Support the CollegeCollege of Arts & Science & University Studies
Academic Advising
What Can I Do With a Major in English?
Study in the field of English offers a general humanistic education as well as skills in communication and analysis that are essential in most careers. An education in English teaches students to write, to think critically and creatively, to weigh values, and to communicate ideas. A student majoring in English can choose from four programs: literature, creative writing, linguistics, and professional writing. Students can strengthen their English degree with minors in film studies, linguistics, American Studies, Latin American studies, European area studies or any foreign language. Additionally, students who are interested in English but are majoring in another area, may want to minor in American or English literature, Rhetoric and Writing, linguistics, film studies or interactive media studies.
Interests
An interest in reading, analyzing, and responding to literary and cultural works along with a desire to communicate ideas expressively and effectively. An interest in creative composition in all genres and media. An interest in literary and cultural history and theory
Competencies
- Writing and Speaking
- Sizing up an audience
Influencing and persuading
Informing and explaining
Rewriting and editing
Simplifying jargon
Speech and writing: Accuracy Coherency Clarity - Organizational Research
- Gathering information
Analyzing complex ideas
Defining
Comparing and summarizing
Problem-solving
Designing/directing projects
Working in groups - Reading
- Reading for ideas
Reading for tone and attitude
Reading for and in contexts - Thinking Critically
- Adapting ideas
Seeing connections
Weighing values
Questioning conventions
Arguing logically
Generating new ideas
Working independently - Thinking Creatively
- Generating ideas, images, games and metaphors
Creative expression
Working in a range of genres and media, including electronic media & digital forms
Opportunities - Careers
- Human Services
- Foreign service representative
Peace Corps/Vista volunteer
Community relations specialist
Press representative
Meeting assistant
Para legal
Program planner
Special concerns advocate
Publicity coordinator
Humanities and arts council representative - Communications/Public Relations
- Consumer public relations specialist
University/college relations specialist
Information specialist
Public opinion analyst
Press representative (legislator)
Convention organizer - Advertising
- Copy writer
Sales writer
Editor
Proofreader
Advertising traffic manager
Feature writer
Advertising account executive - Technical Writing
- Writer, editor, graphic designer
— World wide web
— Interactive media
— Print Publications
— Computer, environmental, medical organizations - Publishing
- Acquisitions editor
Copy editor
Project editor
Salesperson
Publicity and promotion specialist
Advertising coordinator
Production specialist
Contracts and permission specialist
Assistant book publicist
Web designer, Interactive media specialist - Business/Industry
- Manager
Marketing trainee
Business communications/ in-house publicationist
Public relations writer
Document and procedures analyst
Claims adjustor
Computer industry
Corporate legal assistant
Research analyst/associate
Personnel relations specialist
Retail/buyer
Interviewer
Station manager
Stock broker assistant
Sales promotion specialist
Medical and environmental organizations - Journalism
- Writer
— Freelance
— Institutional
Copy Writer
Editor
— Freelance
— Institutional
Copy Editor
Columnist
Critic
Critic Reporter - Teaching
- Public or private school teacher
English as a second language teacher
University teacher
College administrator
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Many English graduates do continue to work with their major in graduate school or go to professional schools of business, law, medicine, or divinity.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer, part-time, or volunteer work in advertising agencies, newspapers, magazines, businesses, and publishing companies. Involvement in student organizations such as the American Advertising Federation, Sigma Tau Delta, the Miami Student, the Recensio, Inklings, and Prism.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of English (356 Bachelor Hall, 529-5221)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.