Why Study English?
English majors and minors read literary masterpieces and craft their own creative works. They study the structure of language and the history of rhetoric. And they learn how to teach.
They also develop skills that employers demand most.
Written communication was the single most desirable skill sought by employers in the .
- Oral communication, written communication, and critical thinking were among “the skill and knowledge areas of greatest importance to both business executives and hiring managers” when hiring college graduates, according to a
51 English majors have a strong record of post-graduation success.
- 94% of English majors who responded to the 2022-23 51 Career Activities Report were actively engaged in post-graduation endeavors, primarily full-time employment and continuing education.
- 86% of English majors said their education and experiences at 51 "prepared me for my profession."
See these sources for more on the personal and professional values of majoring in English.
- by Heather Long (The Washington Post)
- by David Deming (The New York Times)
- by Derek Newton (Forbes)
- by Loretta Jackson Hayes (The Washington Post)
- by Gretchen Busl (The Guardian)
- by Shane Snow (HubSpot Blogs)
- by Benjamin Schmidt (The Atlantic)