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Graduate Study and Careers for English Majors

As an English major you learn to read critically and write clearly, good preparation for law, media, and many other fields beyond the few listed here.

Graduate Studies

The major prepares you to enter M.A., M.F.A, and/ or PhD in programs in fields such as:

  • American Studies
  • Creative Writing
  • Cultural Studies
  • Comparative Literature
  • Linguistics
  • Rhetoric and Composition
  • Editing and Publishing

It also prepares you for graduate programs in:

  • Communications
  • Education
  • Law
  • Library and Information Science
  • Media Studies
  • Technical/ Professional Writing

Careers

While many English majors become teachers at all level, a degree in English can also lead to a variety of other careers (sometimes with further academic study). Below are just a few of the possibilities.

Business

  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Research
  • Grant Development
  • Public Relations
  • Human Resources

Writing, Editing/Publishing

  • Books
  • Corporate Newsletters and Reports
  • Magazines and Newspapers
  • Web Publishing
  • Technical Writing
  • Journalism

Government and Public Service

  • Campaign Communications
  • Lobbying
  • Policy Research

Consider choosing a minor or elective coursework that will complement your English major and provide additional skills and knowledge related to your career goals. Talk to your advisor, the English department chair, and/ or Eastern's Center for Internships and Career Development about the variety of career options open to English majors.