Read deeply. Write boldly. Think clearly.
The English major at Presbyterian College invites students to explore the power of language across literature, culture, and time. With a curriculum rooted in close reading, critical thinking, and strong writing, students develop the communication and analytical skills essential to success in any field. Whether you’re passionate about literary analysis, creative expression, or teaching, the English major challenges you to become a thoughtful, articulate leader in your profession and community.
Students may choose a general track or pursue a Creative Writing Concentration, designed to nurture their voices across genres including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Engage with voices across cultures, genres, and centuries as you explore how literature reflects and shapes the world. - Broaden your knowledge.
Study works from Shakespeare to contemporary authors, while exploring themes like identity, race, gender, politics, and the environment. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop strong research, writing, and communication skills that employers and graduate schools value. - Become a critical thinker.
Interpret complex texts, evaluate arguments, and construct original insights with clarity and conviction.
36-42 Hours
Required for English major coursework, depending on concentration
Senior Capstone
A capstone experience or independent project in literature or creative writing
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
Ella Casto-Waters
“I love being a part of the English department because the professors are so accessible and creative, and I feel like these courses are designed to help us grow as critical thinkers. The English department really embraces what it means to be a liberal arts institution and allows us to grow as academics, but also individuals.”
What You’ll Study
All English majors begin with core courses in literary analysis, historical surveys, and critical theory. From there, students choose electives in American, British, and world literature; genre studies; and cultural themes. Students complete their major with a capstone seminar or an independent project. The major emphasizes writing at every level, preparing students to communicate with clarity and insight in any context.
Education majors are encouraged to develop their future roles as teachers by exploring a variety of concentrations.
Communication Studies
As an English major with a concentration in Communications Studies,, you’ll blend literary analysis with practical communication theory to become an effective communicator across diverse contexts. You’ll explore rhetorical traditions, media studies, and professional writing while developing skills in public speaking, digital storytelling, and interpersonal communication. This specialized pathway empowers you to apply your critical reading and writing expertise to contemporary communication challenges, preparing you for careers requiring exceptional verbal and written expression in an increasingly connected world.
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing Concentration allows students to focus on developing their own voices through workshops in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and hybrid forms. Students study the craft of writing while learning from published authors and peers.
The concentration culminates in a final portfolio or senior creative thesis.
Students in the concentration often publish in The Bluestocking, PC’s student newspaper; Figs & Thistles, PC’s student literary magazine; or pursue internships in publishing, media, or communications.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for English through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in English
An English degree prepares students for a wide range of careers that value strong communication, critical thinking, and creativity. PC English majors pursue professions in writing, editing, education, marketing, law, public relations, publishing, and nonprofit leadership. Many go on to graduate school in English, creative writing, journalism, law, or library science.
Career Professions
Novelist or Poet
Editor or Proofreader
English or Language Arts Teacher
Content Writer or Copywriter
Communications Specialist
Public Relations Coordinator
Marketing or Advertising Professional
Nonprofit Program Manager
Publisher or Literary Agent
Speechwriter
Technical Writer
Legal Assistant or Law School Student
Librarian or Archivist (with MLIS)
Journalist or Columnist
Creative Director
Grant Writer
Higher Education Administrator
Screenwriter or Playwright
Cultural Arts Programmer
Social Media Manager
Acquired Skills
Analytical reading and interpretation
Persuasive and creative writing
Public speaking and oral communication
Literary and rhetorical analysis
Editing and proofreading
Research and citation practices
Interdisciplinary critical thinking
Cultural literacy and empathy
Project design and execution
Grammar and language mechanics
Argument construction and evaluation
Narrative and storytelling techniques
Creative expression and revision
Peer feedback and workshop leadership
Adaptability to diverse industries
Ethical reasoning and integrity
Media and publishing literacy
Collaboration in team environments
Strategic content creation
Leadership in communication-driven fields
Quick Stats
$51,182
Average Median Salary
Graduates with an English degree earn a median annual salary of approximately $51,182. Those who pursue graduate studies can expect higher earnings, with median salaries reaching around $83,000. Top earners in this field can make over $85,000 annually, especially in specialized roles such as legal writing or technical communication.
1.44% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
The employment of English graduates has been growing at a rate of 1.44 percent annually. While this growth rate is modest, it reflects a steady demand for English majors in various sectors, including education, publishing, and communications. The versatility of the degree allows graduates to adapt to changing job markets and pursue opportunities across different industries.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
English degree offers high career versatility, with opportunities in education, publishing, marketing, public relations, and digital media. Graduates can pursue roles such as content writers, editors, public relations specialists, and social media managers. The skills developed—critical thinking, communication, and creativity—equip individuals to adapt and thrive in diverse professional environments.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
