Become a librarian, teach, work in higher education, go to law school, become a writer, write for online publications, write for local news outlets, teach English to people whose first language is not English and so much more! There is a lot you can do with a major in English or writing. These majors develop literary and communication skills that hold value for so many vocations.
What skills will I develop?
English majors learn to write clearly and argue coherently. They develop skills to closely examine the rhetorical strategies of literary texts. Learning how to generate material for poems, novellas and novels is also a big part. Understanding the process of editing and writing for the web is a crucial discipline that is learned. In this department you can learn how to produce literary journals from the solicitation of texts to the proofing of final copies. Writing, grammar, communication, speaking, poetry, vocabulary, literary, argumentation and revising skills are refined and heightened with a major in either English or writing.
What are some of the different majors in the English department?
This varies from college to college. Within the English department, there will be many majors with specific pathways for students. Possible majors include English, writing, art and writing, education and TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). Talk to a professor or an advisor to discover what major options your school offers.
What kinds of courses will I take?
English departments will have many engaging courses for all types of interests. Examples could include: General surveys of American and British literature, marginalized voices in literature, women writers, Gothic and mystery writers, African American literature. The courses you choose depend on your specific major within the English department. Schedule a meeting with an advisor at your school to discover your course options.
What career opportunities may I have?
The career opportunities that an English or writing major provide are endless. You could become a writer, an editor, a teacher, a novelist, an author, a librarian, or even a writer for a newspaper. There is such a wide range of vocations for those who graduate from the English department.
Once you determine what to major in, your next step is to declare a major!
At Bluffton…
At Bluffton, there many opportunities for creative and professional development within the English and languages department including “Bridge: The Bluffton University Literary Journal.” Learn more about Bluffton’s English and writing majors and apply today!
Written by Kaylee Rauch ’26, public relations student assistant, with information from Dr. Cynthia Bandish, professor of English