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What is English Language and Literature?

An English degree via language and literature is the field of study that prepares individuals with knowledge pertaining to the linguistic nature of English, its syntax, vocabulary and grammar, and how it is applied in literary form through poetry, literature, and other forms of creative writing. Individuals studying in this field will have a strong understanding of language and structure, and develop skills useful in a variety of environments, such as editorial, educational and business.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$76,140

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

51.32%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

71,270

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best English Degree

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) is a notable private research university, recognized in the United States and the world.  Harvard takes pride in being the one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country. It is one of the top Ivy League universities. Harvard is known for its Liberal Arts and Science programs particularly for its undergraduate degrees. The English Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. It also has a specialized Creative Writing program. The undergraduate program provides instructions on fiction, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and television writing. The university is also known to have very active research programs. For over 100 years, Harvard University has been known for its significant alumni from several industries like education, politics, medicine, and humanities. Today, Harvard offers several online courses for free.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) is a private university and a member of the Ivy League. The university is a recognized institution that provides world-class education for several areas of study. Princeton provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The Department of English offers a variety of programs that provides courses on literature, language, and culture. Graduate programs are designed to produce scholars, critical thinkers, and creative educators. Princeton has a highly selective admission process. On average, only 8% of applicants are admitted.  Princeton has a long list of popular and relevant graduates.  

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Yale University (New Haven, CT) is a member of the Ivy League. This private university is the third oldest higher education institution in the United States. Yale has a comprehensive undergraduate program following a liberal arts curriculum exposing students to more areas of study. Students who take English as an undergraduate major will take courses on Creative Writing and Journalism as well as other fundamental courses including research. Yale’s selection of graduate programs is also considered among the best in the country. The school offers programs on management, biological sciences, engineering and applied science, law, business, and others. Yale’s admission process is described as “most selective” by the U.S. News.  

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university and an Ivy League member. The school is known as one of the top universities in the world. Columbia offers undergraduate and graduate programs, and professional degrees. The university boasts a comprehensive range of academic fields. The Department of English and Comparative Literature offers programs that value the country’s tradition yet embrace the ever-changing landscape of the discipline. Interested undergraduates can take a BA/MA program allowing them to earn two degrees in a shorter period of time. Columbia University has a great international presence and maintains several Columbia Global Centers across the world. The school has a long list of relevant graduates from science, technology, business, the arts, leadership, and others. The university ranked third as the most selective college in the United States.  

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University (Providence, RI) is a private Ivy League research university and the seventh oldest university in the United States. The university boasts its Brown Curriculum which gives the students the freedom to design their syllabus. Undergraduate programs offer specialized courses and students are allowed to design an independent concentration if the existing programs do not align with their curricular focus. Students only get either satisfactory (Pass) or no-credit (Fail). Education, social studies, and interdisciplinary studies are just some of the long list of programs the university offers. Brown's theatre and playwriting programs are also recognized as the best in the U.S. The English Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and Ph.D. programs to students who want to have an in-depth understanding of English literature and cultures. BU’s English program offers a foundation for a liberal education. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the Ivy League universities. Penn is globally-recognized because of the quality of education and research initiatives. Penn has four undergraduate schools as well as twelve graduate and professional schools fostering an interdisciplinary approach to learning allowing students to gain further knowledge. The Department of English grants undergraduate and graduate levels of education. Undergraduates have the opportunity to study literature and culture across the full range of texts, both traditional and modern including digital media. English graduate programs at Penn are highly recognized offering courses on English and American literature. The university offers tons of educational opportunities including international programs, and study grants.  The university also ranked as one of the top 10 most selective schools in the United States. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) is one of the most popular institutes that offer top-notch engineering and applied science programs. Since MIT was established it continuously played a key role in developing and innovating through modern science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Aside from science and engineering, MIT also has strong programs on business, architecture, linguistics, political science and philosophy. The Bachelor of Science in Literature program at MIT is equivalent to any other English major program across liberal arts universities. Undergraduates can also take a joint major or a dual major across any other field of study. Overall, MIT has been consistently ranking among the best universities in the United States. Today, MIT boasts a long list of graduates that are relevant in the field of science and technology. 

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) is a private university composed of one undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. The university is known for its arts and sciences programs but it also boasts great programs in business, medicine, law, leadership and governance, and engineering. The creative and performing arts classes in the university is also a popular option for students. The top ranked English degree is offered as an undergraduate major and minor. Students will be provided with general education requirements in the Humanities. Students are also required to explore another language aside from English. Some publications describe UChicago’s learning experience as rigorous and intense.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Stanford University (Stanford, CA) is a private research university recognized as one of the leading teaching and research institutions in the U.S. and in the world. Stanford is focused on preparing students to be leaders and competent members of the society. The university is providing a wide range of degree programs for students. The top rated English major is offered in both graduate and undergraduate levels. It can also be taken as an undergraduate minor. Undergraduates will explore poetry, narrative, and methodology. Creative Writing is offered as a separate undergraduate minor program. Stanford has been noted as an entrepreneurial university. Stanford is also the home of the relevant alumni and newsmakers. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) follows a liberal arts curriculum allowing students to explore a variety of fields of study. The college has been described as "arts-and-sciences focused" by the  Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Some of the majors offered at Dartmouth College are focused on humanities, English, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The Department of English and Creative Writing is focused on providing undergraduate majors and minor programs to interested students. The college is known to be the smallest Ivy League university recognized as a great academic institution. Dartmouth is consistently included among the highest-ranked universities in the United States. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University (Durham, NC) is a private research university. It offers a wide range of programs for students. Among the popular programs at Duke University are business and marketing, public administration, engineering, biological sciences, and social sciences. Undergraduates can take English as a major. Interested students can also learn about English or Creative Writing by declaring it as minor. A Ph.D. program is also offered to professionals who aim to gain advanced knowledge about the area of study. Duke also has international exposure through its two concurrent campuses in Asia, located in Singapore and China. Duke University allows students to maximize their learning opportunities by allowing them to pursue a major while pursuing a minor, certificates programs, and/or a second major. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) is a liberal arts college with joint engineering programs with top universities on the field.  The curriculum allows students to explore a variety of courses and topics. Some of the popular programs in the college are English Language and Literature, History, and Social Sciences. The Department of English provides courses on Anglophone literature across a range of periods and genres. Other courses under this program are poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting. The academic excellence and performance of the school made it to be recognized as “Hidden Ivy”. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA) is a private university with a great reputation in science and engineering as well as pure and applied science initiatives. The university has been consistently ranking among the best both locally and internationally. It has been recognized as the best school for Engineering & Technology and Physical Sciences. Caltech offers slightly more graduate programs over the undergraduate. Online degree in English is an undergraduate major that provides comprehensive education on English literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Courses on British and American writing are also taught to students. Admissions is highly selective in Caltech.  

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Amherst College (Amherst, MA) is a private liberal arts college focused on providing undergraduate education. The college has been ranking among the top liberal arts schools in the United States. Students may enjoy an open curriculum and can design their own interdisciplinary major. Amherst College offers a wide range of programs from arts and sciences to interdisciplinary programs. Students who take up English major will be provided with courses on literature, film, poetry, culture and creative writing. Graduates are trained to be critical thinkers and creatives in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Pomona College (Claremont, CA) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on its undergraduate programs. Pomona College has been ranked as the best liberal arts college in the United States. A degree in English is offered at PC as an undergraduate major and minor that focuses on understanding different literary influences through time. The program also gives spotlight on individual author’s work. The college has a small teacher student ratio which allows students to get a more hands on learning experience. The college is affiliated with other Claremont Colleges, hence, students can take up a few courses from other member schools. Pomona takes pride to its notable alumni in entertainment, leadership and governance, humanities, and others.  

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA) is a private college that fosters liberal arts curriculum. The curriculum exposes students to a wide range of fields of study. The school is affiliated with other recognized universities under the Tri-College Consortium allowing students to cross-register for classes. Swarthmore offers notable courses including minors in peace and conflict studies, cognitive science, and interpretation theory. English Literature majors in Swarthmore trains students to be both creative and critical thinkers. Students also have the opportunity to gain a paid internship experience. The student population is fairly small but Swarthmore alumni have attained prominence in a broad range of fields.

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a private research university that has built a great reputation for academic excellence. Northwestern is also consistent in ranking as one of the best undergraduate programs in the United States. Undergraduate programs emphasize courses in the arts and sciences, engineering, journalism, communication, music, and education. English degrees at Northwestern offers two undergraduate concentrations: literature and creative writing. The university also offers graduate programs, certifications and diploma courses. Graduate studies are also offered to interested students. Northwestern boasts top-notch faculty and esteemed alumni in a variety of fields. Northwestern University also has an active Greek community.  

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is a notable public research university in the United States. Cornell fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university’s undergraduate programs range from the classics to sciences and graduate programs explore technology, business, and creative thinking. The school has a top-notch faculty in every area of study. English is an undergraduate major and minor that specializes on English, American and Anglophone literature. Creative writing is offered as a separate minor program. Undergraduates who take English as a major have the freedom to design their own programs of study in consultation with their major advisors. Cornell also supports cross-college collaborations, allowing students to explore new fields of study. The admission process is highly competitive. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Williams College (Williamstown, MA) is a liberal arts college that sees itself as a "Western counterpart" to Yale and Harvard. Williams College provides undergraduate English programs and offers majors in humanities, arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. English is an undergraduate major that allows students to create their plan of study. This freedom allows students to explore the discipline or focus on a particular intellectual interest within English. Programs are mostly for undergraduate classes with only two graduate programs offered - economics and art history. The college is very active and exposed to arts and culture. 

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Rice University (Houston, TX) is a private research university notable for its applied science programs and courses. The university was once recognized as the top university in material science research. Rice has a wide range of undergraduate programs -- 50 majors and two dozen minors. Students are given the freedom and flexibility to pursue multiple areas of study. English degrees are offered in both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Undergraduates can explore a variety of concentrations under this major. Creative Writing is one of the concentrations offered as well as Science, Medicine, and the Environment. Admissions are competitive with only an average of 19% of applicants admitted to the school. 

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Notre Dame University (Notre Dame, IN) is a private Catholic research university. Notre Dame offers undergraduate programs that are considered among the best in the United States. Study abroad, and summer programs are also offered by the university. Notre Dame is also known for its well-designed and strong graduate programs. The university’s  College of Arts and Letters offers nearly 70 major and minor courses.  Graduate and undergraduate level students of English are given courses in literature, creative writing, and creative reading. Students are exposed to several intellectual engagements which help them professionally. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private institution that offers a broad range of academic programs including education, business, and law. VU provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. It has four undergraduate schools including the College of Arts and Sciences and six schools offering graduate programs. VU has a wide range of degrees in English. Aside from the traditional academic programs, VU offers an M.F.A. in Creative Writing program and a 4+1 BA/MA program. Students can choose between Literature and Creative Writing as an area of concentration. VU also boasts a prestigious list of alumni and faculty from a variety of fields. The school is highly selective on admissions. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C) is a private university and the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States but managed independently from church. Georgetown has ten colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs. The university gives undergraduate students the opportunity to design their courses of study. The Department of English offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Undergraduates will take fundamental courses and electives, and will eventually be required to attend senior seminars. Seniors also have the opportunity to take two graduate-level English courses. These courses are part of the master’s degree program curriculum. Georgetown exposes its students to a variety of learning experiences. Study abroad programs are available and the majority of students get to experience it. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

 Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. The school has a wide range of areas of study offered by seven graduate and undergraduate schools. College of Arts and Sciences is the first college established in WUSTL. The university is among the top 50 universities in the world for its undergraduate programs according to World Report rankings. WUSTL also offers a variety of English graduate degrees. It grants an MFA in Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in English and American Literature. US Today recognized the English Department as the sixth-best home in the nation for undergraduate authors. Student life and experience in the university is considered one of the best based on some publication rankings. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a public university that ranks among the best in education, research, and medical healthcare. JHU has both undergraduate and graduate programs offering a variety of disciplines and have multiple degrees available. A BA and a Ph.D. degree is granted to students who study English in JHU. Students are expected to develop their skills in close reading, critical thinking, and effective writing. The university maintains campuses across the Baltimore-Washington area as well as China and Italy. JHU is one of the most selective universities in the country when it comes to student admissions.  

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Requirements for English Degree Programs

Individuals can study English language and literature from the associate level onward, with higher level English degrees opening up opportunities and possibilities. Associate degrees in English and bachelor degrees allow individuals employment opportunities in publishing, and other related fields, often in an editorial or assistant capacity. English degree students will cover a wide variety of literature in their studies, as well as an examination of the language itself and how it is used.

A curriculum for English degree students will likely include a standardized set of core classes regardless of institution.  Examples of the core English degree programs from our top ranked schools and those in the World University Rankings may include:

  • Modern American Literature
  • English Creative Writing
  • Linguistics
  • Comparative Literature
  • History of the English Language
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for English Majors

Individuals with an English degree include language and literature will typically pursue employment in fields that have use for the skills one develops through such study. This includes writing, editing, marketing, business, technical writing and more. Individuals with graduate level education may seek employment as teachers and professors, in some instances a bachelor's degree in English may be sufficient for public schools in need of educators or private schools.

English Degree Careers and Writing Jobs

The average annual income for career English teachers is $63,730 with the highest 10% making in excess of $130,000 per year and the lowest 10% making $35,790 per year. The top employers of English teachers in the United States include: colleges & universities, junior colleges, professional schools, trade schools, and business schools.

States with the Most Jobs for English Majors

Top Paying States for English Students

  1. California $110,490
  2. New York $92,810
  3. Illinois $87,480
  4. New Hampshire $81,210
  5. Maine $80,410

Individuals will be subject to the job growth of their chosen career field after completing their education. Job fields such as marketing will have growth, whereas others, such as editing may see limited growth in the future. Similarly, one's salary will be based on the job chosen, with careers such as fiction writing having wildly varied income, or publishing, where managerial or editorial job positions can be lucrative.

Individuals interested in English language and literature may also be interested in adjacent degrees for liberal arts majors such as linguistics, English literature, and creative writing. Check with your higher learning commission accredited college for additional courses and degrees of interest.

Resources for Students with English Degrees

For additional research, consider connecting with associations and organizations that target English aficionados. Examples include the American Association of Applied Linguistics (AAAL), the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP), the Center of Applied Linguistics (CAL), or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL).

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