The program from Gannon University offers four advising tracks for students with different professional interests: secondary education, law, professional writing and literature. An accelerated program allows outstanding students to complete both a bachelor?s and master?s degree in English in only five years. Students work as writers and editors for award-winning publications: Totem, Gannon?s literary magazine, and The Gannon Knight, the campus newspaper. In classes, students write for the GreenEriePA website or other venues that provide real-world applications in a variety of media. Creative writers have the opportunity to meet and attend workshops with nationally recognized poets.?

You Will Experience

All English majors participate in an internship experience to prepare them for the working world. English majors have broad opportunities for internships within walking distance or a short drive of Gannon?s campus. Internship options include:

  • Fortune 500 companies: Erie Insurance, GE Transportation
  • local broadcast affiliates of national networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and NPR
  • local radio stations: with formats including: country, contemporary hits, mainstream rock and top 40
  • health care: Erie VA Medical Center, UPMC Hamot, Saint Vincent Hospital
  • nonprofit organizations
  • local news publications

You Will Achieve

When prospective employers are asked about which skills are critical to the success of their workforce, they most often cite communication skills, writing ability and the capacity to form, interpret and share complex ideas. English graduates excel in these areas and they use these skills in a variety of occupations in the public and private sectors. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • arts administration
  • broadcast production
  • development and philanthropy
  • marketing
  • media
  • teaching English abroad

You Will Earn

Salaries in the field vary depending on the location and type of organization. English majors work in a variety of jobs and industries.?

  • high school teachers: $55,100 journalists: $38,100
  • technical writer: $57,900
  • organizational communication specialist: $58,000
  • social media coordinator: $41,000
  • content developer: $54,000