Career Services

English

Description of Major

The purpose of the English major at Carthage is to foster the imaginative understanding and appreciation of language. Through reading and analyzing texts, students have an opportunity to develop critical thinking and writing skills as well as to acquire a knowledge of literary history, of literary forms and techniques, and of the questions and issues particularly relevant to the discipline.
Learn more about the English major at Carthage here.

Relevant Coursework

American Literature, English Literature, Classical Literature, Creative Writing, Composition, Film and Literature, History and Structure.

Current Outlook

Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honor Society with a chapter at Carthage. The society meets to promote and involve members in literature, poetry, and the theatre. The group also organizes the English major's Chapbook reading for those students earning an emphasis in creative writing. Membership is based on credit for classes in the English program and the members' GPA.

Also popular with English majors, Phi Lambda Mu is an academic fraternity dedicated to the promotion and study of the art of filmmaking. Members will participate in the filmmaking process as well as have opportunities to share their appreciation of the cinema. Phi Lambda Mu is open to all students who have a vested interest in the world of film.

Centrique, a student publication, is an art and literary magazine published each year with a collection of writings and art works submitted throughout the school year. Pieces are judged and awarded in a variety of areas.

The Current is Carthage's student-run weekly newspaper. It affords students the opportunity to develop as reporters, photographers, graphic designers, and business managers. It is open to students of all majors and encourages individual initiative and involvement.

Members of the all-student staff of The Driftwood, Carthage's yearbook, work throughout the school year to preserve the memories of Carthage traditions and achievements. Students learn about Carthage and work together with members of the Carthage community to develop themes, layouts, and other areas from concept to publication.

Why take English at Carthage?

Carthage Advantage

By majoring in English at Carthage, you will develop skills that will enable you to pursue any career that requires the ability to think critically and creatively and to consider the broad range of perspectives; you will develop skills that will contribute to your professional and personal lives as informed and effective communicators. Carthage English majors have the opportunity to focus on writing or literature, and our graduates work in fields as varied as journalism, teaching, public relations, sales and law.

Salary

English majors reported a national average starting salaries of $25,000 to $35,000 in 2002. The average starting salary in the field of public relations was $29,238. Writers and editors earned average starting salaries of $30,289. Teachers can expect starting salaries between $24,000 and $31,000.

What can I do with a major in English?

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS

This list includes careers requiring differing degrees of education and training.

  • Book Editor
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Sports Editor
  • News Editor
  • Technical Writer
  • Journalist
  • Sportswriter
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Freelance Writer
  • Greeting Card Writer
  • Media Relations Representative
  • Biographer
  • Librarian
  • Proofreader
  • Public Relations Executive
  • Attorney

Companies Employing Carthage Graduates

  • Kenosha Area Conventional and Visitors Bureau - Public Relations
  • Legat Architects - Proposal Writer
  • Smart Print - Analyst
  • Carthage College - Communications Specialist
  • Logg Financial Group - Client Relations Specialist
  • Warren Newport Public Library - Senior Library Associate
  • DDI, Inc. - Writer
  • Strategies and News -Assistant Editor
  • Intervarsity Press - Editorial Assistant
  • Happenings Magazine - Associate Publisher
  • West Bend High School - English Teacher

Carthage English Graduates Have Pursued Graduate Studies In

  • Law
  • Fine Arts
  • English
  • Veterinary Science
  • Library Science
  • Religion

Learn more about the English major at Carthage here.