by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you love reading novels and writing you may want to choose a major in the field of English Language and Literature. This field of study involves reading significant works of fiction, as well as studying the history, structure, and use of language.
One of the most popular majors in this field is General English which focuses on the study of English language and literature as well as other subjects in the liberal arts. Students who love classic literature may want to major in Literature, while those who are more interested in writing can choose Writing Studies. Some colleges offer additional opportunities to choose concentrations.
Classes may differ depending on your major, but you can expect to be discussing ideas, reading literary criticisms, and be writing creative and analytical papers. While performing these activities, you will be taking courses in continental literature, history of English, linguistic analysis, creative writing, literary theory and criticism.
Studying English Language & Literature covers English Language And Literature/letters. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Structure And Use Of The English Language And Dialects, Speech, Writing, And Various Aspects Of The Literatures And Cultures Of The English-Speaking Peoples. Continue reading for the key facts every english language & literature student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering english language & literature programs.
Across the country, english language & literature draws strong interest, with 48,926 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best English Language & Literature Schools ranking analyzes these 1,536 schools to determine the best overall colleges for english language & literature students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of english language & literature programs later in this article.
Coursework for English Language & Literature build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations english language & literature graduates commonly enter.
Strong reading and writing skills are recommended in this field. You must be able to express your ideas and analysis efficiently in your written work and class participation, so work on both oral and written communication. Attention to detail and creativity are important talents because you will be making connections and comparisons.
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in English Language and Literature, students are advised to take prior courses in creative writing, literature, English language, and speech. Some student choose to continue their education with a Master's degree in this field.
Skills emphasized by a english language & literature program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a english language & literature major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several english language & literature degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 135 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3,463 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 33,304 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 10,911 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,111 |
People currently working in careers related to english language & literature tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 43.8% |
| Master’s degree | 23.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 11.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 8.1% |
| Some college courses | 5.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.1% |
| First professional degree | 0.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in english language & literature careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
This is a broad field of study that can lead to many different career paths. Many graduates are interested in education and go on to become a secondary or postsecondary teacher. Some states require a Master's degree to teach.
Grads who love to write may become copy editors, copywriters, editors, technical writers, authors, marketers or public relations specialists. Copywriters write ads and articles to attract consumers to buy products and services. Public relations specialists help promote organizations and individuals. Technical writers construct manuals and instructions for consumers and businesses related, related to science and technology.
Interested in additional education? Some graduates use a background in English as a stepping stone to an advanced degree. Students may go on to obtain Master's degrees in English, law, political science or other related subjects.
Majoring in english language & literature opens doors to many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to english language & literature.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to english language & literature.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,273,615 | 14.3% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Technical Writers | 396,969 | 6.9% |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | 284,430 | 0.7% |
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | 175,767 | 9.1% |
| Writers and Authors | 155,629 | -4.3% |
| Editors | 11,763 | 3.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of english language & literature graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $31,778 |
| 4 years | $41,979 |
| 5 years | $48,446 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for english language & literature graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers english language & literature grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Editors | $100,346 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,437 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | $70,619 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,195 |
| Technical Writers | $52,099 |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $30,503 |
With 1,536 different english language & literature programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased english language & literature school rankings to help you.
Students interested in english language & literature, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General | 34,210 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | 12,869 |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other | 1,064 |
| Literature | 783 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
