Careers for English Majors
Upon graduation English majors enter a wide variety of fields. In a recent survey, about 27% of our graduates reported going into secondary education, writing, editing, and publishing; 30% into business, technology, or administration; and 29% into law, higher education, or other fields. Below is a list of careers for which a BA in English might prepare you:
| Academic Advisor | Intelligence Officer |
| Archivist | Legislative Aide |
| Career Planning and Placement Counselor | Lobbyist |
| Coordinator of Personnel | Market Researcher |
| Copywriter | Paralegal |
| Communication Specialist | Policy Analyst |
| Copy Editor/Copy Reader | Political Campaign Worker |
| Creative Writer | Professional Researcher |
| Customer Service Representative | Professional Writer |
| Editor | Publications Design and Layout Assistant |
| Foreign Service Officer | Public Information Specialist |
| Freelance Writer | Public Relations |
| Genealogical Services Specialist | Reporter/Staff Writer |
| Grant Writer | Research Assistant |
| Historical Museum Administrative Assistant | Secondary School Teacher |
| Information Technology Specialist | Technical Editorial Assistant |
| Instructional Designer | Technical Writer |
In today’s information industry, companies want employees who can process and analyze information and then communicate it clearly and compellingly. By reading and analyzing a variety of texts as an English major, you learn habits of mind well-suited to those kinds of settings. In English classes at BYU, students learn how to read carefully and ethically, discuss and debate important texts, perform research and synthesize opposing viewpoints, and write persuasive arguments on topics like culture, aesthetics, and religion.
You should consult with an advisor early in your program to determine a track through the major that will help you prepare for a career after you graduate. For more information on recommended tracks, please visit the Tracks Within the English Major page on our department’s website.
