Over the past couple of years, there has been a steep decline in enrollment for English programs nationwide. This trend is largely driven by the misconception that the humanities lack practical value. However, this perception unfairly dismisses the significance of critical thinking and analytical skills which are cultivated by an English major and which are essential in any post-graduate field. Students at the University should challenge these stereotypes by engaging with the program beyond the required first-year courses. Every student at the University, regardless of their primary field of study, can professionally and academically benefit from engaging with the English department.
As one of the top public universities in the country, the University offers access to world-class academic resources. Ranked 11th in the country and producing numerous noble alumni, the English program is a particularly valuable yet underappreciated asset. And while the University requires that students take two writing classes during their undergraduate studies, cultural and societal misconceptions regarding economic output overshadow and downplay the English department’s relevance. Common beliefs weaponize the notion that graduates with English degrees earn less income than their peers post-graduation, or that the skills learned in English class don’t translate to the “real world.” Ultimately, these dismissive stereotypes contribute to a dangerous and false narrative. In reality, the department fosters intellectual and personal growth — equipping students with critical skills for a broad range of careers.
To fully appreciate the value of the English department, it is essential to recognize how its offerings extend beyond simply reading books. Rather, the department successfully cultivates versatile skills that appeal to a variety of diverse professional paths. A 2019 National Association of Colleges and Employers study revealed that 82 percent of surveyed employers prioritized strong written communication abilities, teamwork and problem-solving skills, all of which the English department prioritizes in their classes. Similarly, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report highlights analytical thinking as one of the most in-demand skills globally, predicting a 72 percent increase in its importance by 2027.
College-level English courses nurture critical thinking and effective communication skills — competencies indispensable in nearly every professional field. For instance, the ability to quickly craft persuasive arguments is highly valued in law and marketing, fields which require adaptability and creativity. Moreover, being able to analyze complex texts and produce an opinion from conflicting resources is just as relevant to a career in medicine or engineering. In short, employers are looking for the exact skills that English courses develop.
In addition to defying societal misconceptions, the English department equips students with the tools to excel in diverse careers. Consider the department’s distinguished alumni who have excelled in fields such as publishing, education, journalism and the arts. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Claudia Emerson and Elizabeth Smith, the former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, are just two examples of how English graduates leverage their education for success.
The flexibility of the University’s English program further emphasizes its importance by debunking societal stereotypes about the field. The program’s balance of intellectual rigor and adaptability, allows students from any discipline to engage meaningfully with its courses while tailoring their education to their interests. For instance, a writing course that invites a pre-health student to craft sci-fi stories demonstrates how English courses foster imagination and clarity — skills essential in medicine or any STEM field. These experiences demonstrate the benefits of analytical thinking, self-expression, and creativity, which enrich any academic or professional path.
Moreover, with exceptional faculty guidance, students can engage in advanced research, participate in the Distinguished Majors Program and access rare archival materials through the Special Collections Library. Additionally, internships facilitated by the department provide critical hands-on experience, with many alumni crediting these opportunities as pivotal in launching their careers. All in all, the University’s English department provides an invaluable foundation for professional success and personal fulfillment, making it a resource every student should take advantage of.
The benefits of the English department cannot be overlooked, both for prospective majors and students considering it as a minor or second major. Whether students aim for careers in law, tech, medicine or the arts, the skills cultivated through English studies are not just relevant but essential. By participating in English courses, students gain tools that enrich any academic or professional path, challenging outdated notions of the discipline’s worth.
Ayat Younis is an opinion columnist who writes about academics for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily.com.
The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Cavalier Daily. Columns represent the views of the authors alone.
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