• The English major helps students develop as readers of interesting, complex texts, including literary texts. Majors read writing from a variety of historical contexts and cultures; this experience builds their understanding of the relation between society and language. English majors become critical and reflective readers, aware of the history and development of writing in English. They are also good, inventive writers who are able to analyze problems, do careful and inventive 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.