Many people think an English degree is only for future novelists or Shakespearean scholars. In reality, English is one of the most flexible degrees you can earn.
Key Takeaways
- English majors work in education, marketing, and business.
- An English pathway develops skills like communication, creativity, and research, which are useful in many different job fields.
- With this degree, you can improve your writing, editing, and problem-solving abilities.
There’s often a misconception that people who earn an English degree are interested in writing novels or analyzing literature professionally. But in reality, English is one of the most versatile degrees you can get. Whether you’re passionate about reading, writing, or understanding how language impacts the world, studying English opens doors to a wide range of careers. So, what can you do with an English degree after graduation?
What Is an English Degree?
An English degree is typically a Bachelor of Arts program that focuses on the study of language, literature, and communication. Students are taught to look at a piece of information, take it apart, and explain it to others in a way that makes sense.
Common classes or topics in an English curriculum include:
- Literature Studies: Reading and studying different types of books, stories, and poems from various times and cultures.
- Writing and Composition: Learning how to write essays, research papers, creative pieces, and other types of communication.
- Linguistics: Studying how language works, including its rules, history, and sounds.
- Rhetoric and Communication: Understanding how to use language to persuade, inform, and connect with people, whether through writing or speaking.
- Cultural Studies: Looking at how books and language reflect society’s values, identities, and history.
Many English degree programs provide opportunities for internships or practical projects that allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
Who Is an English Degree Good For?
Your reasons for choosing a major are personal, but an English degree may be a great fit if you:
- Are a Deep Reader: You don’t just read the news; you ask why it was written and what you can learn from it.
- Are an Empathetic Thinker: You can put yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand their perspective.
- Love “The Why”: You enjoy digging into the history and culture behind a story.
- Want Career Insurance: You want a degree that doesn’t lock you into one industry.
If you’re someone who thrives in environments where creativity and critical thinking are valued, an English degree might be perfect for you.
What Jobs Can You Get With an English Degree?
One of the great things about getting an English degree is that it doesn’t limit you. Whether you want to go to graduate school or jump into the workforce after your undergraduate studies, the skills you develop are transferable to many different fields.
1. Copywriter
Companies need to persuade customers to use their products or services. As a copywriter, you’ll research target audiences, brainstorm creative concepts, and write the text for advertisements, websites, and email campaigns. An English degree helps you understand the psychology of language, allowing you to choose the exact words that will move an audience to take action.
2. Editor
Before a book, article, or business report is published, it must be refined by an editor. You’ll review drafts to ensure they’re clear and match the intended tone. You’ll make sure the writing follows the right style and voice throughout. With your English degree, you’ll have the skills to help writers improve their flow and make sure the final version is sharp, professional, and error-free.
3. English Teacher
As an English teacher, your job is to create fun and engaging lesson plans that follow state guidelines. You’ll provide feedback on student writing to help them improve and lead discussions that encourage critical thinking. Your goal is to help students build the reading, writing, and communication skills they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
4. Marketing Specialist
Marketing is the process of building a brand’s reputation. As a marketing specialist, you’ll analyze market trends, plan promotional events, and create content for social media and blogs. Studying English prepares you for this by teaching you how to build a narrative that connects a company’s mission with the needs of its customers.
5. Public Relations Specialist
Public relations is about managing how the world sees an organization. In this role, you’ll draft press releases, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate public appearances for executives. An English degree is valuable here because it teaches you how to maintain a specific voice and handle communication strategically during a crisis.
6. Journalist
Journalists gather and report news to keep the public informed. You’ll interview sources, conduct deep research, and write articles under tight deadlines. Your training in English helps you organize facts into a compelling story that is both accurate and easy for the public to read.
7. Social Media Manager
Businesses use social media to build communities and talk directly to their customers. Social media managers plan content calendars, write captions, and monitor online conversations to protect the brand’s image. Your background in rhetoric and communication helps you adapt your writing style for different platforms and audiences.
8. Technical Writer
Technology and science companies often create products that are difficult to understand. As a technical writer, you’ll work with engineers or scientists to create user manuals, FAQ pages, and instructional guides. You act as a bridge between the expert and the everyday user, using your writing skills to simplify complex information into easy-to-follow steps.
9. Human Resources Specialist
Large organizations need professionals to manage the relationship between the company and its employees. HR specialists write company policies, draft job descriptions, and handle internal communication about benefits or training. The clear, empathetic communication style you develop as an English major is essential for resolving conflicts and ensuring everyone understands company rules.
10. Grant Writer
Nonprofits and schools rely on external funding to operate. As a grant writer, you’ll research foundations that offer money, track strict deadlines, and write detailed proposals explaining why your organization deserves support. Your ability to present a logical, evidence-based argument is essential for securing grants.
Finding Your Career Path With an English Degree From The University of Olivet
No matter what you choose to do with your English degree, the college you attend can help you build a strong foundation for your career. At The University of Olivet, we move beyond textbook learning to focus on career readiness. In a field like English, your success depends on the strength of your portfolio and the skills you develop.
Because we maintain a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll receive personal feedback from professors who have expertise in professional writing and literature. This individual attention helps you sharpen your writing voice and build the critical thinking skills that high-paying employers demand.
Take the first step toward your professional future and apply to the English degree programs in Michigan at The University of Olivet.