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You've read the course catalog copy that tells you about the goals and objectives that the English department and the Writing Studies program have. However, you (and your parents) may be asking: Why should you major in English or minor in Writing Studies? What will it do for you? On this page, we'll give you some reasons to major in English or minor in Writing Studies. Of course, if you'd really like to know why you should choose English, we invite you to contact us or stop by the third floor of Dunleavy Hall. We'd be glad to answer your questions (and any that your parents might have, too).
You'll Never Leave Your Parents' Basement : Five Common Myths about English Majors
- All you can do with an English degree is become an English teacher!
Not true! (However, there's nothing wrong with becoming a teacher!) English majors work in many diverse fields besides education, including: editing and publishing, freelance writing, journalism, library and information science, Web design, business, law, and medicine. English majors often go on to professional school in English (obviously), but also pursue professional degrees in law, business, and even medicine.
- English majors don't get jobs, or they only get jobs that require you to say: "Would you like fries with that?"
English courses teach you to read critically and write well. Plenty of employers are eagerly seeking employees with those skills. Also, you can explore careers and make employment connections while still an undergraduate by doing an internship at a local business or organization. You'll even get course credit!
- English courses are all about reading boring books that have no relevance to your life!
Well, if you find books boring, English is probably not the major for you. However, our literature courses are designed to help you understand how other people saw our world through literature and to acquire a variety of critical and theoretical perspectives. Our writing courses teach you about the theoretical, rhetorical, and practical aspects of producing different types of writing such as grant writing, science writing, classical rhetoric, editing and publishing, and writing for the Web.
- You have to have perfect grammar and spelling to be an English major!
Part of your education should be improving your writing skills, and English courses will certainly help you to be a better writer. However, we don't ask that you be perfect when you join us.
- An English degree won't help me go to law school, medical school, or another professional school!
Plenty of English majors have gone on to law school, medical school, or business school. Advisors can help you choose courses that mesh well with an English degree and prepare your applications.
What Our Students Say About English At Niagara
"Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man and writing an
exact man." Francis Bacon, Of Studies, 1561-1626
As an adult student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, I
have found that the Niagara University professors and their teaching
exemplify these words of Sir Francis Bacon. The works which we read,
the discussion initiated by the professors and the detailed constructive
criticism of written work prepares students for challenges in the
future through exploring wisdom of the past. The whole spectrum of reading and writing can be experienced in the English department, from ancient literature to
contemporary works and creative writing to business communication. I believe a major in English
develops a college graduate that the world-of-work is looking for: an
articulate, well disciplined and creative thinker. -- Betty Andropolis, current student
Exploring English Beyond Niagara
Interested in finding out what you can do with an English degree? These links offer information about graduate programs in English as well as career resources for English majors.
Graduate Programs in English
Advice About Applying
Finding Graduate Programs
- MLA Guide to Graduate Programs
The Modern Language Association offers a searchable listing of programs in English, modern languages, and comparative literature.
- US News and World Report Graduate Program Rankings (for English)
US News and World Report ranks graduate programs in all fields every year; their Web site allows you to search graduate programs and find the top ones in your field of interest.
Careers in English
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