What Can You Do With a Master’s in English?

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a major milestone — but what comes next? If you're looking to stand out in a competitive job market or qualify for a more specialized role, a graduate degree might be the right move.

One path worth considering is a master’s in English. This advanced program hones your expertise in a focused area of study and helps you build the skills you need to reach your personal and professional goals.

Jobs You Can Get With a Master’s in English

If you’re thinking about pursuing a master's degree in English, it’s useful to understand the specific roles it can prepare you for. Through advanced study in research, communication and critical thinking, a master’s in English can equip you with versatile skills needed across many industries.

"A master’s in English opens doors to far more careers than many assume," said Dr. Christopher Lee, an associate dean of liberal arts for English degrees at SNHU. "Beyond teaching, graduates go into writing, editing, publishing, marketing, nonprofit work, communications, content strategy, corporate training, curriculum development and more."

Here are a few roles a graduate could be eminently equipped for:

Copywriter/Content Writer

Look around you and you’ll find writing everywhere — the magazines in every doctor’s waiting room, brochures, social media announcements, websites, blogs, advertisements, PR announcements, etc.

Good writing is the backbone of how the world connects in the age of the internet, and everyone from business owners to political candidates are on the lookout for strong writers to tell their stories.

As writing jobs tend to attract large pools of applicants, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recommends supplementing your education with experience such as blogging, journalism and internships to boost your resume.

Read more: How to Become a Copywriter

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Editor

English graduates with a passion for the written word who are interested in the publishing industry may find a natural pathway into the editing role.

Whether your interest is in helping aspiring authors realize their dreams of writing bestsellers, compiling the biggest news of the day for a newspaper, or taking advantage of the publishing power of the internet, a keen eye for language is an asset.

Though BLS lists the minimum educational requirement for editor roles as a bachelor's degree, the advanced skills earned through a master's program could boost your chances in this competitive job market.

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Freelancer

Ever wanted to be your own boss? With the skills learned from earning a master's degree in English, you could have the writing and analytical know-how many businesses need for projects that go beyond their existing pool of employees.

According to The Future Workforce Index, 82% of skilled freelancers believe they have more work opportunities available to them now than in 2024. With the right expertise, you could join this growing trend as a professional editor, virtual assistant, social media manager or copywriter.

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Post-Secondary Instructor

Graduates with a master’s degree in English can be ideal candidates for teaching positions. Though you may need additional certification or licensure to teach at the primary or secondary level, this program can prepare you to start teaching at most community colleges or online courses at the undergraduate level.

Breaking down the projections for the next decade, BLS forecasts that job opportunities for part-time post-secondary instructors will increase.* If you’re looking to work for a school district one day or become a professor, this is a great way to start gaining experience while you pursue the additional studies needed to advance in your career.

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Survey Researcher

If you're data-driven and have strong math skills, the analytical acumen developed in a graduate-level English program can be the basis of a strong resume for a survey researcher.

Survey researchers create, conduct and analyze surveys, according to BLS. The ability to appreciate and apply analytical methodology to an inquiry could see you into a career within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or even for the military or federal government.

Educational Pathways for English Post-Grads

A master’s in English can also serve as a launching point for continued academic or professional development. Whether you're considering a doctoral program or planning to pursue another graduate degree later in your career, the type of master’s program you choose can shape your next steps.

If you're aiming for a PhD in English or a related field, look for a master’s program that emphasizes:

• Research
• Critical theory
• Scholarly writing

(Note: PhDs in English are not currently offered at SNHU.) These elements are essential for building the academic habits and intellectual depth required for doctoral-level study.

If you're interested in expanding your career options, consider pursuing an additional graduate degree in a related field, such as:

• Master of Education (MEd) to obtain teaching licensure
• Master of Library Science (MLS) to prepare for work in public or academic libraries (Note: MLS degrees are not currently offered at SNHU.)

“I think students need to be clear about what they want to do with the master’s degree so that they can choose the program that is most suitable for them,” said Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison, adjunct graduate faculty and subject matter expert for SNHU’s graduate programs in English. “For example, a student interested in eventually pursuing a doctoral program in English literature and criticism will want a master's degree that helps them develop relevant scholarly practices such as close reading and application of theoretical lenses.”

(Note: English literature and criticism doctorates are not currently offered at SNHU.)

Ultimately, the best path forward depends on your individual goals and interests. Taking the time to research programs, reflect on your long-term trajectory and connect with faculty mentors can help you select a degree that not only supports your ambitions but also strengthens your professional and scholarly identity.

How Useful is a Master’s in English? 

While it’s true that English degrees involve extensive reading and writing, some of the most valuable outcomes may be the critical thinking and communication skills that you'll cultivate throughout your studies.

"Increasingly, employers recognize the need for strong communicators and critical thinkers who can navigate ambiguity," said Lee, who has served as faculty or staff at SNHU for over two decades. "These are skills cultivated deeply in English programs."

English students develop these skills by engaging with complex texts and critical theories that require thoughtful analysis and interpretation. This deep dive sharpens their ability to manage complexity, form persuasive arguments and approach problems from multiple perspectives. These strengths translate well to the workplace, where graduates are prepared to tackle challenges and communicate effective solutions, noted Harrison, who has a PhD in English and over 20 years of teaching experience. As a result, their resumes may stand out to employers seeking strategic problem-solvers.

Plus, the ability to think critically and communicate effectively is increasingly essential in a tech-driven world — positioning English graduates as valuable contributors to innovation and clarity in the Digital Age, according to Lee.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Master’s in English

 A master’s program in English is a flexible and widely applicable graduate degree you can pursue, thanks to its relevance across many fields. But the learning doesn't stop once the diploma is in your hand. Harrison encourages students to actively engage with their discipline through academic conferences, voluntary presentations or publishing their work.

"When I sit on hiring committees for jobs or admissions committees for students, one of the first things I consider is how that applicant is illustrating meaningful participation in their field," said Harrison.

Building a career with an English degree isn’t just about what you study — it’s about how you contribute, connect and continue to grow within your field. Whether your goal is to teach, write, research or lead, a master’s in English can give you the tools — and the flexibility — to shape your future on your own terms.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

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