English (B.A.)
Students learn to develop skills in reading, interpreting, and arguing about a variety of literary texts as well as developing tools to demonstrate deep learning and critical thinking.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Gaining a bachelor’s degree in English can help students deepen their critical thinking and broaden their understanding of humanity through the world’s written works. In this degree, you will take classes that develop skills in reading, writing, and analysis. The English degree allows you the flexibility to tailor your degree to fit your career goals.
Highlighted Career Paths
Graduates with a degree in English have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Publishing & Editing
Can you spot a comma splice from a mile away? Love the idea of helping good writers get even better—or turning dense science into something everyone can understand? Whether it’s polishing a best-seller or discovering the next great author, editing and publishing might just be your cup of tea/hot chocolate!
Creative Writer / Author
Be the next Flannery O’Connor, F. Scott Fitzgerald, or Brandon Sanderson. Inspire the world with your creative non-fiction writing, your popular blog, podcast, or website. Join the creative team behind the next version of Hi-Fi Rush or storyboard the next great RPG to invade the world. You might have it in you. So don’t be chicken!
English Teacher
Earning an English education bachelor’s degree will qualify you to teach various English language arts subjects to all grades from 6th to 12th. You’ll learn the skills required to plan, teach, and assess units of instruction, manage the learning environment, and prepare students for state exams. In everything you do, you will teach your students how to think critically, write competently, and communicate effectively.
Technical & Professional Writer / Communicator
Technical and professional writers are in high demand—and the possibilities are endless! Use your skills in writing, editing, and digital tools to dive into E-Learning, corporate training, strategic communication, social media, and more. You might write podcast scripts, design book trailers, edit press releases, create web campaigns, or help experts explain big ideas to the world. Whether it’s crisis communication or marketing magic, there’s a place for your voice. Jump in!
Getting Started in this degree
If you are interested in English, start with one of the following major-specific courses:
Highlighted Courses
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Graduate Career-Ready
BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries
BYU-Idaho alumni from this program report an average early-career salary of around $48,000 to $55,000. While these figures can be modest compared to some fields, English majors experience some of the most robust salary growth over time. As our alumni move into leadership, management, and strategic roles, their mid-career earnings catch up to and exceed those in more 'technical' fields due to their superior communication and strategic thinking.
Common Career Paths
Graduates from this major pursue a variety of entry-level roles that build toward more advanced or specialized positions. While many are teachers, editors, and writers, others leverage their analytical skills to launch careers in high-growth sectors like digital marketing, public relations, and corporate strategy.
Preparation for Grad School
English majors prepare for graduate studies by participating in a program that emphasizes rigorous research, sophisticated argumentation, and the ability to synthesize dense information—the very skills required for success in professional and doctoral degrees. In fact, English majors consistently outperform other majors on standardized entrance exams like the LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and even the MCAT. The English major provides excellent preparation for students who want to study Law, Curriculum Design, Library Science, as well as those who seek an MFA, MBA, MA, or PhD.
AI in Academics
At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.
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