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English

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is English?

This major studies literature, text, and culture. You’ll learn how to apply critical thinking skills to a variety of pieces of literature. You'll look at situations from new angles, and communicate your ideas through writing. Your coursework will delve into subjects like:

  • Fiction
  • Drama
  • Poetry
  • Film
  • Essays

You will also have the opportunity to take many writing-based classes to hone your professional writing skills. English may be right for you if exploring modern and historically complex issues sounds interesting. A Secondary Education option is also available for the teaching of English in high schools.

Career Options

  • Arts administration
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Library and information science
  • Media
  • Publishing

Post-Graduation Success1

92% employed or continuing education

53% employed after graduation

38% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$51,209 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Chicago Public Schools (4), Urbana High School (2), Central High School (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, University of Chicago View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

3.8 years to degree

98% first-year retention rate

86% four-year graduation rate

92% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,992
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $36,930

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,344
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $57,622

International

  • Tuition: $35,872
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,150

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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