English

What can I do with a major in English

English is not just about the rhetorical and creative aspects of literature. It’s about examining history, culture, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the human condition to determine what a text means in the context of when and where it was written, and how it relates to us today.

Language is the primary means by which we communicate our values, our ideals and our vision. The study of English asks fundamental questions about literature and how we, as humans, express ourselves and interact with others. It is the science of communication and critical inquiry.

Learn how we use language in the world at large, and consider the functions, structures and significance of literature over time. Develop an excellent foundation for a career in virtually any professional capacity due to the cross-disciplinary nature of this program.

Students interested in English can complete:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts & Science
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Management

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Analytical Reading
  • Communication
  • Creative Thinking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Editing
  • Excellent Grammar & Vocabulary
  • Information Management
  • Knowledge of Interrelatedness of Social, Organizational & Global Issues
  • Oral & Written Expression
  • Oral Presentation
  • Organization
  • Presenting Persuasive Arguments
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Rhetoric
  • Textual Analysis & Interpretation
  • Work Independently

Work Environment

A major in English provides students with an excellent foundation for further academic pursuits in journalism, law, management or education. It also prepares students for a variety of career possibilities in a wide range of sectors and industries, such as advertising and marketing agencies, public relations firms, various media corporations, fundraising firms, academic and research institutions, governmental organizations, publishing companies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, market research firms, communications firms, libraries, museums, financial institutions or theatre companies.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Rhetoric
  • Creative Writing
  • Language Study
  • Eighteenth-Century Literature
  • Romanticism
  • Commonwealth Literature
  • Postcolonial Literature
  • Medieval Literature
  • Renaissance Dramatic & Non-Dramatic Literature
  • Literary Theory
  • Psychoanalytic Criticism
  • Irish Literature & Drama
  • Canadian Literature
  • Children’s Literature
  • American Literature
  • Interdisciplinary Modernism
  • Victorian Literature
  • Jewish Literature & Folklore
  • Old English & Textual Criticism

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Academic Advisor
  • Business Development Specialist
  • Content Creator/Copy Writer
  • Content Writer
  • Desk Editor
  • Editor/Terminologist
  • Editorial Assistant
  • English Tutor
  • Entry Level Event Manager
  • ESL Teacher
  • Filing Clerk
  • Freelance Writer
  • International Student Advisor
  • Junior Contract Writer
  • Junior Editor
  • Library Branch Assistant
  • Procedure & Permit Writer
  • Proof-reader
  • Reporter/Columnist
  • Section Editor

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Account Coordinator/Director
  • Admissions Officer
  • Advertising Administrator
  • Advertising Consultant/Director
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Archivist
  • Assignment Editor
  • Associate News/Media Director
  • Author
  • Biographer
  • Blogger
  • Book Editor
  • Broadcast Journalist
  • Bureau Reporter
  • Business Administrator
  • Circulation Assistant
  • Columnist
  • Comic Book Author
  • Communications Specialist
  • Community Affairs Director
  • Copy Editor
  • Copywriter
  • Corporate Communications Director
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Correspondent
  • Creative Director
  • Creative Writer
  • Curator
  • Dictionary Editor
  • Documentation Specialist
  • Editor
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Educational Program Specialist
  • Educational Researcher
  • Electronic Publishing Specialist
  • English as a Second Language Instructor
  • Environmental Communicator/Researcher
  • Fiction Writer
  • Freelance Journalist
  • Freelance Writer
  • Fundraiser
  • Greeting Card Writer
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Information Specialist
  • Intelligence Officer
  • International School Teacher
  • Investigative Reporter
  • Journalist
  • Librarian
  • Linguist
  • Literary Agent
  • Literary Critic
  • Lobbying Researcher
  • Lobbyist
  • Media Correspondent
  • Media Planner/Researcher
  • Media Sales Representative
  • Media Specialist
  • Medical Writer
  • Motivational Speaker
  • Museum Coordinator
  • News Editor
  • Poet
  • Policy Analyst/Researcher
  • Political Campaign Worker
  • Politician
  • Press Agent
  • Press Operator
  • Print Journalist
  • Producer
  • Production Supervisor
  • Professional Writer
  • Program Coordinator/Director
  • Proposal Writer
  • Public Affairs Coordinator
  • Public Office Administrator
  • Public Relations Consultant/Specialist
  • Public Relations Writer
  • Public Speaking Consultant
  • Publications Specialist
  • Publicist
  • Publisher
  • Radio Host
  • Researcher
  • Satirist
  • Science Writer
  • Screenwriter
  • Script Writer
  • Speech/Technical Writer
  • Sports Writer
  • Teacher
  • Technical Communicator
  • Technical Editor/Writer
  • Television Show Writer
  • Travel Writer
  • University Professor
  • Web & New Media Writer

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Actor
  • Airline Customer Service Representative/Steward
  • Book Seller
  • Career Planning Advisor
  • Communications Manager
  • Correctional Officer
  • Crisis Manager
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Director/Casting Director
  • Entrepreneur
  • Event Coordinator/Planner
  • Film Consultant
  • Film Maker
  • Film Production Assistant
  • Foreign Service Worker
  • Graphic Arts Designer
  • Historical Researcher
  • Historical Society Administrative Assistant
  • Insurance Broker
  • Interpreter/Translator
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative Aide
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Marketing Executive
  • Marketing Researcher
  • Non-profit Administrator
  • Paralegal
  • Sales Representative
  • Sign Language Interpreter
  • Special Events Coordinator
  • Underwriter
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Web Site Designer

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.