Find a Job You Really Want In
Holding a master’s in English unlocks a plethora of career opportunities for those who cherish the power of words. Graduates can explore roles as a writer, delve into publishing, acquisitions, or become a copy editor. This degree also enhances skills for careers in marketing, higher academia as a professor, or even pursuing a Ph.D.
Additionally, combining an English master’s with other fields, such as history or political science, can pave the way to law school. Employers value this degree as it demonstrates exceptional communication abilities.
Key Takeaways:
-
A master’s in English can also facilitate future academic pursuits, such as law school.
-
This degree allows for specialization in areas like creative writing, linguistics, multicultural literature, and more.
-
For careers in librarianship, writing, editing, publishing, journalism, or business communications, a master’s in English significantly boosts employability.
7 Best-Paying Jobs for People With a Master’s in English
-
Average Annual Salary: $58,000
Advertising executives manage and execute advertising strategies for organizations, focusing on core messaging for client campaigns. They collaborate closely with clients to achieve marketing goals.
Job outlook: Advertising Executive jobs are projected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, resulting in about 25,300 job openings per year.
-
Business Development Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $57,000
These specialists identify growth opportunities and optimize marketing strategies. They analyze business operations and establish effective networks.
Job outlook: Business Development Specialist jobs are projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031.
-
Average Annual Salary: $84,000
Content marketing managers shape and implement content strategies, overseeing content creation to attract and engage customers effectively.
Job outlook: Content marketing roles are expected to grow 10% between 2020 and 2030.
-
Average Annual Salary: $88,000
Proposal managers oversee the creation and submission of business proposals, ensuring deadlines are met while managing team assignments.
Job outlook: Proposal Manager roles are projected to grow by 9% for writers and 12% for technical writers between 2020 and 2030.
-
Average Annual Salary: $48,000
Public relations specialists maintain a positive public image for their organizations, crafting press releases and managing public communications.
Job outlook: Public relations specialist roles are projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, adding over 27,000 jobs annually.
-
Average Annual Salary: $82,000
Regional sales managers oversee sales operations within designated regions, guiding sales teams to achieve targets.
Job outlook: Regional sales manager positions are projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, with nearly 42,000 annual openings.
-
Average Annual Salary: $87,000
Software developers create, maintain, and deploy software, ensuring functionality and usability across various applications.
Job outlook: Software developer jobs are projected to grow 25% over the next decade, significantly outpacing average growth rates.
8 Entry-Level Jobs for People With a Master’s in English
-
Average Annual Salary: $51,000
Employment recruiters specialize in human resources, managing the end-to-end talent acquisition process, including advertising, screening, and interviewing candidates.
Job outlook: Human resources jobs are projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, averaging nearly 82,000 new jobs yearly.
-
Average Annual Salary: $65,000
Technical writers create user manuals, guides, and documentation, translating complex information into clear, accessible formats.
Job outlook: Technical writing positions are expected to grow 6% over the next decade, with around 5,400 openings annually.
-
Average Annual Salary: $80,000
HR managers lead recruitment, employee development, and the enforcement of workplace policies, ensuring a positive organizational culture.
Job outlook: Jobs for HR managers are projected to grow 7% over the next decade, with approximately 16,300 openings annually.
-
Average Annual Salary: $78,000
Authors create written works, including novels, articles, and scripts, utilizing their skills to engage and inform readers.
Job outlook: Author employment is expected to grow 4% over the next decade, resulting in approximately 15,200 openings each year.
-
Average Annual Salary: $52,000
Grant writers craft proposals to secure funding from various organizations, requiring strong research and persuasive writing skills.
Job outlook: Opportunities for grant writers are projected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030.
-
Average Annual Salary: $52,000
Editors refine written content for publication, ensuring clarity and adherence to industry standards.
Job outlook: Unfortunately, editor jobs are projected to decline by 5% from 2021 to 2031.
-
Average Annual Salary: $65,000
Copywriters create compelling marketing content to promote products, services, and brand messaging.
Job outlook: Copywriter positions are expected to grow by 7% from 2016 to 2026.
-
Average Annual Salary: $71,000
Publishers manage the production and distribution of books and other materials, overseeing the entire publishing process.
Job outlook: Unfortunately, publisher roles are projected to decline by 14% over the next decade.
What to Know About a Master’s in English
A master’s in English typically follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field. Due to the expansive nature of English studies, many programs require a concentration such as creative writing, linguistics, or multicultural literature.
This degree is ideal for those interested in writing, editing, or teaching, as it hones communication skills necessary for effective expression. A master’s in English also opens doors to diverse career paths, underscoring the significance of communication in any professional setting.
Furthermore, this degree can serve as a stepping stone for academic pursuits, including law school or roles in the tech industry, where clear communication of complex ideas is vital.
Advanced degrees in English include the Master of English for education-focused careers and a Ph.D. for those aiming to become university professors or literary researchers.
Master’s in English Jobs FAQ
-
What can you do with a master’s degree in English?
A master’s in English enables you to pursue various careers, including roles as a teacher, author, grant writer, tutor, human resources specialist, editor, and more.
-
What skills do you need for English jobs?
Success in English-related positions often requires skills in research, problem-solving, empathy, social awareness, writing, and editing.
-
Do employees with a master’s in English get paid more?
Yes, individuals with a master’s in English typically earn higher salaries compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
