Bachelor’s Degree in English
Now more than ever, employers are looking for extraordinary critical thinkers and communicators who know how to persuade through writing. A bachelor’s degree in English from Hilbert College is a highly versatile degree that sharpens the crucial interpretative, analytic, reasoning and communication skills that are the foundation of many meaningful careers. These are the key skills that consistently rank among the top 5 most sought-after skills by employers, making a bachelor's degree in English from Hilbert a valuable asset in today's job market.
As an English major, you’ll explore a wide range of literary styles and texts; the works of significant authors; and the most world-renowned writers of drama, short stories, novels and poetry. You’ll learn to write persuasively, use compelling rhetorical strategies and refine your oral communication skills, equipping you to make a difference as a communicator and an analytical thinker in organizations you care about.
Benefits of Bachelor’s Degree in English
In today’s ever-evolving global marketplace, those who are most adaptable are most likely to find career success.
A bachelor’s degree in English can serve as a gateway to careers in teaching, technical writing, library science, advertising, communication, journalism, law and public relations, among myriad others. It can also inspire your creative side with opportunities in novel writing, film or playwriting.
An English degree is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in English, law, counseling, business and education. Hilbert graduates go on to graduate school at a rate that’s double the national average. Those who want to apply their English degree to a teaching career can jump-start their graduate studies in education/certification during their senior year at Hilbert through articulation agreements with other local graduate programs.
Contact Us
Have a question for English? Contact us.
Megan Burke Witzleben, Ph.D.
Chair, Division of Arts and Letters
Associate Professor of English
Call: (716)926 - 8838 Ext. 387
Bogel Hall 115
Email Us
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Want to become a lawyer but shave a year off your journey? The Hilbert College & UB Law School 3+3 Program allows you to earn both your bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (JD) in just six years! Our 3+3 program saves you time and money while launching your legal career faster. Learn more about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
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Bachelor’s Degree in English Careers
English majors are touted in the working world for their ability to effectively execute in communications-related jobs. Whether you want to work in marketing, literary editing, public relations or education, a bachelor’s degree in English can give you the skills to not only land a purpose-driven career after graduation but also seize new opportunities as you continue to evolve professionally and personally.
Fast Track Your Teaching Career
Embark on an accelerated journey to becoming a certified educator with Hilbert College and Canisius University's 4+1 Master of Science in Education program. Designed for English BA and Liberal Studies BS majors, this unique pathway enables you to seamlessly integrate Canisius University education coursework into your undergraduate studies, starting as early as your freshman or sophomore year. This strategic approach allows you to earn both your bachelor's degree from Hilbert and your master's degree from Canisius, along with New York State teaching certifications in Adolescent Education and Special Education.
Learn More About the Program
Specialize Your English Degree With 5 Concentration Options
Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career immediately after graduation or wish to continue your graduate study, Hilbert’s five unique concentrations can prepare you for success. Choose from:
Film
Creative Studies Concentration
Exploration of cinema's art and history, offering students a comprehensive understanding of film studies through classical and modern filmmaking techniques.
Literature
Graduate School Preparation
Aimed at deepening student expertise in preparation for graduate school, potentially leading to a doctoral program. This pathway is perfect for those looking to expand their understanding and appreciation of literature.
Theater
Concentration
Created for those who are deeply passionate about building careers in scriptwriting, acting, video game scripting, storytelling, and screenplay writing.
Writing
Creative Studies Concentration
Tailored to launch careers in journalism, law, advertising, novel writing, and screenwriting. This program provides the vital skills necessary for writing success.
Our professors bring a depth of theoretical, scholarly and practical experience to the
classroom, and Hilbert’s 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio means that you’ll have unmatched personal attention and academic advisement.
Our internship program provides opportunities to put your knowledge to work and engage in networking opportunities. Our student interns have worked for radio and television stations, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and libraries, as well as many other sites.
What Is the Typical Bachelor’s in English Degree Salary?
Check out just a few of the many career paths that our graduates with English degrees can take following their studies at Hilbert:*
News Analyst, Reporter or Journalist
Median Salary: $48,370
Librarian or Library Media Specialist
Median Salary: $61,190
Teacher (High-School or College)
HS Median Salary: $61,820
Post-Secondary Median Salary: $84,380
Public Relations Specialist
Median Salary: $62,800
Editor
Median Salary: $63,350
Writer/Author
Median Salary: $69,510
*Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bachelor of Arts in English Degree Job Outlook
No matter where you go with your degree, you can expect to be sought after, with occupations like teacher, writer, librarian and public relations specialist all showing measurable growth potential. Here’s the projected growth for several careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Writer: 4% from 2021 to 2023
- High-School Teacher: 5% from 2021 to 2023
- Librarian: 6% from 2021 to 2023
- Public Relations Specialist: 8% from 2021 to 2023
Why Choose Hilbert for Your Bachelor of Arts in English Degree?
At Hilbert, our mission is to welcome you into a community that you can be proud of. You’ll collaborate with peers for personal and professional improvement; learn to extend a hand to those in need; and, most of all, get the skills, connections and resources to amplify goodness in the world.
In accordance with our commitment to the values of St. Francis of Assisi, we prioritize a sense of service, compassion and integrity in all that we do. As an English major at Hilbert, you’ll discover your place in a community of impassioned change makers devoted to using their education and careers for social good.
Your education should be on your terms. That’s why we offer day, evening and online courses to fit into your busy schedule. Plus, you can enhance your English major through one of five specializations or by selecting a minor in more than a dozen academic areas.
Bachelor’s Degree in English Curriculum
The English major curriculum is designed to give you a strong liberal arts foundation that can be parlayed into specialized coursework of your choosing. This highly dynamic degree will expose you to a variety of concepts regarding communications, literature, media and more, empowering you to learn what you care about most and apply it toward meaningful action in the world.
Your Academic Roadmap
Download our printable major maps to guide your college experience.
View Major Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an English degree?
A bachelor’s degree in English can open doors to careers in teaching, writing, library science, marketing, communication, film and law, or it can be a stepping stone for graduate studies in education, English, literature, library sciences, the law, among numerous other professions.
What is the average English degree salary?
The average annual salary for an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree in English is about $65,000, according to Payscale.
How long is the Bachelor of Arts in English program?
For a full-time student working at a traditional pace, the English degree at Hilbert can be completed in four years.
What are the benefits of earning a Bachelor of Arts in English?
A bachelor’s degree in English is a highly versatile degree that can be applied to practically any industry. If you want to hone your writing, reading, critical thinking, listening, communication and analysis skills, then an English degree is a great choice.
Apply to the Bachelor of Arts in English Program at Hilbert College