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Literature Outcomes & Career Options

Graduates from this program are qualified for certain positions in teaching, public relations, editing, reporting, copywriting, writing, and business. They may also choose English as a base for graduate study in language, literature, journalism, public relations, librarianships, business, law, and medicine. In these cases they should be careful to include the prerequisites for such study as specified by the graduate schools they are considering. English is one of the most highly recommended pre-professional majors, especially for areas like law and business. 

Educational Qualifications

A college degree is usually required for a position as a technical writer. In addition, experience with a technical subject, such as computer science, Web design, or engineering, is important. A college degree in English, journalism, or communications is generally required for a full-time position as a writer or author. Experience can be gained through internships, but any form of writing that improves skill, such as blogging, is beneficial. Excellent writing skills are essential. A college degree (communications, journalism, or English) is typically required for someone to be an editor. Editors who deal with specific subject matter may need experience related to that field. Postsecondary teachers who work for 4-year colleges and universities are most often required to have a doctoral degree in their field.High school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license, which may require an academic background in the subject(s) they will be certified to teach.

Job Outlook

Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

Entering Salary

The median annual wage for technical writers was $70,240 in May 2015. The median annual wage for writers and authors was $60,250 in May 2015. The median annual wage for high school teachers was $57,200 in May 2015. 
The median annual wage for technical writers was $70,240 in May 2015. The median annual wage for writers and authors was $60,250 in May 2015. The median annual wage for high school teachers was $57,200 in May 2015. 

Sources:

Academic program information adapted from:
La Sierra University. (2016-2017). Undergraduate Academic Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.lasierra.edu/bulletin

Career information adapted from:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, High School Teachers, on the Internet at  https://www.bls.gov/ooh (visited May 20, 2016).

Contact and Location

english@lasierra.edu
(951) 785-2241
Humanities Hall - First Floor #102

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