Career Paths with an English Degree

English graduates can use their writing, research, and problem-solving skills in many fields, particularly education, publishing, media, and communications. These majors can also land jobs in tech, such as copywriter, SEO specialist, or social media manager.

To improve their qualifications in a specialized field, students can take targeted electives and find related internships or work. Getting an internship can show students how to apply their skills to their chosen field and highlight what additional qualifications they need to become more competitive in the job market.

When choosing an English degree, students should first check that their chosen program is regionally accredited. While programmatic accreditation is not mandatory, the American Academy for Liberal Education accredits liberal arts programs that meet the highest standards.

Many schools offer English degrees with different emphases and levels of study, so students should think about their educational interests and career goals before settling on a program. The next sections detail the most common types of English degrees and what learners can expect to gain from them.

Many of the country’s best community colleges offer associate degrees in English that help students build an educational and professional foundation in the field. These degrees typically take two years to complete.

While associate degree graduates can pursue entry-level careers in various fields, many choose to continue their studies with a bachelor’s degree to expand their employment options. Those looking to enter the workforce directly can pursue careers in writing or preschool teaching.

A bachelor’s degree in English typically takes four years to complete, though some schools offer accelerated and part-time study options. Some of the best online bachelor’s in English degrees offer concentrations targeted toward a specific career path.

Specializations such as digital humanities and creative and professional writing can lead to careers as authors, technical writers, and public relations specialists. Students can also specialize in a field by choosing the right electives and internships.

A master’s degree in English usually takes 1-2 years and teaches advanced writing and research skills. This level of education often appeals to degree-seekers who want to specialize in an advanced subdiscipline or continue on to a doctoral program.

Students can specialize in an array of fields, such as rhetoric, business communications, or human services. These concentrations can lead to careers such as public relations managers, advertising managers, and postsecondary education administrators. Master’s degree-holders can also pursue management and leadership careers.

A doctoral degree in English provides the most advanced training available in the field and takes 4-7 years to complete. Students use this time to delve into extensive research assignments and hone their professional and creative writing skills. Most doctoral graduates pursue careers in research and academia.

Depending on their training and specialization, doctoral graduates can work in management, publishing, writing, or community service. Many of these graduates also go on to become postsecondary teachers and school principals.