Is an English Degree Worth It?
Should I major in English? If you're considering a major in English, you may be wondering about the skills you can gain and the career options available to you upon graduation. English degrees can offer a broad range of opportunities for those passionate about language, writing and communication. While traditional English degrees often focus on literature and teaching, programs like the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media at Grand Canyon University can provide the tools for careers in professional writing, editing, professional communications and more.
But is an English degree worth it? If you’re passionate about language, the degree can be well worth it.
In This Article:
- What Do English Majors Do?
- How Much Do English Majors Make?
- What Jobs Can You Get With an English-Related Degree?
- Explore English-Related Programs at GCU
What Do English Majors Do?
English majors generally develop strong skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. These programs can vary, but typically focus on building the following abilities:
A Rewarding Challenge
English degree programs often involve a significant amount of reading and writing, requiring time and effort while providing a positive academic experience. These challenges can help you develop critical thinking, communication and time-management skills to help you prepare for a future career or further education.
Transferable Skills
English language degrees teach a range of transferable skills. This means that the skills that you’re taught in this major can be used in many different jobs.
For example, graduates with strong professional writing skills may decide to pursue a career as a copywriter. Those with great attention to detail might decide to go into editing. English majors who develop strong leadership skills might go into journalism or advertising.
Critical and Creative Thinking
The typical curriculum for an English program is designed to nurture critical thinking skills and creativity.1 Students analyze texts from multiple perspectives, developing independent thought and the ability to approach problems from different angles.
The creative aspects of an English degree can help you think independently in your future career. Employers are looking for employees who can “think outside the box,” and an English-related degree or professional and creative writing programs can help you achieve that.1
Communication Skills
Communication is one of the top skills that English and writing programs teach. This skill is transferable across industries and positions.1 Graduates are taught to write clearly and persuasively, create engaging content and give strong presentations. Whether crafting business communications or developing content for digital media, professional writing majors may excel in environments that require clear, thoughtful communication.1
Versatile Curriculum
English programs often cover a range of subjects, from literary analysis to technical writing, helping graduates become well-rounded and versatile. GCU's professional writing for new media degree, for example, helps to prepare you for modern writing careers by blending traditional writing skills with digital and multimedia content creation.
Freelance Opportunities
Professional writing and new media degree holders could pursue freelance work as different types of professional writers. Freelancers may specialize in a subject area and/or a specific content type, such as articles, blogs, social media and more.1 Freelancing offers flexibility, allowing you to work on your own schedule while building a diverse portfolio.
How Much Do English Majors Make?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track salaries by college major, the median annual wage for media and communications professionals was $66,320 as of May 2023.2 These professionals include writers and authors, news analysts and public relations specialists.2
What Jobs Can You Get With an English-Related Degree?
Are English and professional writing good majors for students who don’t plan on teaching? Absolutely. There are plenty of career options available for English-related graduates, including professional writing and communications.
These can include:
- Author
- Editor
- Advertising manager
- Librarian
- Public relations specialist
- Technical writer
- English language literature teacher (postsecondary)
Some of these careers may require additional credentials, but an English-related degree or writing program can serve as a strong foundation for various fields.
Explore English-Related Programs at GCU
At GCU, you can pursue your passion for writing and professional communication through programs like the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU offers programs that can provide the skills and knowledge to help you achieve your goals.
1 Martel, J. (2024, Aug. 18). 12 English Major Skills That Prepare You for Your Career. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 5, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Media and Communication Occupations as of May 2023, retrieved on Nov. 5, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as media and communication occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Nov. 14, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
