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Why Major in English?
English majors are sought
after by employers because they have demonstrated the ability
to think, write, and argue persuasively.
English majors are skilled readers who know how to
analyze texts, and they use these same abilities whether they
are in the classroom looking at a novel or poem or outside
the classroom developing an advertising campaign, publishing
an article on politics, creating a convincing business plan,
or writing a book. In
a world where jobs increasingly focus on the management of
information, English majors have an advantage because they
are strong readers who know how to interpret complex information.
The Dean of the School of
Law at St. Mary's University has stated that an "English
major is considered to be the very best for those who intend
to enter law school."
Indeed, students who have recently graduated with a
degree in English from Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus
have been accepted into such prestigious law schools as George
Washington University, Boston University, and Fordham University.
Moreover,
according to the Educational Testing Service, English majors
are well prepared not only to go into law but also advertising,
entertainment, politics, screenwriting, acting, public relations,
politics, journalism, and fundraising (among other fields).
In addition to these careers, many English majors find the
most meaningful expression of their interests in the field
of education. A recent survey shows that 38% of
English majors go on to work in public and private schools
at the secondary level.
However, 26% of English majors go into fields unrelated
to education.
Such numbers are testament to the diversity of careers
open to English majors and suggest that they are able to combine
the study of a subject they genuinely enjoy with success in
their careers.
For further information
about career opportunities for English majors, see
this page, maintained by the Office of Career Services.
New first-year students can declare their
major upon matriculation without department approval provided
they have at least an 80 high school average and/or at least
an 850 on the SAT. Transfer students can declare their
major upon admission without department approval. As
soon as they have completed 24 credits, these students should
contact Wayne Berninger for advisment.
If you are already an LIU student and wish
to change your major to English, you will need to obtain a
Request for Change of Major form in the Registrar's Office.
Fill it out and bring it to Professor Berninger in the English
Department.
You may also declare English
as a second major by following the procedure described above
using a Request for Secondary Major form.
Click
here for information about how to become a middle school or
high school English teacher.
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