The Department of English

What is English?

English is your gateway to mastering the most essential skills for success in our information-driven world — communication, critical thinking and creative expression that open doors across every industry and profession. Our department empowers you to become a versatile leader equipped with the analytical writing, research excellence and independent thinking that employers consistently seek and democratic societies require. 

Whether you're drawn to creative writing, literary scholarship or professional communication, you'll explore literature's power to illuminate human experience while developing practical skills through our Professional Public Writing track and hands-on opportunities like the award-winning Miracle Monocle literary journal. Here, your passion for language and storytelling evolves into the expertise and leadership that drives innovation, fosters understanding and creates meaningful change in communities and organizations worldwide.

Career Prospects

Where Words Become Your Advantage

Transform your passion for language into a career that shapes culture, drives innovation and connects humanity. English graduates don't just find jobs — they become the strategic storytellers, critical thinkers and communication architects who define how organizations engage with the world. With writing ranking as the #1 most transferable skill and English majors demonstrating stronger job security than many STEM fields, your education becomes the foundation for limitless professional exploration.

Corporate Communications and Strategic Leadership 

Salary Range: $66,750-$200,000+
Lead organizational transformation through powerful storytelling and strategic messaging. Your analytical thinking and communication mastery position you at the center of executive decision-making, where clear vision meets compelling narrative to drive business success.

Career Opportunities:

• Corporate Communications Manager building company culture and reputation
• Content Strategy Director orchestrating digital engagement across platforms
• Public Relations Specialist managing media relationships and crisis communications
• Brand Manager defining market presence through compelling narratives
• Technical Writer translating complex information into accessible content
• Marketing Communications Specialist driving customer engagement and loyalty
• Internal Communications Leader fostering organizational alignment and employee engagement

Digital Innovation and Content Creation 

Salary Range: $60,000-$180,000 
Pioneer the future of digital communication in the fastest-evolving sector of the economy. Your ability to craft compelling narratives, analyze audiences and adapt to emerging platforms makes you essential for organizations navigating an increasingly connected world.

Career Opportunities:

• UX Writer designing intuitive digital experiences for millions of users
• Content Designer shaping user interactions across digital platforms
• Digital Marketing Strategist building online communities and brand loyalty
• Social Media Manager creating viral content and managing online presence
• SEO Content Specialist optimizing digital visibility and engagement
• Podcast Producer developing audio storytelling for growing audiences
• Email Marketing Specialist crafting personalized customer communications

Government and Public Service Excellence 

Salary Range: $37,543-$180,000 
Shape public policy and serve your community through impactful government communication roles. Federal positions offer exceptional job security, comprehensive benefits and transparent advancement through the GS pay system, with locality adjustments adding up to 42.7% to base salaries.

Career Opportunities:

• Public Affairs Officer advancing government initiatives and community engagement
• Grant Writer securing funding for essential programs and services
• Legislative Assistant supporting policy development and constituent services
• Communications Specialist connecting communities with vital government resources
• Program Officer managing initiatives that improve people's lives
• Policy Analyst researching and recommending solutions to complex social issues
• Foreign Service Officer representing American interests globally

Legal and Professional Services 

Salary Range: $38,000-$215,000+
Apply your analytical and communication skills to the legal profession, where English majors excel in law school admissions and legal careers. Your training in critical analysis, persuasive writing and complex reasoning provides natural advantages in legal education and practice.

Career Opportunities:

• Attorney advocating for clients and justice in various legal specializations
• Paralegal supporting legal teams with research and document preparation
• Compliance Officer ensuring organizational adherence to regulations
• Legal Writer creating content for legal publications and firms
• Contract Specialist drafting and reviewing complex business agreements
• Court Reporter capturing accurate records of legal proceedings
• Legal Communications Manager handling public relations for law firms

Emerging AI and Technology Integration

Salary Range: $85,000-$335,000
Lead innovation at the intersection of language, technology and human communication. These rapidly expanding fields reward your linguistic expertise and cultural understanding with exceptional growth potential and the opportunity to shape how humans interact with artificial intelligence.

Career Opportunities:

• AI Prompt Engineer training artificial intelligence to understand human nuance
• Content Operations Manager orchestrating complex content workflows and team coordination
• Brand Strategist developing compelling narratives that resonate across cultures
• Communications Technology Specialist implementing systems that enhance organizational dialogue
• Data Storytelling Analyst transforming complex information into compelling narratives
• User Research Writer conducting studies that improve product design and functionality
• Digital Accessibility Specialist ensuring content reaches audiences effectively

Your Voice, Your Impact, Your Future

Every path in English connects your natural ability to analyze, synthesize and communicate with the power to influence hearts and minds. Whether you're drawn to corporate strategy, public service or cutting-edge technology, your English education provides the foundation for a career that amplifies your voice while creating meaningful change. With 85% employment rates, salary premiums reaching 56% above high school graduates and unemployment rates lower than many technical fields, your investment in language and literature becomes your gateway to professional fulfillment and financial security.