English & Literature major

English & Literature: courses, careers, and where to study

English develops critical reading, analytical writing, and rhetorical skill, a flexible major that feeds into law, publishing, education, marketing, and any field that values communication.

An English major covers literature (American, British, world, multicultural), creative writing, rhetoric and composition, and literary theory. Programs typically include a tracking choice, Literature, Creative Writing, Professional Writing, or Secondary Education, plus a senior research thesis or portfolio. The major builds skills (writing, analysis, evidence-based argument) that transfer broadly across professional fields.

English graduates work in publishing, journalism, marketing/content, technical writing, education, and law (English is a common pre-law major). The major pairs well with a minor in Communications, Marketing, or a foreign language.

Academic classification (CIP)

In the federal Classification of Instructional Programs, English & Literature maps to CIP 23.0101, English Language and Literature, General, within the ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS family. The official definition:

A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.

Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020. View on nces.ed.gov

What you'll study

  • Literary analysis and theory
  • Survey of American, British, and world literature
  • Rhetoric and composition
  • Creative or professional writing workshops
  • Linguistics fundamentals
  • Research methods in the humanities
  • Genre studies (poetry, fiction, drama, nonfiction)
  • Senior thesis or portfolio

Typical careers

Typical salary range: $42,000–$60,000 early-careerRanges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.

Related occupations

Occupations the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk associates with English & Literature. Linked titles open a CampusPin career page with BLS pay and outlook data; others are listed for reference.

Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Crosswalk: CIP 2020 to SOC 2018. A program of study does not guarantee any specific occupation.

Before you commit to a English & Literature major

CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific English & Literature program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.

Ask the English & Literature department

  • Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
  • What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
  • What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
  • Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?

Ask current students & check the curriculum

  • How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
  • What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
  • Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
  • How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Accreditation & licensure: Most English & Literature programs are covered by their institution's regional accreditation; specialized programmatic accreditation is less common in this field. Confirm any field-specific accreditation or licensure that matters for your goals.
Degree level & graduate study: Many English & Literaturecareers are open with a bachelor's degree, but some, such as research, advanced-practice, or licensure-track roles, require a master's or doctorate. Check the typical entry-level education on each linked career page above before assuming a bachelor's is enough.

Find a English & Literature program

CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer English & Literature programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.

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How this guide is sourced

This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.