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English majors examine literature, linguistics, writing techniques, and the creative process. They think critically by learning to weigh evidence, identify assumptions, evaluate persuasive appeals, and recognize faulty reasoning. Through the study of English, students develop communication techniques and learn how to analyze and synthesize rhetoric and writing. Majors in this field explore the writing process and develop original works including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and expository pieces.

A degree in English can provide students with a set of skills and abilities that will help prepare them for any career. Employers value the ability to solve problems and to present ideas in effective language to a wide range of audiences. A degree in English can also prepare students to continue their education in writing, literature, library sciences, business, public administration, law, and many other fields.

Students majoring in English at Colorado Mesa University learn to organize ideas, assert and defend
claims, and conduct research. Small class sizes at CMU allow students to work closely with professors
who are experts in their field. Our English faculty remain current in their field by continuing to publish in
the areas of linguistics, rhetoric, literature, and creative writing.

CMU English students also have the opportunity to gain editing experience working on one of the LLMC department’s publication venues: The Literary Review, Pinyon, The Criterion, or Horizon Magazine. And, CMU English students have the opportunity to complete important internship opportunities with local law firms, publishing houses, the state government, engineering firms, among other opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CMU'S English PROGRAM

• Account Executive
• Actor/Actress
• Administrative/Executive Assistant
• Advertising/Promotions Manager
• Author
• Biographer
• Business Manager
• Clerk for court or other government agencies
• College Administrator
• College Professor
• Columnist/Commentator
• Comedy Writer
• Communications Manager
• Community Organizer
• Copywriter/Copy Editor
• Creative Writer
• Critic
• Curator
• Design Specialist
• Desktop Publisher
• Development Director/Alumni Relations
• Documentation Specialist
• Editor/Editorial Assistant
• Education & Training Specialist
• ESL/ESOL Teacher
• Foreign Correspondent
• Freelance Writer/Consultant
• Fundraiser/Grant Writer
• Greeting Card Writer
• Information Broker
• Institutional Researcher
• Intelligence Officer
• Interpreter & Translator
• Journalist
• Legislative Assistant
• Librarian/Library Assistant
• Literary Agent
• Lobbyist
• Magazine Writer
• Management Consultant
• Manuscript Reader
• Market Research Analyst
• Marketing Specialist
• Marketing Writer
• Media Planner
• Mediator
• Narrator
• Novelist
• Personnel Manager
• Playwright
• Poet
• Politician/Political Campaign Staffer
• Program Manager
• Proofreader
• Public Relations Specialist
• Public Speaker
• Publisher/Publishing Assistant
• Radio-TV Commentator
• Reading Consultant
• Reporter
• Research Assistant
• Researcher/Pollster
• Script Reader
• Special Events Coordinator
• Speech Writer
• Sports Writer
• Teacher (all levels)
• Technical Consultant
• Technical Writer
• Training Specialist
• Travel Writer
• Underwriter
• Video Scriptwriter/Producer
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Writer

Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.

• Compose original works such as novels, stories, articles, promotional materials, technical manuals, grants, legal agreements, web publications, etc.
• Proofread, research, organize, create and/or edit various materials.
• Teach English at a primary or secondary school, a college, or at a community education center

• Colleges and universities
• Schools (public and private)
• Publishing companies
• News agencies
• Political organizations
• Professional Associations
• Law firms
• Advertising and public relations firms
• Federal, state and local government organizations
• Non-profit organizations

Skills needed by English majors:

• Creative and imaginative
• Ability to assess, persuade and influence audiences
• Ability to synthesize information
• Ability to understand diverse viewpoints
• Ability to work independently or in teams
• Critical thinking and analysis skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Research, editing and organizing skills

Other English Resources