English Studies Major

2 female students sitting at their desks during class.
Students sitting in a classroom.
Linh Dich and a student working on her paper during office hours.
Professor Whitney Womack-Smith standing in the front of the room teaching the class.

Bachelor of Arts in English Studies

Overview

A Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Studies prepares you to be a critical and creative reader, thinker, and writer. The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) study “It Takes More Than a Major” (2013) reports that 93 percent of employers surveyed agreed that “a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.” The AAC&U also notes that employers in today’s global economy want students who demonstrate the ability to be creative and innovative.

What can I do with this major?

The English Studies major focuses on the cultivation of transferable skills that prepare students to pursue career opportunities and professional advancement in a variety of sectors, including:

  • writing and editing
  • paper and digital publishing
  • media
  • market research
  • advertising and public relations
  • libraries
  • non-profit organizations
  • public service
  • education
  • government
  • business
  • law
  • contract specialist
  • journalism and Media (production, editing, review, promotion)

The degree will also prepare you for graduate and professional programs.

Local Job Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition projects higher than average job growth in 2012-2022 in many fields that traditionally hire English majors, including technical writing (10 percent increase in job openings), public relations (11 percent), training and development (12 percent), fundraising (15.5 percent), and market research (20 percent). Additional in-demand occupations in Ohio for which graduates with a BA in English Studies might choose include Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists, with an average wage of $26.84 an hour and Sales Representative, with an average wage of $32.32.

The 2010-2020 Ohio Employment Projections notes growth in areas that hire English Studies majors, such as Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists ($61,210), Sales Representatives (average annual wage of $56,780 to $75,420), and Technical Writers ($56,930). The Snapshot of Occupational Projections identifies Management Analysts as a high-growth, high-wage occupation in Ohio with more than 3360 openings in this time period (2012-2022). The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook identifies English as a common field of study for those in this profession. The 2012 median pay for this field was $78,600 per year.

Top NACE* Employability Skills of focus in this degree program

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Oral and Written Communications
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Information Technology Application
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism and Work Ethic
  • Career Management

Relationship to Oxford-Based Majors

The English Studies major is broader than the specialized Oxford majors in Literature, Creative Writing, Professional Writing, and Linguistics. These Oxford majors require you to choose your path early in your academic careers. English Studies, however, incorporates courses from all of the different areas of the study of English and allows for more exploration. It also includes a course focused on how English Studies applies to multiple professions, helping you translate their skills into the modern workplace.

Faculty Resources

We have a robust group of 19 English Studies faculty in the new regional Department of Languages, Literatures, and Writing. We have expertise in all areas of English Studies. Our faculty members are also heavily involved in related interdisciplinary fields (American Studies, Asian American Studies, Black World Studies, Latin American Studies, Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies).

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze complex texts within their social, historical, and political contexts using the technique of close reading.
  • Demonstrate in writing their ability to evaluate, synthesize, and cite information and ideas from sources and modes of inquiry typically used in the discipline or in professions.
  • Communicate effectively in multiple genres with attention to the needs of multiple audiences and contexts.

What classes would I take?

Curriculum requirements are available at Miami University's General Bulletin website.

How do I get started?

Choose one of the options below and start on your pathway to success!