The study of English language and literature is nothing less than the study of human experience and the ways in which our shared reality has been created and communicated throughout history.
This exploration entails an in-depth study and knowledge of history, philosophy, the arts, and scientific inquiry.
Because of this breadth and depth of study, graduates with English degrees are poised to move into positions as diverse as management, human resources, marketing, sales, media, advertising, publishing, teaching, creative writing, editing, grant and technical writing, and a wide host of others.
A degree in English also provides a solid foundation for advanced education, including graduate and law school.
The English Department is home to a diverse group of majors and programs including the College Writing Program (CWP); undergraduate degree programs in English, Writing, and English Education; graduate degree programs in English and English Education; minors in Literary Studies, English Education, Writing, and Film Studies, a Certification Program in English Education, and a Certificate in Technical Writing.
Our courses are taught by a dedicated and diverse group of award winning teacher/scholars who are leaders in their areas of expertise. Our dedicated faculty work with students both in and out of the classroom to engage texts critically and carefully, write well, think creatively, respect and embrace diversity, and understand how language and literature shape human experience. The Our Stories page highlights some of this work.
"What are you going to do with that" is a refrain that English majors often hear. There is a perception that studies in English and in the humanities in general are degrees that do not have clear, real-world application. The data, however, suggest just the opposite. The majors in the English Department are dynamic and teach skills that are in high demand across industry and business. Below are some resources that highlight the value of our majors in Literature, English Education and Writing:
Finley, Ashley (2021). How College Contributes to Workforce Success: Employer Views on What Matters Most. Washington, D.C.: American Association of Colleges & Universities.
https://www.aacu.org/sites/default/files/files/research/AACUEmployerReport2021.pdf
Blumenstyk, Goldie (2019) Relax English Majors. You're still plenty employable
https://www.chronicle.com/newsletter/the-edge/2019-07-31?cid2=gen_login_refresh&cid=gen_sign_in
Employment Rates of Humanities Majors 2018
https://www.studythehumanities.org/point_1_career_success
Earnings of English Majors vs. Other Majors 2018
https://www.hamiltonproject.org/charts/career_earnings_by_college_major/
Jobs of English Majors 2010-2013
https://www.hamiltonproject.org/charts/median_earnings_for_largest_occupations
Effects of Experience on Median Earnings of Humanities Majors vs. Other Majors 2018 (Terminal Bachelor’s Degree Holders)
