English Careers

The English major is among the most flexible programs of study at Loyola. Because the major requires only 10 courses beyond the core, it is easy to minor or even double major in a wide variety of other disciplines. Working closely with an advisor, students may select core courses and electives to form a concentration in any of several business, social sciences, science, or humanities disciplines. Moreover, the minor option (in which students take five upper-division courses in English) allows students who wish to major in the sciences, social sciences, or business science to supplement their education with analytical and expressive skills.

Because of its scope and flexibility, the English program can prepare majors and minors for a variety of careers. In the past, our majors have pursued careers in teaching, journalism, business, law, library science, textbook production and marketing, and technical writing.

One alumnus has had several novels on The New York Times best-seller list; another has written scripts for the highly-acclaimed Baltimore-based television show Homicide: Life on the Streets. A third is a best-selling journalist, and a successful motion picture was based on one of his books.

In addition, some of our graduates have gone on to advanced study at Pembroke College and St. Hilda's at Oxford, to graduate schools including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Maryland, Emory University, the University of New Hampshire, the University of South Carolina, Fordham University, and the University of Delaware. Loyola English majors have attended law school at Georgetown, Yale, Tulane, the University of Maryland, The Catholic University of America, and the University of Baltimore.

Not all English majors go on to graduate or law school, or become professional writers. Many enjoy rewarding and productive careers in advertising, management, marketing, education, and philanthropic organizations. Your advisor can help you tailor a program that will position you as an English major with practical skills who can achieve satisfaction in any career you pursue after your years at Loyola.