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About the English Department / Explore English / Why Major in English?

Why Major in English?

A degree in English teaches you critical thinking, analytical reading, effective communication, persuasive argumentation, literary and cultural literacy, creative problem-solving, and responsible research practices. These skills are invaluable for a range of careers—even careers you might not have expected.

UK is invested in the success of their English majors and thereby offers a range of internship opportunities for undergraduate students who have completed the UK CORE Composition and Communication requirement. Internships range from artistic and creative fields, to business, marketing and social media, editing and publishing, education, government, law, libraries and archives, and non-profit. Pursuing an English major and one of UK’s many internship opportunities further prepares students with the necessary skills and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen career path. For more information about for-credit internship opportunities (ENG 399), students should speak with their faculty mentor or the Literature and Film Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Matt Godbey, or the Creative Writing Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Shauna Morgan. Students can also contact the UK Career Center.

Some career fields that require the skills acquired through an English major include:

Advertising, Branding, Marketing Business Communication Editing and Publishing Education Entertainment Journalism Law Medicine Politics Public Relations Writing Technology and Science