Benefits of majoring in English

The Princeton Review places the English major among the top 10 college majors:

If you find yourself generally immersed in some book–anything from Shakespeare to Hemingway to Jack Kerouac–you will likely find others just like you in the English department studying the trochaic octameter of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," the stunning word choices of narrative nonfiction author Annie Dillard, or the experimental elements of the writings of Walter Abish. English programs focus on literature, language, and writing, and an English major will encounter a wide array of absorbing works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from around the world and throughout history. Analyzing the works of the greatest minds and imaginations that human civilization has produced will surely sharpen your critical, emotional, creative, and moral faculties. The study of literature also helps to shed some light on the answers to the enduring questions of the human condition. This degree is tremendous preparation for a future in law, journalism, publishing, graduate studies, and just about anything else.

(The Princeton Review. 8 January 2013. http://www.princetonreview.com/college/top-ten-majors.aspx) 

Occupational Outlook in Education and Writing

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Publish Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2012. 21 January 2013. http://bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm

Education:

Employment of postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as enrollments at postsecondary institutions at all levels continue to rise.

Employment of high school teachers is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Overall growth is expected due to declines in student-to-teacher ratios and increases in enrollment. However, employment growth will vary by region.

Employment of middle school teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of both declines in student–teacher ratios and increases in enrollment. However, employment growth will vary by region.

Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of both declines in student–teacher ratios and increases in enrollment. However, employment growth will vary by region.

Employment of preschool teachers is expected to grow by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education and the growing population of children ages 3 to 5.

Employment of special education teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of increasing enrollment and continued demand for special education services.

Employment of instructional coordinators is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is anticipated as schools increasingly focus on improving teachers’ effectiveness.

Employment of postsecondary education administrators is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average. Expected growth is due to increases in enrollments.

Employment of preschool and childcare center directors is expected to grow by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Continued demand for preschool programs and childcare is expected to contribute to growth.

Writing and Editing:

Employment of editors is expected to experience little or no change from 2010 to 2020 as print media continue to face strong pressure from online publications. Strong competition is expected for salaried editing jobs because many people want to work in the media industry.

Employment of broadcast news analysts is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment of reporters and correspondents is expected to decline moderately by 8 percent from 2010 to 2020. Declines are expected because of the consolidation of news organizations, a decrease in readership of newspapers, and a decline in viewership for many news television shows.

Employment of desktop publishers is projected to decline by 15 percent from 2010 to 2020. Employment will decline rapidly as other types of workers increasingly do desktop publishing tasks and as fewer print publications are developed.

Employment of technical writers is expected to grow 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities, especially for applicants with technical skills, are expected to be good.

Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Strong competition is expected for salaried writing jobs because many people are attracted to this occupation.