Disclosure: I was an English major in college. Sure, I’m more than a little biased, but I happen to believe that it’s an incredibly valuable degree that teaches students the importance of good research and the value of clear communication.
Many people think that an English degree only prepares students to work as a teacher. Though it’s true that many English majors do become teachers, most don’t. In fact, very few English majors work in a field that’s even remotely related to their major (example: I taught myself computer programming, and worked in that field for many years).
Here’s the truth: employers hire people, not degrees. Career options are rarely limited by the major that you choose, and following the path that you’re most passionate about (both in school and after) is the best way to lead a happy life. You might not believe it yet, but it’s true. Happy people do what they love.
The good news is that English majors can do just about anything. Upper management positions are filled people who earned a degree in English. Some graduates work as writers and editors, and others work in sales, marketing. Many students go on to attend graduate school, where they may earn a law degree or an MBA.
English is not an occupation, but an ability — and the abilities that English majors develop are extremely valuable in the workplace.
Career Opportunities for English Majors
Below is a list of some of the most common career choices for students who major in English. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it should help provide you with an idea of what English majors do afte graduation.
| Occupation | Median Salary | Median Hourly | Current jobs | Outlook | Required Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Professor | $62,050 | $29.83 | 1,756,000 | Good | Graduate Degree |
| Copywriter | $49,060 | $23.59 | 151,680 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Curator | $48,450 | $23.29 | 11,710 | Good | Master’s Degree |
| Editor | $51,470 | $24.75 | 129,600 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,660 | $24.84 | 1,549,520 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| High School Teacher | $53,230 | $25.59 | 1,109,500 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $48,800 | $23.46 | 179,520 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Lawyer | $112,760 | $54.21 | 759,190 | Good | Law Degree |
| Librarian | $54,500 | $26.20 | 159,940 | Normal | Master’s Degree |
| Marketing Manager | $112,800 | $54.23 | 175,570 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Middle School Teacher | $51,960 | $24.98 | 659,460 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Preschool Teacher | $25,700 | $12.36 | 12,190 | 457,240 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Public Relations Manager | $91,810 | $44.14 | 56,720 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Public Relations Specialist | $52,090 | $25.04 | 258,100 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Social Service Manager | $57,950 | $27.86 | 130,560 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Social Worker | $42,480 | $20.42 | 350,500 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Technical Writer | $63,280 | $30.42 | 48,910 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Writer / Author | $55,420 | $26.64 | 145,900 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |