An English degree strengthens some of the most valuable skills you can bring to any career: critical thinking, clear communication and analytical reading and writing. It prepares you to adapt, express ideas with confidence and engage with the world in thoughtful, creative ways.
But you may be wondering what careers you can get with an English degree. The good news? Your options are wide ranging — and growing.
At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), our Associate of Arts in liberal arts: English specialization equips you with these in-demand skills at a lower cost. You’ll develop your reading, writing and critical thinking abilities while preparing for immediate employment or seamless transfer to a four-year institution.
Careers With an English Degree
Strong writing, critical thinking and communication skills are essential in nearly every industry — and an English degree helps you develop them all. Whether you’re contributing to a creative team, managing client communications or analyzing complex information, the skills you gain through this degree are both practical and versatile.
So, what careers can you get with an English degree? While the possibilities are broad, here are a few common careers with an English degree:
- Writer: Use your creativity and communication skills to create engaging content, copy or scripts across industries.
- Law assistant: Apply analytical and verbal reasoning to support legal teams or prepare for law school.
- Marketing professional: Create digital content, manage social media or engage customers in communication-driven roles.
- Artist or entertainer: Tell stories, write scripts or contribute to creative projects that showcase your voice.
- Administrative assistant: Support daily operations in a business or nonprofit with strong communication and organization.
- Technical writer: Translate complex topics into clear, accessible content for manuals, guides and technical documents.
- Proofreader: Catch errors and refine clarity in written materials across formats and industries.
These roles are in demand in Virginia. According to Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, there are currently 520 entry-level positions available to English degree holders in NOVA’s service area. Starting salaries range from $55,000 to $65,000.
All of these associate degree in English jobs rely on strong communication and critical thinking — skills you’ll build in NOVA's program. As you explore your career options, it's important to consider how your coursework can help you develop and apply these strengths.
English Degree Courses at NOVA
NOVA’s English specialization combines literature, language and communication in a way that prepares you for both career and transfer opportunities. You’ll study various genres, explore cultural perspectives and build essential skills in writing, analysis and expression. These courses also meet general education and transfer requirements, making your credits count toward your goals.
Your NOVA courses include:
- World Language: Develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in a chosen language while exploring cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Intercultural Communication: Learn how people communicate across cultures by examining language, values and perspectives.
- Mystery in Literature and Film: Explore the mystery genre in books and movies, analyzing themes, narrative techniques and cultural relevance.
- Literature of Science Fiction: Trace the evolution of science fiction and examine how authors use the genre to address social and political issues.
- African American Literature: Study influential authors, movements and historical contexts of African American literary traditions.
- Creative Writing — Fiction: Write and revise original fiction while learning about plot, character development and narrative structure in a workshop format.
- Creative Writing — Poetry: Explore poetic forms, imagery and rhythm as you create and refine your own poetry in a workshop format.
- Advanced Creative Writing: Build on previous writing experience to produce polished fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.
- Comparative Linguistics: Analyze how languages differ and relate by studying syntax, phonology and semantics.
Through these courses, you're not only gaining knowledge — you're building the skills and experiences that will support your academic and career goals.
Skills You’ll Need for Associate Degree in English Jobs
When you’re exploring what careers you can get with an English degree, the answer often comes down to one thing — skills. Employers want strong writers, clear thinkers and effective communicators — and that’s exactly what NOVA’s English program helps you become.
Studying English at NOVA cultivates a wide range of transferable skills that are useful in many career fields, such as:
- Academic and professional writing: Write with clarity, purpose and structure across formats, from research papers to workplace reports.
- Critical reading and literary analysis: Interpret complex texts, uncover key themes and evaluate how writers use literary techniques.
- Argumentation and rhetoric: Make persuasive points backed by evidence and logical reasoning in both writing and speech.
- Cultural and historical context comprehension: Understand how social, political and cultural forces shape literature and communication.
- Public speaking: Present your ideas confidently in classroom discussions and professional settings.
At NOVA, these skills are woven into every course through active learning, peer interaction and faculty support. They give you a competitive edge, whether you’re applying for jobs, advancing in your current role or planning your next academic step.
Preparing to Transfer With Your English Degree
If you are aiming to pursue a bachelor's degree, NOVA’s English writing program provides a structured pathway that aligns with transfer requirements for four-year institutions. You’ll benefit from established agreements that make the process more predictable — and less stressful.
NOVA supports your smooth transition through these three options:
- Guaranteed Admission Agreements (GAAs): Meet specific criteria to secure admission to more than 40 participating four-year institutions.
- Articulation Agreements: Transfer your NOVA courses seamlessly to your chosen college or university with no surprises.
- ADVANCE program with George Mason University: Gain access to both institutions’ resources as you follow a structured pathway to transfer.
These agreements are designed to streamline your transfer experience, making it easier to bring your bachelor’s degree within reach.
Why Choose NOVA for Your English Studies
Now that you’ve explored what careers you can get with an English degree, you may be wondering: Why choose NOVA? NOVA offers a practical, student-focused path toward both academic and career success. Here, you’ll benefit from: