What Can You Do with an English Degree?

Radek, what jobs can you get with an English Degree? I’m wondering, what can I do with an English Degree?

Students who major in English often go on to become teachers, usually of middle school and/or high school language arts. There is also an increasing need for ESL (English as a second language) teachers. Whereas teaching jobs in other subject areas, such as science and math, are often easy to find, this is not the case with English / language arts jobs, and the competition can be tough. It’s not uncommon for hundreds of qualified people to apply for the same high school language arts teacher opening. Some English graduates work as education technicians, teacher assistants, tutors, or substitute teachers while looking for a full-time teaching job. Teaching at a public school will require state certification.

Teaching English or a related subject at the college level will require significant publications and/or an advanced degree, probably a Ph.D. The competition at this level can be extremely tough. For this and other reasons, many English graduates go on to graduate school.

Of course, not all English graduates go on to become teachers. Some work in the publishing industry, as editors, publishers, or literary agents. Some work as journalists or reporters. Others become writers: creative writers, copywriters, Internet writers, advertising writers, and technical writers.

Careers you can get with a degree in English include:

  • Copywriter
  • Creative Writer
  • Editor
  • Education Technician
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
  • Internet Writer
  • Journalist
  • Language Arts Teacher
  • Literary Agent
  • Publisher
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Technical Writer
  • Tutor
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