What it is
English & literature is the study of language, literature, and writing — reading deeply, analyzing texts, and communicating with clarity and force. One of the classic liberal-arts majors, it builds the reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills that employers and graduate/professional schools value across countless fields.
Where it leads: this is a broad, analytical humanities degree. There isn't one job title attached to it — instead it builds reading, writing, argument, and critical-thinking skills prized in law, education, writing/publishing, business, nonprofits, and government. It's a leading pre-law major, and its value grows when paired with internships, a second skill, or graduate/professional study.
What you'll study
Coursework centers on literature and writing:
- CoreLiterary survey courses (British, American, world literature), literary analysis, critical theory
- WritingComposition, rhetoric, and often creative or professional writing
- ElectivesBy period, genre, author, or theme; often a senior thesis
Concentrations & focus areas
- LiteratureLiterary study & analysis
- Creative WritingFiction, poetry, nonfiction
- Rhetoric & CompositionWriting & argument
- Professional / Technical WritingApplied writing
- English EducationTeaching English
- Pre-LawLaw-school preparation
Skills you'll build
- WritingClear, persuasive prose
- Critical reading & analysisInterpreting texts
- Argument & reasoningBuilding a case
- ResearchFinding and using evidence
- CommunicationHighly transferable
Careers & job titles
- Writer / editorPublishing, media, content (~$73,690–$75,020)
- Content / communications rolesMarketing & corporate
- Teacher / professorWith certification/graduate study
- LawyerVia law school (common path)
- Technical writerDocumentation (~$91,670)
- Publishing, nonprofit, businessBroad paths
Job outlook & demand
There's no single "English" occupation, but the skills feed many. Writers/authors, editors, and technical writers have steady demand (technical writing especially), and English is a top pre-law major. Content, communications, and marketing roles are common destinations.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors had a median around $73,690, editors ~$75,020, and technical writers ~$91,670. English grads also enter law (lawyer median ~$150,000+ via law school), education, and business, where pay varies.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's is broadly useful and a strong pre-law/pre-grad degree; a master's or PhD supports teaching, publishing, and academic careers.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you love reading and writing, think critically, and want a flexible degree that opens law, education, media, and business.
Be strategic: the degree's payoff often comes from what you add — law school, a professional-writing focus, digital/content skills, or internships. On its own, target writing, editing, content, and communications roles.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusLanguage, literature, and writing
- SkillsWriting, analysis, argument, research
- CareersWriter/editor, content/comms, teacher, lawyer (via law school)
- Popular forPre-law and graduate study
- PayWriters ~$73,690, editors ~$75,020, tech writers ~$91,670 (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: