practically on the job, as well as the superior writing skills that English majors are famous for. Many English majors also possess creative, flexible minds that can offer fresh approaches to situations in several workplaces.
For another thing, English majors tend to be more passionate about their education than students in more vocationally oriented degree programs. An English degree signals to employers that a job candidate cares about more than just money. It signals one’s appreciation for the aesthetic value of literature as an expression of our humanity—in a way that a Business degree, for example, cannot. Companies value English graduates for all of these traits, so a B.A. in English can easily lead to a professional career in several fields.
English majors also have a chance to help make a difference on a global level. As English is currently the international language, those who understand the language well enough to teach it abroad are in high demand.
There are several programs that offer opportunities for English graduates to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in countries all over the world, so an English degree with a concentration in teaching ESL can open doors to exciting cross-cultural experiences.
In addition to these fields, many of our graduates further their education by pursuing a Master of Arts degree or Ph.D. in English, or in other related fields, including Law and Medicine.
If you love literature, are creative, know how to write, can think analytically, or even if you just like to play Balderdash—you’re one of us. We’re calling you home.
