English

About the English major

English majors develop both analytical and creative thinking skills. You'll gain many transferable skills, including paying attention to detail, interpreting media, and understanding how people communicate through poetry, fiction, nonfiction, film, and speaking. You'll also apply what you learn through analysis by producing work of your own with concentrations like creative writing, linguistics, writing and literacy, films studies, and literature. English majors gain a general understanding of literature and writing, while also diving deep into an area of interest.

Skills and abilities this major develops: writing, critical thinking, analysis, communication, and meeting deadlines (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2018).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service learning

We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.

Career services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career paths—like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Study abroad

Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 15,200 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Employment of communications and public relations managers is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,100 openings for communications and public relations managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Many of the openings mentioned above are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary for graduates from the School of Liberal Arts with a bachelor's degree was $43,722, and the median was $38,900.

The national mean starting salary for liberal arts graduates who majored in English was $38,987 for the class of May 2020, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

English majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Art history
Business management
Communication studies
Counseling/social work
Education
English language/literature
English as a second language
International affairs
Journalism
Law
Library science
Linguistics

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Capstone/experiential learning
Conversations with Shakespeare
Creative writing
Foreign language
Introduction to film studies
Linguistics
Literacy and public life

Possible careers

Advertising executive*
Communications coordinator
Editor
Nonprofit programming specialist
Paralegal*
Public relations specialist
Social media manager

*These careers require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Franciscan Health
Indianapolis Public Schools
IU Indianapolis
Law firms
Pearson
Public relations
State of Indiana

Complementing interests

AArtistic

SSocial

EEnterprising

Get Your Interest Code

Where to get more information

Department of English

American Society of Journalists and Authors

Liberal Arts Office of Career Development

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

Schedule an appointment