English Degree Guide: 2025 Costs, Requirements & Job Opportunities

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

As an English major, you may have concerns about your job prospects and whether you can make a living doing what you love. While it is possible to make a living out of writing, it’s important to note that competition for writing jobs can be intense, and it can take time to establish yourself in the industry. As with any career, it takes persistence, hard work, and a willingness to market yourself and your skills to succeed.

Data from studies such as Burning Glass Technologies (2018) show that English majors are less likely to be underemployed compared to other fields, such as national defense and protective services. This highlights the potential for diverse and interesting career paths in media, communication, and education for English majors. To begin pursuing these opportunities, it is important to obtain an English degree from a reputable institution.

Obtaining an English degree from a reputable institution is the first step towards pursuing a career as an educator, writer, editor, or journalist. This guide provides comprehensive information on English degree programs, including costs, requirements, and job opportunities.

What is English Degree?
Cost of English Degree
English Degree Jobs
Types of Degrees in English
English Degree Requirements
What to Look for in an English Degree Program
Majors Related to English Degree
How can you leverage an English degree in the digital and tech industries?
Is an English degree a valuable financial investment?
What financial support options are available for pursuing an English degree?
How can an accelerated associate degree enhance your English education?
Can an affordable associate's degree in English be a smart first step?
How do accelerated BA programs fuel early career momentum for English majors?
How does an English degree prepare you for graduate school?
How can accelerated programs expedite career growth with an English degree?
How does an English degree prepare you for careers in business and entrepreneurship?
How can advanced online degrees accelerate your career growth?
What are the transferable skills gained from an English degree?

What is English Degree?

An English degree typically focuses on the study and analysis of contemporary and classic literature, as well as their connection to culture, history, and other fields of study. It is mostly a reading-intensive degree program and covers the English definition and scope of literature, as well as the study of writing and composition. Throughout the program, you will be able to refine your operational, grammatical, and organizational skills. In addition, it involves the study of notable works in literature and the influential ideas behind poems, novels, and movies across the world.

Some of the courses you can expect to encounter in an English degree include applied linguistics, journalism principles, English composition, and advanced literary analysis. To help you become an effective and critical reader and writer, you will be exposed to a variety of films, poetry, theatrical plays, and more. Some schools also allow you to pick a concentration area for a more specific study, such as British poetry, creative writing, or other critical literary genres.

What can you do with an English degree?

As an English-degree holder, you will find a wide range of career options in the literary, education, media, and communication fields. In these sectors, your knowledge of the English language and your communication and writing skills are most marketable and valuable.

Similar to what can you do with a creative writing degree, you can explore career opportunities as an educator, news reporter, copywriter, or PR specialist with an English degree. Some of the most common career paths for English majors also include elementary and middle school teachers, postsecondary teachers, and lawyers and judges (Data USA, 2019).

Cost of English Degree

The surge in demand, lack of state funding, and ballooning student services have resulted in more expensive college costs, according to one report by Business Insider (Hoffower, 2019). On average, students pay at least $3,440 annually for a two-year degree at a public institution or $9,410 in a public four-year college. And that is not even half of it—prospective students also have to consider other factors that go into the overall cost of college, such as room and board, textbooks and school supplies, transportation, school and activity fees, and other personal expenses.

It is no secret that college is expensive, and the biggest chunk of the total college cost mostly goes to tuition and fees. Hence, it is usually one of the deciding factors that students consider when choosing which college to attend. To support this claim, data from a study conducted by Royall & Co. reveals that the cost of attendance in college is the top reason why students opted not to go to their college of choice (Royall & Co., 2016). The study also cites campus environment, location of the school, and financial aid as other factors that affected their decision not to attend their preferred college.

On the other hand, online bachelor’s degrees in English may offer students alternative options to pursue the profession. Institutions with online programs often offer relatively lower tuition fees. Additionally, students will not have to worry about other expenses such as accommodation, gas, parking, food, and others that are often associated with living on campus.

How much does it cost to get an English degree?

For an English degree tuition, costs will vary depending on the institution you attend and the degree type that you pursue. Add to that the kind of institution that you will be attending, whether it is public or private, and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident. In the table below, you will find detailed information on the cost of an English degree for associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral.

School

Location

Annual Tuition

Accreditation

Graduation Rate

Notable Programs

1. Foothill College

Lost Altos Hills (CA)

$3,555

WASC ACCJC

56%

Associate of Arts in Accounting Associate of Arts in Political Science Associate of Arts in Economics

2. Sussex County Community College

Newton (NJ)

$5,200

MSCHE

33%

Associate in Arts in English Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts - Anthropology Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts - Psychology

3. Bismark State College

Bismarck (ND)

$5,499

HLC

44%

Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Associate in Applied Science in Petroleum Production Technology

4. Georgia State University-Perimeter College

Decatur (GA)

$4,050

SACS COC

13%

Associate of Arts in English Associate of Science in Psychology Associate of Arts in Film and Media Studies

5. North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton (ND)

$4,484

HLC

51%

Associate of Science in Liberal Arts - General Liberal Arts (Transfer) Associate of Applied Science in Information and Communications Technology - Web Developer Associate in Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician

Is a degree in English worth it?

An English degree is perfect for anyone who is interested in language, loves writing and reading, and wants to explore the ideas that have always challenged and fascinated humanity. If you are ticking all of the above, then your calling may really be in the English discipline.

Aside from studying the interesting ideologies presented in literature and its interaction with philosophy, psychology, history, art, and other major disciplines, an English degree prepares you for careers in education, law, public service, and many other areas. Furthermore, the degree program does not just entail the study of literature, editing, and evidence-based writing. It also involves the development of analytical thinking and interpersonal and communication skills, which are some of the skills that most employers seek nowadays (Indeed, 2020).

That being said, an English degree could be your ticket to high-paying jobs in well-respected organizations. From working in the media to becoming part of publishing companies, being an English major can bring you challenging and exciting employment opportunities with room for career growth.

English Degree Jobs

As an English degree holder, there are plenty of career options that you can choose from. The following section provides a detailed discussion on the employment opportunities that you can explore in the English discipline.

Is English in high demand?

Taking up an English degree can be a risky investment. If you are not careful about your academic and career decisions, then all your efforts in completing the program can go to waste. A single wrong move on your part can squander your entire college education and employment opportunities.

However, the best thing about the English discipline is that it is an extremely broad field of study. Thus, English majors can be found in many sectors, especially in areas that rely heavily on communication skills, literature analysis, and English education.

For instance, many third-world countries are in need of more English teachers. A study by the British Council found that there are a total of 1.5 billion non-native speakers in the world who are studying the English language (British Council, 2019). In turn, there is a high demand for English teachers abroad, and this could give you a chance to travel and experience new cultures as an English instructor in foreign countries.

In addition, many organizations are always on the lookout for writers who can research products and come up with well-written and easy-to-consume articles to boost brand engagement. With each passing year, the demand for writers and communicators in various sectors has been opening up career opportunities for English majors.

What jobs can you get with an English degree?

Social media manager. This job will require you to develop written proposals for your company’s social media strategies. You will most likely be tasked to communicate with bloggers and content developers for the promotion of your company’s brand. With the rapidly increasing global social media reach, more social media managers are needed by many industries.
Public relations specialist. What is public relations major? In this path, your future role is to come up with compelling stories that promote your clients. Your organizational skills will also come in handy when planning events related to various kinds of events and presentations.
Technical writer. Writing manuals, help and FAQ sections, and other product documentation will be your main job as a technical writer. It taps into your ability to write in the clearest and the most simple manner to explain complex and technical details to your readers.
Librarian. Library science careers sometimes start with related degrees, such as in English. Working in public libraries, schools, and museums, your main job as a librarian is to collect, organize, and issue various kinds of library resources. Your ability to appreciate good literature will be most useful in picking which books, films, or audio files should be incorporated in the library’s collection.
Editor. The core responsibilities of editors rely mostly on grammar correction, fact-checking, and making sure that submissions follow in-house style guidelines. As an editor, you will be spending most of your time reading materials and providing feedback to writers.

What kind of salary can I earn with an English Degree?

For most jobs requiring an English degree, the average annual salary is $49,847. This works out to be the equivalent of $24/an hour, or approximately $958/week and $4,153/month (ZipRecruiter, 2023).

Depending on the type of job, the average pay range for English degree holders varies greatly. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that being a marketing manager is one of the highest-paying English degree jobs (U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). Individuals in this profession earn as much as $153,440/year. Meanwhile, authors and writers earn a median pay of $69,510/year.

Types of Degrees in English

There are four types of English degrees: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral. Whether you want to get started on your English degree education or further your studies in the field, the guide below provides detailed information on English degree types.

What kinds of English degrees are there?

Associate Degree in English

Average time to complete: Two years

Mostly offered by junior and community colleges, associate degree programs in English provide an introduction to relevant study areas, such as contemporary literature, creative writing, and public speaking. Throughout the program, you will learn how to best express yourself through various oral and written outlets, and you will have a deeper understanding of the basic principles of communication. Most of the courses also involve conducting meaningful and critical literary analyses.

Furthermore, an associate degree prepares you for entry-level jobs in different kinds of workplaces, like publishing houses or media organizations. Alternatively, it also serves as a stepping stone for upper-level university study.

Entry-level jobs: Copyeditor, proofreader, copywriter

Bachelor Degree in English

Average time to complete: Four years

A bachelor’s degree in English involves a multidisciplinary study of literature, which taps into related fields like psychology, philosophy, ethics, religion, and world culture. Some of the courses you will be taking throughout the four-year program include applied linguistics, studies in rhetoric, principles of communication, and English composition. You will also learn how to refine your practical skills in compositional writing, advanced literary analysis, and creative writing.

In addition, a bachelor’s degree program in English usually offers a concentration area, allowing you to focus on a specific field of study. For instance, you can find some schools that offer concentration areas on journalism, public relations, marketing, or education studies.

Entry-level jobs: Online journalist, marketing specialist, advertising staff

Master’s Degree in English

Average time to complete: Two years

There are many reasons why individuals decide to pursue a master’s degree in English. One is to gain specialized knowledge to advance in a particular field of study, and another is to climb up the career ladder and transition into senior positions. For individuals already working in the media and publishing industries, a master’s degree can help advance career ambitions to managing editor status or a higher position. Moreover, if you want to pursue a teaching career, most public institutions require a master’s degree.

As workplaces continue to evolve and become more competitive, data suggests that jobs requiring master’s degrees are projected to increase by 18% from 2012 to 2022 (U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). Meanwhile, a study by National Center for Education Statistics reveals that in the academic year 2022-2023, there will be approximately 836,000 master’s degrees awarded in the United States (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021).

In this additional two-year degree program, you can expect to come across courses, such as introduction to English research methodologies, literary criticism, and educational instruction in English. The program also gives you an opportunity to study English from a wide range of literary and linguistic perspectives.

High-level positions: Managing editor, university professor, instructional coordinator

Doctoral Degree in English

Time to complete: Five to seven years

A Ph.D. or doctoral in English is the highest degree you can earn to advance your studies in the field. It provides a more in-depth study of the subject and usually has intensive requirements for graduation. These could include a written thesis, exams, and teaching experience.

Depending on the school, you can choose from among many areas of specialization, which typically focus on the study of a specific era in literature, geography, or literary techniques. Compared to other degree programs, a Ph.D. in English is more research-oriented, and instead of studying coursework, you will likely have to conduct a study project and present a dissertation to earn your degree.

High-level positions: Editor-in-chief, news analyst, post-secondary teacher

English Degree Requirements

Whether you want an associate, bachelor, master, or PhD in English, there are some requirements that you have to complete first. Below, you will find the most important English degree prerequisites and skills requirements that you will need to get started on your English degree education.

Admission requirements

High school diploma

Most institutions will require you to present your high school diploma as proof of graduation. This lets the institution know that you have completed the necessary courses and are now qualified to enter a collegiate-level study for an English degree. In some schools, you may also be asked for your GED transcript or additional proficiency examination scores.

Academic qualification

Regardless of which degree program you are planning to take, your grades in subjects relevant to the discipline you want to study will matter for most universities. In fact, university statistics from the National Association of College Admission Counselors found that 81% of higher education institutions place considerable importance on students’ grades in all courses (National Association of College Admission Counselors, 2020). Hence, you will most likely need to meet the required GPA to gain entry to a certain program.

Before applying for English degree programs, you need to have excellent grades in English language and literature. This is because some schools only accept an A-level grade in these subjects. Your grades in other humanities and arts subjects will also be considered in the admission process.

TOEFL or IELTS score

If you are a foreign student applying for an English degree in the US, you might need to take a Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, before admission to the program. This exam measures English language proficiency and is required by universities to ensure that you can cope with degree-level studies. In most universities, the required minimum TOEFL scores are from 61 to 89.

As for local students in the US, universities may require you to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This is a proficiency exam designed to assess your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English. The test is graded on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 being equivalent to an expert skill level, and 1 being rated as a non-user of the English language.

Skill requirements

Analytical skills

As an English major, you will be spending a lot of time reading various kinds of literary work. Hence, your analytical skills will come into play as you interpret and analyze the ideas behind notable literary works. To have a deeper understanding of literature and the English language, you will often need to conduct different kinds of analyses as part of your studies.

Creativity

Writing expresses an author’s creative thoughts and originality of ideas and expression. Thus, your style of writing relies heavily on the kind of creativity that you have. Throughout your studies for an English degree, your creative ability will come in handy when you are assigned to produce written or oral content.

Communication skills

Verbal and written communication are both important English degree skills that you must have as an English major. These will help you deliver and understand information more quickly and accurately. Listening, empathizing, speaking, and observing are all valuable skills that you can use to broaden your knowledge of the English discipline.

What to Look for in an English Program

From the study of literature and linguistics to journalism and composition studies, the English discipline certainly covers a lot of grounds. It is a broad field with various areas of study, which is why it is important for you to know exactly what you should look for in the English degree programs that universities offer. Below, you will find some of the important factors you have to consider:

Available specializations

Most universities offer a variety of specialization areas within the broader field of English. Some of these include theory and cultural studies, rhetoric and composition, visual culture, media and digital studies, and more. Taking a specialization takes the complexity away from studying a broad-ranging subject. Instead, you can focus on the specific field of study that you want to pursue. In addition, choosing the right specialization based on your academic strengths can help you achieve your career goals faster.

Program reputation

Graduating from a reputable university translates into better employment opportunities in the future. Therefore, many students consider the perceived excellence of an institution before choosing which university to attend.

Findings from a study published in the journal The Economic and Labour Relations Review found that “the response rate for applicants from well-valued universities is 40% higher, depicting a quite large market reputation premium. In other words, a graduate from a well-valued university needs to send out around 13 applications and expect one positive
response in return (Nogales, Córdova, & Urquidi, 2020)." In contrast, graduates from poorly valued universities need to send out more applications before expecting the same result.

As such, there are several indicators that determine a university’s overall ranking and reputation. Some of these include academic peer reviews, faculty to student ratio, employer reviews, citations per faculty member, and the proportion of international faculty and students (Research Trends, 2011).

In a study conducted by US News, the University of California-Berkeley emerges as the best school for English degree programs (US News, 2021). In second and third places are Yale University and Harvard University, respectively.

Majors Related to English

How can you leverage an English degree in the digital and tech industries?

As digital media and technology continue to expand, English degree holders are finding new and dynamic career opportunities beyond traditional roles. In these fields, communication, content creation, and analytical skills are in high demand, making English graduates ideal candidates for a range of positions.

1. Content Strategy and Digital Marketing

Applications: English majors can bring value to digital marketing and content strategy, creating compelling narratives that engage audiences. Roles may include content strategist, digital copywriter, or brand storyteller, where skills in writing and audience understanding are essential.
Skills Needed: Knowledge of SEO, content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, and familiarity with digital marketing analytics tools such as Google Analytics or SEMrush.

2. UX Writing and Interface Design

Applications: User Experience (UX) writers craft clear and engaging microcopy for websites, apps, and software. They ensure that user interactions with digital interfaces are intuitive, providing concise guidance for a smooth experience.
Skills Needed: Basic understanding of user-centered design principles, familiarity with design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch), and collaborative skills for working with designers and developers.

3. Technical Content and Documentation

Applications: English majors are suited for technical writing roles, which involve creating documentation, user guides, and support content for complex software or products. This role supports tech teams by communicating technical information in a clear, accessible manner.
Skills Needed: Proficiency in technical tools like Confluence or Jira, understanding of technical terminology, and an ability to simplify complex information.

4. Social Media and Community Management

Applications: With strong communication skills, English degree holders can excel in social media management, overseeing brand communication across platforms and managing community engagement. This role requires creativity, brand voice consistency, and strategic content planning.
Skills Needed: Familiarity with social media platforms, data analysis for engagement metrics, and experience in social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social).

Is an English degree a valuable financial investment?

When evaluating an English degree, it is essential to assess both the short-term costs and long-term earning potential. Prospective students should compare tuition and associated expenses with future career trajectories, considering how the cultivation of analytical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving can translate into competitive salaries and advancement opportunities. For those seeking to minimize upfront costs while rapidly entering the workforce, exploring accelerated education pathways can offer a cost-effective alternative. For example, enrolling in the best associate degree in 6 months online may provide a practical start, enabling graduates to build foundational skills quickly and enhance overall return on investment.

What financial support options are available for pursuing an English degree?

Many prospective students explore scholarships, grants, and assistantship programs to offset tuition costs and associated expenses. Evaluate institutional aid packages and consider external scholarships tailored for humanities and writing disciplines. Additionally, exploring accelerated programs—such as the quickest PhD—may reduce overall program duration and expense. Compare federal loan options, work-study opportunities, and fee structures across respected institutions to secure an optimal financial plan for your educational investment.

How can accelerated programs expedite career growth with an English degree?

Accelerated programs offer a streamlined approach that can significantly reduce the time to acquire practical skills and credentials in the field. These programs compress traditional curriculums into condensed schedules, allowing graduates to quickly build expertise in areas such as advanced writing, critical analysis, and digital communication. By integrating intensive coursework with real-world applications, accelerated options help English degree holders transition more swiftly into competitive roles. In addition, many institutions now offer online pathways that combine flexibility with a rigorous learning experience. For more information on these innovative education models, consider exploring fast college courses.

How can an accelerated associate degree enhance your English education?

Accelerated programs offer a streamlined academic pathway that allows students to acquire essential communication and analytical skills in a shorter timeframe. Pursuing a fastest associates degree option can provide a solid foundation in English studies, enabling swift transition into professional roles or further advanced education. These programs are designed to maintain academic rigor while emphasizing practical competencies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet evolving industry demands.

Can an affordable associate's degree in English be a smart first step?

An associate degree in English provides a streamlined, cost-effective pathway to acquire foundational communication, analytical, and creative skills. This credential not only supports immediate entry-level positions in media, content creation, and education but also sets the stage for seamless academic progression. For students seeking quality education without the burden of high tuition costs, an affordable associate's degree online can serve as a strategic stepping stone toward further studies and long-term career advancement.

How do accelerated BA programs fuel early career momentum for English majors?

Accelerated BA programs offer an expedited undergraduate pathway that enables English majors to transition into their chosen careers faster. These programs integrate focused coursework with practical skill-building, thereby reducing the time-to-market for emerging professionals. By emphasizing hands-on projects, industry-relevant assignments, and early networking opportunities, these programs foster immediate career readiness without compromising academic rigor. Moreover, accelerated BA programs serve as a strategic alternative for those seeking to optimize educational investment and quickly leverage transferable competencies into competitive roles. For more details on quality pathways, consider exploring our guide on accelerated BA programs.

How does an English degree prepare you for graduate school?

An English degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing graduate school, whether you are aiming for a master’s, doctorate, or professional degree. The skills developed throughout an English program—critical thinking, research, writing, and analysis—are highly transferable to various advanced study fields. Here’s how an English degree prepares you for graduate school:

Strong Research and Analytical Skills: English programs require students to conduct in-depth research, evaluate sources, and critically analyze texts. These skills are essential for graduate-level coursework and thesis writing in law, social sciences, and business.
Exceptional Writing Abilities: Writing is a core component of English degrees. Mastering different writing styles, from analytical essays to creative works, hones your ability to write clearly, persuasively, and analytically. This especially benefits graduate school assignments, research papers, and dissertations.
Development of Critical Thinking: An English degree fosters the ability to think critically about texts, theories, and arguments, a skill that is essential in graduate school, where complex concepts and multifaceted topics are explored in depth.
Effective Communication Skills: English students are trained to communicate ideas effectively in writing and orally. This skill is invaluable in graduate seminars, presentations, and discussions, where the ability to express ideas clearly and engage with peers is crucial.
Interdisciplinary Relevance: The interdisciplinary nature of an English degree—studying literature, history, philosophy, and culture—prepares students for various graduate programs. Whether pursuing law, education, business, or public policy, an English degree equips you with a versatile skill set.

Opportunities for English Degree Holders

Simply earning your English degree is not a surefire way of securing a job position in your dream company. The secret lies in playing off your academic strengths as an English major and using them to your advantage.

After all, workplaces have evolved drastically over the years, and more organizations are now fixed on building their enterprise around the strengths of each of their employees. As published in the book Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham, data findings, which were collated from 7,939 business units within 36 companies, concluded that organizations with employees who feel that their strengths are used every day are more powerful and more robust.

Thus, to say that English degrees do not hold any value in the employment market is taking a plain, shortsighted view. As discussed in the sections above, English degrees bring to the table a wide range of career paths in various industry sectors. This includes careers in linguistics. With their excellent written, verbal, communication skills, English majors end up nearly everywhere—from tech companies that need PR specialists, publishing houses with a great demand for writers and editors, and to academic and research fields in the extensive English discipline.

On a related note, you can also check out this guide to the top 110 best colleges in America to explore your options.

How does an English degree prepare you for careers in business and entrepreneurship?

An English degree offers more than just a foundation in literature and writing—it provides crucial skills that are highly valued in business and entrepreneurship. As businesses continue to prioritize effective communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, English majors find themselves well-equipped to thrive in a variety of roles. The ability to write persuasively, think analytically, and articulate ideas clearly is essential for success in the business world, particularly in areas like marketing, branding, public relations, and sales.

For entrepreneurs, an English degree is a powerful asset. Starting and running a business requires a deep understanding of how to communicate with different audiences, whether it's through business plans, pitches, or marketing strategies. English graduates excel in crafting clear, compelling messages that resonate with customers, investors, and stakeholders. Whether it’s writing a business proposal, creating brand content, or managing social media platforms, the ability to communicate effectively is at the heart of any successful business venture. Additionally, skills like research, data analysis, and strategic thinking—all honed through an English degree—are invaluable when navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Many English graduates also transition into roles that blend business and creative skills. For instance, positions in advertising, content strategy, and corporate communications require a strong command of language and messaging, which English majors are uniquely suited for. As businesses increasingly invest in content marketing and digital media, the demand for creative writers, brand strategists, and content creators has surged. English degree holders can take advantage of this trend by leveraging their ability to produce compelling written material that engages customers and supports business growth.

Furthermore, the flexibility of pursuing programs from online accredited colleges allows English graduates to further develop business skills without compromising their career goals. Many online programs offer concentrations in business communication, entrepreneurship, or marketing, allowing students to tailor their education to specific industry needs. These programs can equip English graduates with the knowledge needed to transition into managerial or leadership positions, where strong communication and strategic planning are essential. By enhancing their business acumen through online education, English degree holders can open doors to new career opportunities in business and entrepreneurship, ensuring long-term success in a rapidly changing job market.

How can advanced online degrees accelerate your career growth?

Advanced online programs provide English graduates with specialized pathways that directly address evolving market needs. These courses focus on contemporary communication challenges and innovative content strategies while maintaining the flexibility required by today's professionals. By engaging in such programs, graduates can hone niche competencies—ranging from multicultural literacy to digital language instruction—that support leadership roles in education, media, and global business sectors. For instance, enrolling in masters in ESL online can help professionals refine their expertise in language teaching and cross-cultural communication, ultimately enhancing their career growth in competitive environments.

What are the transferable skills gained from an English degree?

An English degree is one of the good degrees to get due to its broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued across various industries. The skills developed through this degree make graduates adaptable, versatile, and prepared for success in many different career paths.

Critical Thinking: English students learn to critically analyze texts, arguments, and information. This ability to assess complex issues and think analytically is beneficial in business, law, and technology—industries where problem-solving is essential.
Effective Communication: Communication skills are at the core of an English degree. Graduates excel in written and oral communication, which is vital for roles in marketing, customer service, and any job requiring clear, persuasive expression.
Research Skills: The research process in an English degree teaches students to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources. This skill is invaluable in fields like market research, journalism, and even more specialized industries such as consulting and tech.
Creativity: Writing creatively and analyzing literary works fosters imaginative thinking, an asset in advertising, media, and product development. Creative problem-solving is a key strength that many employers value.
Attention to Detail: English students develop an eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of a project—grammar, structure, or meaning—is considered. This is particularly useful in editing, publishing, and project management roles where precision is crucial.
Time Management: Balancing the demands of multiple assignments and readings hones time management skills. Graduates are adept at organizing tasks and meeting deadlines, which is a critical asset in fast-paced industries like tech and business.
Persuasive Writing and Argumentation: Writing persuasive essays and constructing well-supported arguments prepares English majors for careers that involve influencing others, such as sales, law, or consulting.

Key Insights

Diverse Career Opportunities: English degree holders can pursue various career paths in education, media, communication, public relations, writing, editing, and more.
High Demand for English Majors: English majors are in demand globally, especially as educators in countries where English is not the native language. Additionally, there is a growing need for content creators, social media managers, and technical writers.
Competitive Salaries: The average annual salary for English degree holders is $49,847, with potential for higher earnings in roles such as marketing managers ($153,440/year) and writers/authors ($69,510/year).
Comprehensive Education: English degree programs typically cover a wide range of subjects, including literature, linguistics, writing, and composition, preparing students for multiple career paths.
Specializations Available: Many institutions offer specializations within the English degree, such as creative writing, journalism, public relations, and more, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
Flexible Learning Options: Online programs provide an alternative to traditional on-campus degrees, often at a lower cost, and offer flexibility for students with other commitments.

FAQ

What can you do with an English degree? An English degree opens up career opportunities in various fields, including education, writing, editing, public relations, journalism, and media. English majors can work as teachers, writers, editors, social media managers, technical writers, and public relations specialists.
How much does it cost to get an English degree? The cost of an English degree varies depending on the institution and whether it is a public or private university. Annual tuition for an associate degree can range from $3,440 to $5,499, while a bachelor's degree can cost between $9,410 and $44,662 per year. Online programs may offer lower tuition rates.
Is a degree in English worth it? Yes, a degree in English is worth it for those who have a passion for language, literature, and writing. It provides a solid foundation for various career paths and helps develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers.
What jobs can you get with an English degree? English degree holders can pursue roles such as social media manager, public relations specialist, technical writer, librarian, editor, marketing specialist, and more. The versatility of the degree allows graduates to work in diverse industries.
What are the requirements to study English? Admission requirements for an English degree typically include a high school diploma, good grades in relevant subjects, and standardized test scores. International students may need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
What skills are important for an English degree? Key skills for success in an English degree program include analytical skills, creativity, strong verbal and written communication, and the ability to conduct literary analysis. These skills are essential for interpreting texts and producing well-crafted written work.
What should I look for in an English degree program? When choosing an English degree program, consider factors such as available specializations, program reputation, faculty expertise, and the curriculum. Additionally, look for programs that offer opportunities for internships, study abroad, and access to career services.
Are there online English degree programs available? Yes, many institutions offer online English degree programs that provide flexibility and may have lower tuition costs. These programs cover the same curriculum as on-campus programs and are suitable for students who need to balance their studies with other commitments.
What are the potential earnings for English degree holders? The average annual salary for English degree holders is $49,847. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the job role. For example, marketing managers can earn up to $153,440 per year, while writers and authors have a median pay of $69,510 per year.
What types of English degrees are available? English degrees are offered at various levels, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Each level provides different career opportunities, with higher degrees often required for advanced positions in academia, research, and specialized fields.