Choosing the right path in English studies begins with understanding the landscape of types of English degrees available. Far from being a single, uniform field, an English education can branch into literature, linguistics, composition, and digital media, each leading to distinct career trajectories. This guide maps out the major degree levels and specializations, helping students align their academic interests with professional goals.
Associate Degrees in English
An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) in English provides a foundational two-year introduction to core literary and writing concepts. These programs typically cover basic composition, introductory literature surveys, and grammar, serving as a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements. Students often use this pathway to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree, though it can also prepare graduates for immediate entry into roles like administrative assistant or content coordinator.
Bachelor’s Degrees: The Core Pathways
The most common types of English degrees at the undergraduate level are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing. A BA in English offers flexibility, allowing students to choose concentrations such as British literature, American literature, or world literature, while also developing critical analysis and communication skills. In contrast, a BFA is a terminal degree focused intensely on the practice of writing, requiring workshops in poetry, fiction, or screenwriting, making it ideal for aspiring novelists, poets, and playwrights.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English
The BA in English balances breadth and depth, requiring a significant number of elective credits alongside required literature and writing courses. This structure fosters interdisciplinary thinking, encouraging students to pair their English studies with history, philosophy, or political science. Graduates are well-suited for careers in education, publishing, journalism, and any field valuing strong analytical writing and reading comprehension.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing
Designed for the practicing writer, the BFA emphasizes craft over critique. Students spend most of their time in intensive workshops where they produce and revise original work under the guidance of established authors. This immersive environment builds a professional portfolio and a network within the literary community, preparing graduates for careers as professional writers, editors, and educators.
Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
For those drawn to academic research or high-level teaching, advanced degrees define the types of English degrees for scholarly careers. A Master of Arts (MA) in English offers specialized study in areas like rhetoric, linguistics, or medieval literature, often serving as a stepping stone to a doctorate. The terminal degree in the field, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English, focuses on producing original research and scholarship, qualifying graduates for professorships at universities and roles in high-level publishing and research institutions.
Specializations and Emerging Fields
Modern English degrees have expanded to reflect digital and professional landscapes. Students can now pursue concentrations in Technical Writing, which prepares them to translate complex information into clear manuals and documentation, and Digital Media or New Media, focusing on web content, social media strategy, and user experience. These specialized tracks blend traditional literary analysis with practical, in-demand technical and digital skills, broadening the scope of what an English degree can achieve.
