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What are English majors?

English language and literature programs will provide you with an understanding of grammar, writing, and analysis. Programs can be a general study of language or certain types of literature, and they can also concentrate on a specific skill such as creative or technical writing. Some common courses for an English major might include writing workshops, literary analysis and interpretation, and classes on both classic and modern works of literature. Creative writing courses might focus on fiction, poetry, or screenwriting while technical writing courses might cover instructional manuals, marketing materials, or business reports.

How much do English majors make?

English graduates typically make between $40,000 and $100,000 per year. The national average of reported salaries for English degrees is $65,000. The highest paying major within English is Literature with an average salary of $65,000. The lowest paying major within English is Rhetoric and composition with an average salary of $52,000.
English majorsAverage salarySalary
Literature$65,000
Rhetoric and composition$52,000
Creative writingNo data
General EnglishNo data
Playwriting and screenwritingNo data

Popular English majors by degrees awarded

On average, around 45,700 students obtain a bachelor's degree or associate degree in all English fields each year. In 2021, the most popular major within English was general English with 31,788 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 3,329 students obtaining an associate degree. The least popular major was playwriting and screenwriting with 335 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and fewer than 5 students obtaining an associate degree. Overall, English is a relatively popular area of study.