English

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."
~ Mark Twain




What is English?

English is the study of literature and writing which includes the interpretation and analyses of texts. Students at William Paterson University can choose to concentrate in literature or writing and take courses in English, American and comparative literature; linguistics, criticism and writing; or contemporary themes in literature and film. The communication skills gained in this program are essential for gaining careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, and in all areas of business. In addition, English is also a popular major for students who have plans to go on for law and graduate degrees.

To learn more about the degree requirements, please visit this link:
http://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/english

WPUNJ Admissions information on English is located here:
http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/undergraduate/academic-programs/programs_detail.dot?id=125494

 

What interests and skills do potential employers value in this career?

  • Clarify ideas
  • Problem -solving
  • Exemplary writing and communication skills
  • Can edit and summarize ideas

 

Possible Job Titles

Acquisitions Editor
Administrative Assistant
Administrator
Advertising Copywriter
Advertising Traffic Manager
Analyst
Attorney
Author
Biographer
Book Critic
Circulation Assistant
City Manager
College Professor
Columnist/Commentator
Comedy Writer
Communication Assistant
Communication Manager
Congressional Aide
Consumer Affairs Specialist
Copywriter
Creative Writer
Crisis Manager
Crossword Puzzle Creator
Curator
Customer Service
Desktop Publisher
Director
Documentation Specialist
Editor, Film/Video
Magazine Editor
News Editor
Book Editor
Editorial Assistant Education & Training Specialist
Educational Program Specialist
Entertainment Agent
ESL Teacher
Fashion Merchandiser
Foreign Correspondent
Foreign Service Representative
Freelance Writer/Consultant
Fundraiser Coordinator
Greeting Card Writer
Hearing Officer
Humorist/Comedian
Information Abstractor
Insurance Agent
Interpreter & Translator

 

 Journalist
Lawyer
Legal Assistant
Librarian
Literary Agent
Loan Officer
Lobbyist
Magazine Writer
Management Trainee
Manuscript Reader
Mass Media
Media Director/Buyer
Media Planner
Narrator Novelist
Paralegal
Paralegal Assistant
Peace Corps Volunteer
Playwright
Poet
Politician
Press Representative
Proofreader
Public Administrator
Publications Specialist
Publisher
Publishing Assistant
Radio/TV Commentator
Radio/TV Newscaster
Reading Consultant
Reporter
Research Assistant
Retail Sales
Sales Representative
Sales/Service Manager
Script Reader
Scriptwriter/Producer
Special Concerns Advocate
Special Events Coordinator
Speech Writer
Sports Writer
Stockbroker
Talent Agent
Teacher
Training Specialist
Translator
Tutor
Underwriter
Writer Public Speaker

 

Aside from majoring in English, what else can I do that may enhance my qualifications?

Students in the English major at William Paterson have numerous opportunities to enhance their academic experience. Students can contact the department about internships in publishing and the arts. Also, many students find that a study abroad for a cultural experience that will enhance their curriculum. Finally, students can join the English Club (Essence Literary Magazine) and write for the Beacon Newspaper to help enhance their writing abilities and experience. The department also offers membership to Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society, to students who meet certain GPA requirements. Students can contact the department for more information.

 

What else can I read about English?

Magazine Publishers of America www.magazine.org
National Newspaper Publishing Association www.nnpa.org
National Writers Unionhttp://www.nwu.org/
Association of American Publishers www.publishers.org
Association of Authors and Publishershttp://www.authorsandpublishers.org/
Association of Directory of Publishers www.adp.org
Investigative Reporters & Editors http://www.ire.org/



Other sources of information :

Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in English. The career library carries career-specific books and counselors are available to answer any further questions you may have. Visiting the English department may also prove valuable in addressing questions.

 

The Career Development and Gloria S. Williams Advisement Center
Student Center 301, 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone 973.720.2281/2282 Fax 973.720.2074

Contact us with comments, questions and feedback about the website.