Top 7 reasons to Major in English: Why an English Degree is Worth It

English–a highly misunderstood subject area in university. Many people wrongly assume that we are learning how to speak English or that it is useless (this makes my blood boil). We’ve all heard the classic comments: “You’ll never find a job with that,” “Isn’t that an easy degree?” or my personal favourite, “Why are you studying English if it’s your first language?” This kind of skepticism and confusion doesn’t just apply to English majors—anyone in the humanities knows the struggle. But let me tell you, there are so many opportunities for those of us who follow our passions.

Being an English major means falling in love with fictional worlds, pulling all-nighters to finish a 15-page paper about contemporary issues demonstrated through a text’s analogies, scavenging the library for resources from the 16th century, and so much more…

It’s about immersing yourself in stories that shape cultures, thinking critically about the world through literature, and learning how to communicate in ways that move people.

So, let’s dive into why I chose to major in English and why you might want to, too!

Learn to Handle Criticism

First off, you’ll learn how to handle criticism—specifically, constructive criticism. In a world where we constantly post on social media, whether it’s photos, videos, or blog posts, the ability to accept feedback is a game-changer. Of course, there’s a big difference between constructive criticism and hurtful comments, which many people fail to realize.

In my creative writing class a few years ago, I was one of the only undergraduates. Sharing my stories in front of my professor who is a well-known Canadian author with several published books made me really nervous. On top of that, many of my classmates were doing a master’s in creative writing, which gave me major imposter syndrome.

I remember the exact moment I got the email with my classmates’ feedback on my story. My heart sank, and for a second, I seriously considered not even opening it. I was so nervous, convinced they might say it was horrible or pick it apart completely. The thought of reading their critiques made my stomach turn, but eventually, I worked up the courage to open it.

What I discovered was far from what I had feared. The comments were insightful, offering suggestions that pushed my story forward in ways I hadn’t even considered. That’s when I truly learned the value of constructive criticism through workshopping creative writing. It is a collaborative process where changes should be welcomed. No piece is perfect the first time, after all. The feedback loop is what makes your writing stronger and gives you a fresh perspective.

Overall, I had been so worried that my work wouldn’t measure up, but I realized that I belonged in that class just as much as anyone else. I also learned the value of reading others’ work closely and giving thoughtful feedback during our workshop sessions.

Learn to Give Feedback

Majoring in English also teaches you how to give constructive criticism, which is just as important as receiving it. Back to the above example, when you’re workshopping someone else’s writing, you learn to really engage with the text, articulating what works, what doesn’t, and why.

It’s not enough to just say, “I like this” or “I don’t like that.” The key is learning how to break down your thoughts and offer meaningful feedback that helps others grow.

In my experience, providing valuable feedback is a skill that goes beyond just critiquing writing—it’s about lifting others up with your insights. And the more you practice it, the better you get at communicating clearly and thoughtfully. This ability to articulate the “how” and “why” behind your critiques will benefit you in so many areas of life, from personal relationships to professional situations where strong communication skills are essential.

Open Your Horizons

As an English major, you’ll take all kinds of classes beyond just literature, such as politics, history, and cultural studies.This diversity is so important in today’s diverse work environment where you’re likely to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. We’re only becoming more multicultural, after all.

The literature you study with this major opens up a window into different perspectives, making you more compassionate and understanding.

In my own experience, I took classes that included content from around the word and from diverse voices like Indigenous authors. Each of these courses gave me the opportunity to explore and analyze diverse voices and perspectives. This broadened understanding is something I carry with me, not just academically, but also in everyday life, as it helps me connect with people from all walks of life.

Gain a Newfound Respect for Language

You will also gain a newfound respect for language. When you write, you have the power to shape how others think and feel. This skill is invaluable in many careers, including copywriting, marketing, education, and more.

Your professors will challenge you to use language effectively, teaching you to wield words like a powerful tool.

You’ll definitely notice how your writing evolves over time. I used to think I was pretty good at writing before I got to university, but that changed quickly after I got my grade back on my first essay—let’s just say it was a wake-up call!

Through constructive feedback from professors and peers, I learned so much about writing that I hadn’t realized before. You’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect, improving not just your grammar or vocabulary, but your ability to craft arguments, analyze texts, and adapt your style for different purposes.

So, whether you’re explaining a concept to a newbie at work or teaching in a classroom, the ability to adjust your communication for various audiences is a skill that will serve you well in countless fields.

Improve Your Creativity

Creativity is another significant benefit of majoring in English. In a world where so much has already been done, you’ll learn how to take existing ideas and put your own spin on them.

Whether you’re writing essays or crafting marketing campaigns, the ability to think creatively is essential for standing out.

Explore Diverse Opportunities

Many people think English majors can only become teachers or librarians, but that’s far from the truth. With strong writing and communication skills, you can pursue various careers—think copywriting, editing, translating, or even marketing. Every company needs someone who can communicate effectively, and that’s what an English degree gives you.

Enjoy Independent Work

Finally, if you’re an introvert like me, you’ll love the balance of working independently and collaborating with others. I enjoy discussing ideas with people, but I also appreciate the solitude that comes with reading and writing.

Many of my English classes have also been online, allowing me to study on my own.

Conclusion

I hope this post inspires you to study what you truly want. You don’t need to feel pressured to pursue something you don’t love. I chose to follow my passion for writing, and I’m confident that majoring in English is helping me hone those skills.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great day!