What is an English Degree?
An English Degree focuses on studying language literature and writing within the English language – with a specific focus on how it shapes meaning and culture. Oftentimes, the program will focus on classic and modern media, and encourage students to develop analytical, research, and communication skills. Students are encouraged to be curious, use critical thinking, and develop a deep appreciation for how language connects people and ideas.
What can you specialize in with an English degree?
Students can choose to specialize when they study English – this can be in the form of a minor degree alongside a major, a specialised course, or specialisation within the professional field.
For example, at PBA – alongside our Bachelors of the Arts English degree, we offer two specialisations; English: Concentration in Professional Writing and Editing, B.A. and English and Secondary Education, B.A..
Other specialisations within English include:
- Literature and Criticism
- Creative Writing
- Professional Writing
- English Studies
- Linguistics and Rhetoric
- Media and Digital Studies
- Literary and Cultural Studies
- English Language Arts (teaching-focused)
- English Secondary or Adolescent Education
- Race and Ethnicity Studies
- Medieval or Renaissance Literature
- Modernist Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition
- Literature, Culture, and Media
- Language and Linguistics
Skills for your CV
English graduates will gain a variety of skills during their studies that they can list on their CV.
- Written and verbal communication
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Research and information literacy
- Editing, proofreading, and attention to detail
- Creativity and original problem-solving
- Organization and time management
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Empathy and cultural awareness
- Independent work and self-motivation
- Presentation and public speaking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Computer proficiency and digital literacy
Industries that an English Major Could Work In
- Education and academia
- Publishing and editing
- Journalism and media
- Marketing, advertising, and public relations
- Corporate communications
- Law and legal services
- Technology and UX design
- Government and public policy
- Nonprofit and grant writing
- Human resources and management
- Creative industries (film, theater, arts)
- Research and consulting
- Finance, business, and entrepreneurship
Jobs for English Majors
Because of how broad the English field is, it’s easy for English majors to use their degree in all kinds of jobs.
Entry Level Jobs for English Majors
- Corporate Copywriter
Writes and edits marketing materials such as website copy, press releases, email campaigns, product descriptions, and social media posts, maintaining a consistent brand voice.
Median salary: $43,500/year
- Librarian or Library Assistant
Manages library resources, assists patrons in research, organizes information, and supports educational programs.
Median salary: $26,000-$48,000/year
- Social Media Manager
Creates engaging content for social media platforms, manages campaigns, interacts with audiences, and analyzes social media performance for brand growth.
Median salary: $50,000/year
- Technical Writer
Develops clear documentation like manuals, guides, and FAQs for technical products or services, translating complex information into accessible language.
Median salary: $45,000-$50,000/year
- Journalist
Researches, writes, and reports news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media, adhering to deadlines and ethical standards.
Median salary: $37,000-$40,000/year
- Content Marketer
Develops and distributes valuable content such as blogs, videos, and newsletters to attract and engage target audiences.
Median salary: around $50,000/year
- Radio Writer
Creates scripts and content for radio programs, ads, and promotions, often working behind the scenes to shape audio storytelling.
Median salary: $44,000/year approx.
- SEO Specialist
Optimizes website and content to increase search engine rankings using keywords, analytics, and best SEO practices to drive traffic.
Median salary: Variable
High Paying Jobs for English Majors
- Copywriter
Crafts compelling content for marketing, advertising, and communications across various platforms, collaborating with creative teams to engage target audiences.Median
Median Salary: $66,107 per year
- Grant Writer
Researches funding opportunities, writes persuasive grant proposals, and works closely with organizational leaders to secure financing for projects and initiatives.Median
Median Salary: $51,838 per year
- Editor
Reviews, revises, and refines written content for clarity, accuracy, and style, supporting authors and ensuring adherence to publishing standards.Median
Median Salary: $67,228 per year
- Social Media Manager
Manages a company’s social media presence by creating content, engaging with audiences, analyzing performance metrics, and shaping brand communication strategies.
Median Salary: $67,228 per year
- English Professor/Teacher
Develops curricula, teaches literature and writing, mentors students, and contributes to academic scholarship and community education.
Median Salary: $55,067 per year
- Librarian
Oversees library operations, curates collections, assists patrons in research, and manages information resources for educational and community use.
Median Salary: $70,371 per year
- UX Writer
Designs the language and messaging users encounter in digital products, collaborating with designers and developers to enhance user experience and clarity.
Median Salary: $108,000 – $119,531 per year
- Brand Strategist
Develops and implements comprehensive marketing and branding strategies to shape public perception and increase customer engagement.
Median Salary: $78,214 – $118,841 per year
- Paralegal
Supports lawyers by conducting legal research, preparing documents, and assisting in case management within law firms or corporate legal departments.
Median Salary: $38,000 – $89,000 per year
Remote Jobs for English Majors
- Remote English Instructor
Teaches English lessons virtually to adult or school-aged learners using online platforms, delivering interactive content and supporting language skills development.
- Online Content Writer
Creates and edits written content for websites, blogs, and social media channels, helping businesses communicate effectively with their audiences through compelling copy.
- Digital Marketing Specialist
Develops and manages digital campaigns, including email marketing, SEO, and social media efforts, using writing and analytical skills to boost brand engagement remotely.
- Technical Writer
Produces clear and accurate documentation such as manuals, guides, and FAQs from a remote setting, translating complex topics into user-friendly language.
- Remote Editor
Reviews and refines written materials for grammar, style, and clarity while collaborating with authors and content creators online.
- Social Media Manager
Manages a company’s social media presence remotely by creating posts, engaging followers, and analyzing performance metrics to enhance brand visibility.
- Remote Grant Writer
Researches funding opportunities and writes persuasive grant proposals for nonprofits or organizations, coordinating virtually with stakeholders to secure finances.
- Online ESL Teacher
Provides English as a Second Language instruction to students through video calls and digital tools, catering to diverse learning needs from home.
- UX (User Experience) Writer
Develops clear, concise wording for digital interfaces, working remotely with design and development teams to improve how users interact with products.
- Communications Specialist
Crafts and manages internal and external communications, newsletters, and press releases, maintaining strategic messaging for organizations from a remote location.
Is an English Degree Worth It?
Studying at PBA gives you an advantage – our English degree program will prepare you for your career by teaching skills like leadership, fellowship, and ethics, all alongside your English degree.
Get ready to jumpstart your career with our English degree programs.
