English degrees that focus on literature may lead the student down a general literature path or a more specific course of study on a particular genre of literature. The options here are quite broad, and a student may choose to become an expert on one author or literary movement as well. Some students choose to focus on literary translations, especially if that student can speak, read, and write in more than one language.

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What are the Different Types of English Degrees?

Different schools will offer different English degrees, both in content and in level. One may work toward a bachelor’s degree in English, for example, and then move onto a master’s degree or even a PhD. Within the broader subject of English, specific English degrees can be obtained as well: writing degrees focus on different types of writing, such as creative writing or technical writing; literature degrees allow a student to study a specific genre or time period of literature; and English degrees that focus on education prepare a student to teach English in primary or secondary schools.

A student who attends a college or university can focus on specific English degrees or simply a broader degree program that touches on all aspects of the English language. An English major will study both literature and writing, and while studying in the broader degree program, an English major may choose to declare a concentration, or specific area of focus in which to become an expert. An English major may therefore obtain an English degree with a concentration in creative writing, technical writing, British literature, post-modern American literature, and so on. This allows the student to gain a general knowledge of the English language while still focusing in on a specific area.

Writing degrees are types of English degrees that focus exclusively on the form, function, and analysis of the writing process. Students who obtain such a degree may be preparing for a career as a technical writer, a creative writer, a marketer, and a variety of other jobs that require extensive and in-depth knowledge of the English language. Students who focus on writing can also become writing teachers, or writing program instructors at schools and other educational institutions.

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English degrees that focus on literature may lead the student down a general literature path or a more specific course of study on a particular genre of literature. The options here are quite broad, and a student may choose to become an expert on one author or literary movement as well. Some students choose to focus on literary translations, especially if that student can speak, read, and write in more than one language. This can prepare the student for a career as a translator, a professor or teacher, a literary critic, an editor, or even a writer. Students who want to teach English at the college or university level very often must obtain a postgraduate degree; master’s degrees will allow the student to teach at the college level in some cases, but to become a professor, one will need to obtain a PhD.

degree in English language

This can prepare the student for a career as a translator, a professor or teacher, a literary critic, an editor, or even a writer. Students who want to teach English at the college or university level very often must obtain a postgraduate degree; master’s degrees will allow the student to teach at the college level in some cases, but to become a professor, one will need to obtain a PhD.

Writing degrees are types of English degrees that focus exclusively on the form, function, and analysis of the writing process. Students who obtain such a degree may be preparing for a career as a technical writer, a creative writer, a marketer, and a variety of other jobs that require extensive and in-depth knowledge of the English language. Students who focus on writing can also become writing teachers, or writing program instructors at schools and other educational institutions.

A student who attends a college or university can focus on specific English degrees or simply a broader degree program that touches on all aspects of the English language. An English major will study both literature and writing, and while studying in the broader degree program, an English major may choose to declare a concentration, or specific area of focus in which to become an expert. An English major may therefore obtain an English degree with a concentration in creative writing, technical writing, British literature, post-modern American literature, and so on. This allows the student to gain a general knowledge of the English language while still focusing in on a specific area.

Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in English

Studying literature offers access to ideas, cultures, social mores, and political concepts of any given time or setting. You’ll explore British, American, and world literature, spanning centuries, cultures and genres. A quick scan of job postings shows that many management and middle management positions will require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and English degrees are often mentioned because of the need for excellent communicators in the workforce.

An associate’s degree in English or its close cousins, liberal arts and general studies, can be helpful when applying for entry level positions in business and communications. A bachelor of arts in English is likely to have a more academic slant, such as critical analysis of classic literature, media, and arts. The curriculum may also allow for electives which you can use to round out your degree according to your career aspirations. Technical and business writing may interest you if you’re into technology or business, so take courses in those disciplines. Working in the media will require a different set of electives. To teach English, you’ll need a regional certificate and extra credits specifically in education. An English degree is an excellent springboard for further education in law and medicine.

Some English majors choose to specialize in one period, genre or author, and spend their time taking the supporting classes to give them that specialized study. This usually leads to graduate studies. Other graduate areas can include linguistics, film and drama, and writing hypertext for interactive media.

Online English Degree Programs

You can earn online degrees in English, general studies, and more. Online degree programs allow for a greater amount of flexibility in your studies and are particularly useful for working professionals who don’t have the time or resources to attend a traditional college. Online and accelerated degree programs are just a few of the options available to working adults.

Career Specializations: Media, Writing, and Communications

The more obvious careers are often the hardest to come by. Novelists, creative writers, and poets are important to society, but the demand for their services and the average salary are not overwhelming. English teachers require further education in teaching and are also in very limited demand. If these types of jobs are your dream then you should pursue them, but if not, you may want to consider some of the many other careers open to an English major.

If you’re interested in the media, you can consider working as a reporter, editor, researcher, publisher or literary agent. Public relations and advertising are also fields that are well-suited to the communications skills of an English major. Business administration and management careers are often overlooked by English majors, but English’s critical thinking skills and world perspective can be very helpful in a profession where comprehension, decision making, research and writing skills are so important.

famous English majors

Going to college means that you’ll have to declare a major to begin your core classes. Some majors have different concentrations, and English is no exception. Depending on the university you attend, you may see several different types of English majors. 

These types, often called concentrations, likely focus on different classes than others. Since English is such a diverse field, choosing a concentration to work on ensures that you get the best education possible for the field you find most interesting.

English Major Concentrations to Know

While your school may have more or fewer concentrations than this list, you can break down most universities’ types of English majors into five categories. You should find where you fit in most and declare a concentration among these concentrations. By declaring your specialized field of study, you’ll take more relevant and exciting classes to you.

1. English Literature

English Literature may be the concentration everyone thinks of when they picture an English major. This student is the one who spends their days reading and studying the work of renowned authors. Students with a Literature concentration can expect their classes to emphasize discussions and essays about the works they read. This concentration could be a dream for people who love to read, especially those fond of the classics.

Literature-based classes will help students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. These tools are essential for understanding the words of literary masters who have gone before. They can help in all walks of life, too — every career path values critical thinking skills.

2. Creative Writing

Everyone has a story in them. A Creative Writing concentration can help even the shiest of students bring their words to the surface. Creative Writing concentrations typically include fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, though some universities choose to include screenwriting, too.

Students in this concentration may receive the opportunity to read their words aloud to groups of people — a small taste of what they will do in the future if they choose to publish their writing after graduation. Creative Writing concentrations teach the skills you need to publish your compelling writing.

Students who graduate from the Creative Writing concentration could pursue an MFA in Writing for further instruction. An MFA could be an excellent option to pursue past your undergrad career if you are looking for more critique and wish to polish your work.

3. Language Composition

Language Composition concentrations are similar to Creative Writing ones. Instead of using their compelling writing for entertainment purposes, these students use their writing skills in copywriting and other variations of professional and technical writing. Some schools may choose to include creative writing under a larger composition umbrella.

Language Composition teaches students how to address certain audience types. Writing for all audiences in all tones and styles of voice is an essential skill that could benefit an English major in any field beyond graduation. In some cases, a student in this concentration may earn a certificate alongside their degree, making their resumes stand out from competitors even more.

4. Linguistics

People who study Linguistics have no shortage of career opportunities. Linguistics majors study communication, culture, language, and how language evolves. They can go into virtually any field, including advertising and artificial intelligence. The main focus of the Linguistics concentration is the English language.

Learning linguistics can help someone understand sounds and patterns in the English language. This field encourages critical thinking skills and understanding of how language patterns work, both within the English language and how it connects to other languages.

5. English Education

The English Education concentration typically focuses on students who want to be educators, particularly those who want to teach English at a higher educational level. English educators serve others in the classroom and can work their way up from teachers to principals to potential school board members. This path is perfect for the student who wants to make a difference in education and prefers to teach others above all else.

This concentration can come in a certification that signifies a person can teach at a specific grade level. As it is more specialized, high school education may require extra coursework or a different type of certification than for lower grade levels.

What Different Types of English Majors Do

If you’re interested in becoming an English major, ask yourself which of these concentrations seems like the right fit for you. For example, do you like reading or writing more? If you don’t enjoy reading, focusing on a Literature concentration may not be a great fit for you. Each of these types of English majors has something unique while also overlapping with one another.

English Education and Linguistics may focus more on education classes, especially if a student in Linguistics is planning to go the speech pathology route. Literature and Creative Writing disciplines may mean studying classical novels more than the other concentrations. Language Composition and Creative Writing are bound to have more writing, and Linguistics and English Literature should use more analytical or critical thinking skills.

Think about the natural skills you possess. Consider what you like to do. If you see any overlap, you have identified your plan. Remember that English majors can even start careers in business or law. English is as diverse a major as a language, and you can’t go wrong with choosing it and one of its many concentrations to focus on during your years at college.

Finding the Right Concentration for You

Your skills may fall into multiple categories. When you pursue a degree in English, you should look at which skills can carry you furthest and take you down an enjoyable career path. Many of these types of English majors can overlap in terms of courses and experience, so you should feel free to switch between them until something feels like it sticks. Focus on your studies, and you’ll be a successful English major with the whole world ahead of you.