As an English major, your most marketable skill is the ability to communicate "with clarity to a variety of audiences, in writing, orally, and in other media." Almost as marketable are your abilities to engage in critical thinking, detailed analytical discussion, and problem solving; all organizations and businesses need persons with such skills. According to one analyst, "success in English studies is the best long-term predictor of overall success" in a career. In addition, your understanding of the human condition learned through close reading and analysis of literary texts will be invaluable in any career you choose. Life is larger than a career, and the study of literature enriches the way one lives and interacts with others.

There are four "tracks" that lead out of an undergraduate major in English and into the job market:

*Teaching*	*Professional Writing*	*Pre-professional*	*Business*
Elementary Middle School High School Community College Baccalaureate College	Journalism Publishing Editing Freelance writing Advertising Public Relations writing Web writing Technical Writing	Graduate School in: Law Ministry Film Library Science Social Work Medicine Dentistry Veterinary Science Business Administration	Choose undergraduate electives in: Accounting Computer Science MIS Marketing Management Non-Profit Organizations

As you begin thinking about a career path, your electives (or minor) are crucial for career entry. For instance, if you are interested in business, two to six courses in business administration and/or management would be wise. In a report to the president of a major communications firm on the academic background of employees who had risen to management level, those whose undergraduate degree was in the humanities had advanced further and faster than those with undergraduate degrees that were directly career-oriented.

Why Major? Resources Careers Faculty English Major Spanish Minor Modern Lang Minor English Minor Facilities Writing Festival