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English Concentration in Liberal Arts
Looking for the full program guide? See Best Online English Degree Programs for degree levels, careers, BLS salary data, and programs by state.
An English concentration focuses on a defined area within liberal arts. It typically builds on the program core and adds courses that deepen subject knowledge and applied skills in literature, writing, and language analysis.
Quick Answers
What is an English concentration in liberal arts?
An English concentration is a focused set of courses within a liberal arts program that emphasizes literature, writing, and language.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover literary analysis, creative and professional writing, and critical theory.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Liberal Arts Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Literature, creative writing, language and rhetoric
- Key career: Writers and Authors – $76,910 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Related career: Training and Development Specialists – $69,280 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Job outlook: Writers and Authors +3.6% growth, 13,400 annual openings (2024-2034)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Liberal Arts Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Literary Analysis | Close reading, interpretation, and critical theory applied to texts |
| Creative Writing | Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing workshops |
| Rhetoric and Composition | Argumentation, persuasion, and professional writing |
| American or British Literature | Period-based surveys of major literary movements and authors |
| Linguistics | Language structure, usage, and sociolinguistic patterns |
| Senior Seminar or Thesis | Focused research project applying literary or writing methods |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
Most students pursue this focus within a bachelor’s in liberal arts, and you can confirm delivery options on the online format page. If you are still deciding, compare it with the philosophy track.
How liberal arts concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | +6.7% |
| English | Writers and Authors | $72,270 | +3.6% |
| History | Management Analysts | $101,190 | +8.8% |
| Philosophy | Management Analysts | $101,190 | +8.8% |
| Political Science | Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | +6.7% |
| Sociology | Human Resources Specialists | $72,910 | +6.2% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- See whether the degree fits your goals in Is a Liberal Arts Degree Worth It?.
- Compare schools among accredited online colleges.
- Explore a related field in our psychology program guide.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.