You've found your passion, and now you're ready to turn that into a career.
The English major provides first-rate preparation for graduate study in such fields as English, education, journalism, creative writing, communications, and American Studies. Most of our graduates, however, employ their English degrees as ready stepping stones to professional study in law, business, and medicine or to rewarding careers in teaching, writing, publishing, marketing, consulting, publicity, philanthropy, corporate communications, and film, television, and online media. Whatever the career you imagine, you are encouraged to avoid both over-specialization and a random selection of courses en route. With the help of your English major advisor, you can develop a course of study suited to your career objectives as well as to your intellectual enthusiasms. Along the way, remember that English majors are less likely to be underemployed in their first job than majors in legal studies, business, and biology: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/english-majors-rejoice-employers-want-you-more-than-business-majors/
This pie chart, drawn from the Washington University English Alumni Directory, displays the schools and industries chosen by our recent graduates. Approximately one quarter went on to law or medical school; one quarter work in education or pursue advanced degrees in the humanities; one quarter are occupied in media, publishing, or various non-profit organizations; and one quarter have found careers in general business.
