A concentration in English can not only lead to advanced study in English literature and other academic fields, but can also prepare students to enter arts and public administration, business, law, and politics, where their skills stand to make a difference. English majors become critical and reflective readers, aware of the history and development of writing in English. They are also strong, inventive writers who are able to analyze problems, do careful and innovative research, argue and evaluate the arguments of others.

The English major is good preparation for a career in writing or editing—of stories, speeches, legal documents, advertising, research projects, poems, grant proposals, essays, or letters. English majors also find careers in publishing and journalism, public relations, business, industry, management, marketing, social services, and government. English is a strong pre-professional major for law, medicine, library science, and teaching, from the elementary to the post-secondary level.