English

Department of English

Concentrations
Creative Writing
Film Studies
Professional Writing

The study of the English language can ultimately lead to careers in a wide variety of fields that go beyond the teaching and writing careers generally associated with the English major. Studying literature and language teaches students to write effectively, to think critically, to see all sides of an issue and question generally accepted conventions, and to communicate ideas. These skills are valued by employers in communications, business and industry, government, education, and advertising. Also through the study of English, students learn such practical and career-transferable skills as research, revision and editing, information gathering and analysis. English is also a wise choice of major for those considering law or graduate school. Master's programs in business administration, communications, English, and education, to name a few, are often the next step for undergraduate English majors. Some students obtain a licensure for Adolescent and Young Adult Education to teach in secondary education.


Related Career Titles

Author
Bibliographer
Biographer
Book Reviewer
Broadcast Supervisor
Columnist
Commnentator
Continuity Writer
Copy Editor
Copywriter
Corporate Communications Specialist
Correspondent
Creative Director
Critic
Editor
Editorial Writer
Electronic Publishing Specialist
ESL Teacher
Fact Checker
Fundraiser
Grant Writer
Lobbyist
Lyricist

Medical Writer
Patient Relations Specialist
Playwright
Poet
Program Proposals Coordinator
Project Supervisor
Proofreader
Public Relations Representative
Publications Researcher
Publications Specialist
Publicity Assistant
Publicity Director
Radio/TV Copywriter
Reporter
Science Writer
Screen Printing Inspector
Screenplay Writer
Speech Writer
Spokesperson
Staff Writer
Story Editor
Teacher
Technical Writer

Related Skills
Able to work with deadlines
Highly imaginative
Individually expressive
Observant
Open to criticism
Organized
Persistent
Proficient in close reading
Proficient in critiquing
Proficient in editing
Proficient in grammar
Proficient in fiction/non-fiction writing
Proficient in interpretive reading
Proficient in research
Proficient in word processing
Self-disciplined
Self-motivated
Strong communication
Writing/poetry writing


Professional Organizations
American Copy Editors Society
American Society of Journalists & Authors 
Modern Language Association
North Carolina Writers' Network
Public Relations Society of America
Society for Technical Communication
Southeastern Writers Association