Why Major in English

English is a major branch of the language arts and its main focus is on the written word. The appropriate use and understanding of English is considered basic to the American way of life and reflects a person's level of educational achievement. Students who elect either the elementary or secondary emphasis of the English major will be prepared for teaching at those levels. English majors and minors in any emphasis are valued because of their communication skills and their knowledge of the language. Possible career paths include writing, editing, and publishing; teaching; advertising and public relations; and business administration and management. The discipline also prepares students for graduate study in English and a variety of other fields, including law and business administration.

Skills Related to English

Ability to read and write articulately and analytically
Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
Good listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to conduct and clearly explain research results
Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
Ability to make critical observations
Good at organizing ideas, material, and people

Employers in English

Advertising Agencies
Bookstores
Colleges/Universities
Communication Firms
Film Companies
Fund-Raising Firms
Government Agencies
Insurance Companies
Internet Companies
Magazines
Newspapers
Personnel Departments
Professional Journals
Public Relations Firms
Publishing Firms
Radio/TV Industry
Research/Development Firms
Travel Agencies

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with an English major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers that English majors may consider.

Advertising Worker
Announcer, TV/radio
Author
Bibliographer
Biographer
Bookstore Manager/Owner
Columnist
Consumer Public Relations
Editor
Freelance Writer
Interpreter/Translator
Journalist
Lawyer
Librarian
Linguist
Market Research Analyst
Media Specialist
Narrator
Playwright
Proofreader
Publisher
Researcher
Sales Representative
Speech Writer
Teacher
Technical Writer
Travel Agent
University Administrator
Textbook Writer

*Courtesy of Metro State University