What to Expect
So what good is an English degree? It helps you develop better reading,
writing and critical thinking skills.
English students study literature and culture. They learn how language
expresses the identity of a group of people. Besides text analysis of narrative,
theme, characters and language style, English students learn about the social,
cultural and political contexts of the text being studied.
"Studying English literature is basically studying human nature under specific
circumstances," says Megan Polley. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree with
an English major, after which she plans to complete a master's degree and
obtain a Ph.D. She wants to become an English literature professor.
"While this is a field-specific path I've chosen for myself, there are
plenty of career options that English majors can pursue, because they are
fundamentally trained in different forms of communication and to be creative,"
says Polley.
Lindsay Millett agrees that an English degree prepares students for the
future. Her major is in English and creative writing at Georgia State University
in Atlanta, GA. She plans to teach English, but she says that, "What you learn
as an English major is applicable just about anywhere, not just in a classroom."
"In order to be successful English majors, new students must be prepared
for the amount of reading that is required of them," says Polley. She has
recognized the importance of in-class participation. It's the best time and
place to get direct help from your professors.
You should be prepared to step out of your reading and writing comfort
zone, according to Millett. "You won't be well-rounded if you don't know what
else is going on in the writing world," says Millett.
Regardless of the track of your English degree, there are opportunities
to write freely and creatively, says Millett. She says that you can get involved
on campus with literary journals and poetry readings. At your school's writing
center you may be able to get paid to help other students improve their papers.
"As an English major and a full-time student, I spend three to five hours
a day studying," says Polley. Her homework includes reading, making notes,
participating in online discussions and regular assignments. Millett says
that the amount she studies really depends on the class.
To save money, Millett suggests living off campus and working hard to get
good grades and scholarships. She says to shop online for school books to
save money.
Polley agrees that buying the literature is the biggest add-on expense
for English students. "When I can, I purchase used copies from friends, used
bookstores and websites," she says.
How to Prepare
Read, read and read some more! Explore new sections in your school or
local library. Read the works of different authors, in different styles and
from different eras.
"Like my poetry professor told me, you won't understand poetry until you
read poetry," says Millett.
In terms of coursework, besides English, "High school courses such as drama,
philosophy, ancient civilizations and history deal with similar issues and
characters that English literature does, and can provide a broader context
to an individual text," says Polley.
Millett encourages future English majors to get involved in diverse activities.
That's especially true for students interested in creative writing. In high
school, join the newspaper, the yearbook staff, the drama club or volunteer
as an English tutor.
"Just because you're an English major doesn't mean all you need to know
is books. Join every club you can! What are you going to write about, grammar
rules? Those are just the foundations of writing. You need something to write
about!" says Millett.