What can you do with an English degree?
Every industry needs effective communicators, making an English degree relevant in nearly every field. As an English major, you’ll hone your writing and critical thinking, learn to analyze complex texts, and present your ideas clearly and persuasively. Ideal for writers and teachers, these skills are also the foundation for careers in business, law, media, design, technology, science and more.
Kathleen Hicks, the director of online programs in Arizona State University’s Department of English, refers to this as “English thinking.” It’s about understanding relationships, context and how ideas connect; a mindset that empowers graduates to succeed in roles where storytelling, empathy and analysis are key.
“English majors can be very successful in sales and entrepreneurship because they understand people and their needs,” she said. “Many English students pursue careers in the legal field and do very well with their training in careful reading, writing, and analysis skills. This skill set prepares you for design fields as well.”
Elizabeth Horan, professor of English at ASU, added that English majors learn how to make sense of organizational materials, how to give and receive verbal feedback, and learn how to tell a story.
“They can spot both the details and the overall arc of a story, however that story is told,” she explained. “Be it visually in film or graphics; orally, as in folklore or song; in the short forms of captions or email; electronically or in books.”
10 top jobs for English majors
Here are 10 rewarding paths where English majors can thrive:
Content strategist
- Plan, create and manage digital content. With your ability to understand audiences and craft narratives, you’ll help shape messaging that connects and converts.
UX writer
- Design the words behind digital experiences; think interface text, buttons and error messages. Your skill in writing clearly and thinking from the user’s point of view makes you a vital part of any design team.
K-12 teacher
- Inspire the next generation through reading, writing and critical thinking. Teaching English in elementary, middle or high school requires certification, which varies by state and often includes additional education coursework.
Public relations specialist
- Manage public perception for organizations and individuals. Your strong communication skills will help you craft press releases, media pitches and social media strategies.
Editor
- Work in publishing, journalism or marketing to ensure written content is clear, accurate and engaging. A keen eye for detail and a passion for language are essential.
Marketing manager
- Develop creative campaigns that resonate. English majors bring unique storytelling skills to branding and advertising, helping audiences connect with products and services.
Legal assistant
- Support attorneys with research, writing and case preparation. Your training in analysis and communication serves as a strong foundation, and it’s not uncommon for English graduates to continue on to law school.
Instructional designer
- Design educational experiences that inform and inspire. Your ability to structure information and engage diverse audiences is key to creating effective learning materials.
Grant writer
- Help organizations secure funding by writing persuasive proposals. Your storytelling abilities can turn compelling missions into successful outcomes.
Journalist
- Deliver stories that inform the public and shape conversations. Whether local or global, journalism relies on sharp research skills, ethical reporting and strong writing.
When choosing a career, Hicks channels the wise words of Socrates: “Know thyself.”
“Thankfully, studying English provides you with the self-reflective skills necessary to identify and articulate what’s important to you. Start with what you value and explore careers that align with what you care about most, alongside what you think you are good at. Investing in a career with purpose is more likely to help you find greater job satisfaction.”
Earn your English degree online with Arizona State University
With ASU Online, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in English or your Master of Arts in English completely online. Both programs are designed to expand your knowledge, sharpen your communication and prepare you for meaningful careers across industries.
“The English degree offers a wonderful opportunity for students to bolster their writing skills that would make them marketable for any career path,” noted Lisa Barksdale-Shaw, an assistant professor in ASU’s Department of English. “From business, law, education or entertainment, strong writers can create these opportunities for themselves and others whether writing proposals, legal briefs, teaching plans or playscripts.”
In your bachelor’s program, courses such as ENG 300: Your Degree in the World and ENG 489: Scholarly Products connect academic learning to career planning and public impact. You can also participate in the Online Undergraduate Research Scholars program to explore what scholarly research looks like in action.
“Studying English really opens up so many doors,” noted Hicks. “It helps you understand people; as individuals, as audiences and as communities.”
Horan added, “Students earning an English degree learn to work on their own and with others to make sense of and even change the world.”
No matter where you want your career to go, ASU Online provides the flexibility, resources and support to help you get there.
