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Why Major in English Literature?
by Robyn Tellefsen
Not all careers require specialization. In fact, many employers prefer to hire college grads who possess a broad liberal arts skill set. The study of English in particular provides opportunities to explore the worlds of literature and culture.
English literature degree programs
English literature coursework focuses on areas such as literary study; literary theory; the historical periods of Medieval, Renaissance, and eighteenth- through twentieth-century literature; African-American literature; and other English literature topics. Overall, an English literature curriculum is designed to cultivate both historical understanding and critical skills, grounded in current scholarship. In addition to the basic set of requirements, English literature majors can choose from an array of electives such as British literature, children's literature, dramatic literature, poetry, women in literature, and more.
Skills of an English literature major
Facility in your use of language is a valuable skill in your career and in everyday life. Studying the literature of your culture develops this facility through exposure to different verbal styles, practice in oral and written critical analysis, and acquaintance with the major themes of human experience.
The skills you develop as an English literature major, such as analysis, critical thinking, editing, problem solving, and writing, are highly prized by employers in any profession. In this age of information and technology, the skills you develop while studying, analyzing, and writing about literature are in more demand in the workplace than ever.
Careers with an English literature degree
An English literature degree provides you with skills for a variety of positions in academia, advertising, banking, business, consulting, government, insurance, journalism, labor relations, lobbying, public relations, publishing, radio, research, sales, technical writing, and telecommunications, to name a few.
Potential jobs for English literature grads at the bachelor's level include editorial assistant, management trainee, mass media assistant, public relations assistant, publishing assistant, and teacher. Those with an advanced degree may pursue positions such as copywriter, entertainment agent, journalist, public information specialist, research journalist, and technical writer. Some English literature majors continue on to graduate study in fields such as journalism, law, and library science.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Fall 2007 Salary Survey, the average salary offer for English majors was $31,924.
Earn an English literature degree, and acquire the skills you need to succeed--in any field.
English literature degree programs
English literature coursework focuses on areas such as literary study; literary theory; the historical periods of Medieval, Renaissance, and eighteenth- through twentieth-century literature; African-American literature; and other English literature topics. Overall, an English literature curriculum is designed to cultivate both historical understanding and critical skills, grounded in current scholarship. In addition to the basic set of requirements, English literature majors can choose from an array of electives such as British literature, children's literature, dramatic literature, poetry, women in literature, and more.
Skills of an English literature major
Facility in your use of language is a valuable skill in your career and in everyday life. Studying the literature of your culture develops this facility through exposure to different verbal styles, practice in oral and written critical analysis, and acquaintance with the major themes of human experience.
The skills you develop as an English literature major, such as analysis, critical thinking, editing, problem solving, and writing, are highly prized by employers in any profession. In this age of information and technology, the skills you develop while studying, analyzing, and writing about literature are in more demand in the workplace than ever.
Careers with an English literature degree
An English literature degree provides you with skills for a variety of positions in academia, advertising, banking, business, consulting, government, insurance, journalism, labor relations, lobbying, public relations, publishing, radio, research, sales, technical writing, and telecommunications, to name a few.
Potential jobs for English literature grads at the bachelor's level include editorial assistant, management trainee, mass media assistant, public relations assistant, publishing assistant, and teacher. Those with an advanced degree may pursue positions such as copywriter, entertainment agent, journalist, public information specialist, research journalist, and technical writer. Some English literature majors continue on to graduate study in fields such as journalism, law, and library science.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Fall 2007 Salary Survey, the average salary offer for English majors was $31,924.
Earn an English literature degree, and acquire the skills you need to succeed--in any field.
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