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When you tell someone you're majoring in English, you've probably heard the question, "What are you going to do with that?" Maybe it's tied into the assumption you have to become a teacher or followed by a half-joking comment about barista work. But the truth is that in a world that is increasingly AI-driven, an English degree could potentially open more doors than almost any other major.

While it can train you for the traditional avenues of teaching or publishing, even more than this, it equips you with a versatile toolkit that applies to virtually every industry. In other words, an English degree makes you a jack of all trades, and in today's dynamic job market, that's exactly what you want to be.

What Are The Benefits of Majoring in English?

Many English majors choose the degree because they love reading novels and doing writing. But it’s also important to know that while you’re following your passion, you're also developing a broad set of skills that employers across numerous industries want from their hires, according to the .

Through close analysis of literature, you sharpen your attention to detail and learn to comprehend complex written content. When you read closely, you notice patterns and learn to dissect arguments and evaluate evidence. You learn to conduct thorough research, synthesize information from multiple sources and present findings clearly.

And perhaps most valuable in an AI-driven world, you develop emotional intelligence and insight into human behavior by studying literary characters and plots.

These abilities are highly adaptable in both academic settings and the professional workplace. They're foundational, transferable skills that apply whether you're crafting marketing campaigns, analyzing policy, managing teams or building a business of your own. In a world where AI can handle technical tasks, your uniquely human skills — interpretation, empathy, storytelling and nuanced communication — become even more important.

Read more about if an English degree is worth it.

Are English Degrees Well Respected?

Yes, and English degrees could see a resurgence in popularity as an answer to the many challenges presented by AI. In the past, some people assumed that an English degree lacked focus because majors can pursue so many paths. However, this isn’t a valid critique. Adaptability is actually your superpower as an English major.

In startups or fast-changing industries like tech, your adaptability is a strategic advantage. You can adjust when market conditions shift, translate ideas between departments and see connections others fail to notice. In entrepreneurial settings, you can wear multiple hats, such as persuading a client, understanding the customer and editing copy.

Many of today’s jobs didn't exist 10 years ago, and today’s jobs may not exist in another five years, so your ability to think and learn quickly matters more than specific technical knowledge; the adaptability of an English degree positions you to seize emerging opportunities in the present and future.

What Jobs Can an English Major Get?

The question isn't really what jobs you can get with an English degree — it's what jobs you can't get. Your skills apply across virtually every field. Besides the traditional pathways of academia and publishing, here are just a few paths English majors commonly pursue, according to and the Modern Language Association of America ():

• Content Strategist or UX Writer: You create the words users encounter when interacting with websites, ensuring clarity and user-friendliness while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
  
  Read about how to become a writer.


• Marketing or Communications Specialist: You develop campaigns, write compelling copy, manage social media, and craft messaging that resonates with target audiences across various platforms.


• Human Resources Specialist: You leverage your understanding of human behavior and communication skills to recruit talent, develop training programs, resolve conflicts and build organizational culture.


• Grant Writer or Nonprofit Professional: You research funding opportunities, craft persuasive proposals and communicate organizational missions to donors and stakeholders.


• Policy Analyst or Advocate: You research issues, analyze legislation, write policy briefs and communicate complex information to decision-makers and the public.


• Attorney: Many English majors attend law school, where their analytical reading, persuasive writing and logical argumentation skills provide excellent preparation. (Note: SNHU does not currently offer law degrees.)

Read more about why people-focused skills like the ones you'll develop as an English major are helpful in any field: What Are Soft Skills and Why Are They Important in the Workplace?

So, Should You Major in English?

If you're passionate about reading, writing, and understanding how language shapes our world, an English degree may be perfect for you. But even if you're unsure about your career path, an English degree enables you to develop the transferrable skills that prepare you for many other fields and whatever the future may bring.

An English degree will make you "a jack of all trades,” which, as the proverb says, is “oftentimes better than a master of one." In today's collaborative, interdisciplinary, fast-changing workplace, the versatility that you have as an English major is your competitive advantage.

Communication, critical thinking and empathy will never become obsolete. And when you combine these timeless skills with curiosity and strategic career planning, an English degree doesn't limit your options. It expands them.

Dr. Christopher Lee is an associate dean overseeing SNHU’s English degree programs. With extensive experience in higher education administration and a background in business, he brings both practical insight and academic expertise to understanding how English degrees translate to career success. Throughout his career, Lee has worked with countless English majors and witnessed firsthand how their versatile skill sets position them for success across diverse industries and roles. Connect with him on .