Christian Colleges for English Majors

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

While English is a language, first and foremost, the goal of an English degree extends far past fluent speech. The English major is about communication, both past and present. It’s about understanding the ins and outs of the English language in writing and speech, and how to use words, sentences, and syntax to create meaning, tell stories, inform, or persuade. It’s about understanding what’s being said beyond just what is written and analyzing underlying themes or messages in text or literature. Those who choose to major in English focus on understanding and perpetuation powerful communication.

Choosing to get an English degree from a Christian college prioritizes the same understanding of impactful communication while including the author of creativity and communication, the Lord. At a Christian college, English majors dive into literature and writing, but also into the Word of God and see how the Lord communicated, both in what He said and what He used others to say. Those who choose to major in English at a Christian college are put in the very unique position of growing in their comprehension and craft while being nurtured in their relationship with Christ, teaching them both the techniques to succeed and how they can use them to the glory of God.

Example careers for those who choose to major in English:

• Editor: An Editor reviews, edits, and polishes content before publication to ensure that the work meets a certain standard, style, or vision. Editors check for things like grammar, spelling, creative choices, tone, and may even fact-check and verify sources and information, depending on the kind of content.
• Journalist: A Journalist’s main job is to inform the public about current events or trends as accurately as possible. They do this by conducting interviews, research, and investigations and compiling the accounts and presenting them as objectively as possible. They must adhere to ethical standards and verify their sources of information. Their work may be presented in a variety of mediums, such as newspapers, radio, or television, among others.
• Novelist: A Novelist writes long-form works of fiction that are meant to entertain or convey meaning. They develop characters, plot, conflict, and craft a story or narrative that will engage an audience. Their work may require in-depth research and lots of creativity to produce successful results.
• English Teacher: English Teachers train students to comprehend and analyze text and the English language and how it is used. They work on students’ vocabulary, grammar, writing, and reading skills, and foster a love of literature and reading in their students. English teachers, like other educators, plan lessons, track student progress, and give feedback through assessments, homework, and projects.
• Content Writer: Content Writers craft written content that is targeted for a specific audience or purpose. Their work usually involves a combination of optimization for SEO, research, and creativity to meet their goals. They create content for blogs, social media, websites, campaigns, and many other mediums.
• Grant Writer: A Grant Writer puts together proposals for companies or groups to appeal to organizations, government agencies, or foundations to give them funding. Research, development, and keen persuasion techniques are central in this kind of writing. Grant Writers often have to work with several parties within companies or groups to put together these proposals.

English degree holders have the privilege of a diverse career outlook, with opportunities ranging across several fields of work, and a median salary of around $60,000. As such, the placement rates for those who choose to major in English are relatively high. That said, just because an English degree can get you into many career fields, that doesn’t guarantee a position in the career of your dreams. So, what can be done to make your English degree dreams come true and make you an ideal candidate for the career you want?

For starters, know what that dream is. Are you an aspiring novelist? Do you want to teach others about the intricacies of the English language and the art of Literature? Are you hoping to propel yourself into the court room from your years developing your argument and rhetorical skills? Whatever it may be, knowing the goal that you have can help clarify the best path to get there. An advisor can help you tailor your classes to meet your educational goals or to include the ones that best bolster the skills needed for your future career.

Additionally, you’ll want to prioritize internship opportunities that put you in the specific career field you’re aiming for. Even if the internship is unpaid, if it’s in the field you want to end up in, take the chance. The experience will help set you up for future opportunities and career jobs after graduation. You’ll get a feel for the job, what’s required of you, what a typical day looks like, and will give you base-level experience to show employers that you know what you’re doing and what you’re getting into. Not to mention the connections within the field that you can make at internships. Don’t take for granted the opportunity to network with employees at your internships, or your boss. It’ll be incredibly beneficial to have those connections to refer to for job opportunities or recommendations later.

Next tip, read a lot. For an English degree specifically, reading is king. To be a better writer, you read. To practice comprehension and learn effect ways to analyze and use rhetoric, you read. To improve word choice and expand our horizons—you guessed it—you read. From Literature to law, reading is crucial to the work of an English degree. Depending on your field of interest or desired career, you can even tailor your readings to suit your career aspirations. For example, for an aspiring journalist, read a lot of news stories or articles about current trends. Perhaps you want to be an educator; read classic literature, biographies, history, and proofread lesson plans. Of course, you aren’t limited to field-specific literature, but it can certainly give you an edge when you step up to career pursuit.

Those who choose to major in English will benefit from a love of reading, attention to detail, and a knack for word play. The path to an English degree is paved with critical thinking and analysis of text and literature, plenty of writing, and a lot of research. Strong communication skills, both in the form of writing and presenting, are par for the course in this field of study and the many careers that come from it. The combination of these skills makes those with an English degree desirable for any number of professions, including ministry.

Works Cited:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Field of degree: English, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/english/english-field-of-degree.htm (visited December 15, 2024).

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Writing, storytelling, and teaching all have their place in history and the Bible, just as they do in modern ministry and the Church.

Ezekiel 17:1-2
“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell it to the Israelites as a parable.’”

Romans 12:6-7
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;…”

Those who choose to major in English and work in ministry or the Church can apply their skills and knowledge in so many areas. Teaching in a Church or Christian school setting is great for those who feel called to educate but want to find ways to serve the Lord while doing so. There is also incredible opportunity to do that in the Mission field, serving Christian or underserved communities in other countries. Writing course content for devotionals or Sunday school classes is also another great example of how someone with an English degree can make an impact.

Writing and creating Christian content for Church or ministry websites, blogs, newsletters, or social media accounts are other great ways to serve. Those more inclined for writing longform could write Christian books, devotionals, or novels, or work as an editor for that literature. Scriptwriting, promotional content, and administrative roles are also great ways to work in ministry or church settings. There is no shortage of roles in the Church or Ministry for someone with the skills acquired through an English degree.

There are so many career opportunities, both in secular and ministry settings, for those with an English degree. If you are an avid reader, love to analyze and understand, are a wordsmith, and are passionate about communicating powerfully, perhaps the Lord has wired you for an English degree!