English Career Possibilities

What can you do with an English degree? Pretty much anything that you can imagine.

The skills you gain with an English degree are invaluable to a broad range of professions, including teaching, business, law, medicine, non-profit management, and the fine arts, among many others.

In other words, English is always a good choice, whether as a first major, a second, or as a minor.

Career Possibilities

What our Alumni Say

"In the nonprofit sector, smaller staffs mean one job description might encompass grant-writing and graphic design or marketing and accounting. ... Most importantly, creativity and problem-solving in the nonprofit arts sector are what truly make organizations succeed, which is why English majors make great hires!" ~ Emily, BA in English, Class of 2011

"I think English is an excellent course of study to prepare oneself for law school. My coursework in English prepared me for the extensive research and writing involved in studying law. Analyzing literature down to the meaning of a single word translated well into interpreting statutes and laws. Those who have an undergraduate degree in English are, in my opinion, well-equipped to take on some of the challenges that law school presents." ~ Callie, BA in English, Class of 2012

"My English methods teachers at UND reinforced my beliefs of teaching English at the secondary level. Undoubtedly, my background in English leads me to believe that I can challenge my own students to think critically and live compassionately, as this is what the world of great literature often calls readers to do. I guide students towards finding their own voice and showcasing it in their own writing, by studying the voices of others and writing in a way that is authentic to them. While not every one of my high school students leaves my classroom with dreams of becoming the next great American author, I aspire to create an atmosphere that makes them read (and read some more), write (and make mistakes), and most importantly grow into the person they are meant to be. The professors I met and the courses I took in the UND English Department granted me the courage and confidence to step foot into my own classroom." ~ Beatrice, BA in English/English Education, Class of 2012

"An English background comes in handy in pretty much any facet of the book publishing world. (Not just in editorial!) I work in international sales, and studying English helped me in developing my writing and editing abilities (e.g., proofreading materials and, yes, writing coherent email messages), in learning to evaluate and discuss texts critically (e.g., identifying trends, choosing key titles, and pitching books to buyers), and, most importantly, in understanding that just because you personally may not enjoy a book doesn't mean it lacks value." ~ Andrea, BA in English, Class of 2009