University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

English Literature

Read Your Future

Examine, Analyze, and Understand Your World

Do you want to explore the most significant ideas ever captured in print? Would you like to critically examine, analyze, and synthesize the complex ideas that our most penetrating authors have examined? Do you want to turn those skills into a career?

If so, the English Literature program at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown will prepare you with real-world skills for in-demand positions in diverse fields from education to publishing to consulting to technology.

No industry can be successful without talented, informed, and thoughtful individuals who can read carefully, think insightfully, and write effectively; and English Literature at UPJ will help you build those skills. Our passion to help you succeed is what drives us; let us help you build your career.

English Literature at UPJ

Major Program Minor Program Apply Now

Why Major in Literature at UPJ?

English majors can add value to any organization through their superior critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills. Their capacity to read, analyze, and synthesize disparate information sets them apart as analyzers, communicators, consultants, and managers.

  • Study the most significant works written in the English language.
  • Learn directly from expert faculty in classrooms that are intimate, diverse, and personal.
  • Enjoy a classroom experience that prioritizes student thinking, creativity, and excellence.
  • Explore diverse texts from current authors writing about the human experience in our world.
  • Have direct access to educators to speak about career success.

Your Future, Revealed

Career opportunities to those with a Literature degree are incredibly diverse and always in demand. With a degree in English Literature, you can find employment as:

  • Managing Editor
  • Web Content Manager
  • Business, Healthcare, or Operations Manager
  • Publisher
  • Copywriter
  • Teacher
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Lexicographer
  • Lecturer or Instructor
  • Museum Curator (with graduate degree)
  • Lawyer (with graduate degree)
  • Professor (with graduate degree)

 

$73,820

Average median salary of a Literature Graduate (B.A.)
US Median, 2021 (Source: US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, bls.gov)

 

5% Job Growth

Estimated employment sector growth
US, 2021-2031 est. (Source: US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, bls.gov)


Add to Your Degree with a Minor

Want to maximize your employment flexibility? UPJ offers a huge selection of minors to pair with your Communication degree. Some of the most popular choices include:

  • Writing
  • English Literature
  • Marketing
  • Foreign Languages

UPJ Grads Share Their Success

Brianna Facciani

Brianna Facciani
After earning a B.A. in English Literature, Brianna earned a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Pitt in Library and Information Science and was hired by the Pittsburgh City Archives processing historic records, digitizing reports and photographs, and creates accessible guides. She is now engaged in the important work of processing historic records, digitizing reports and photographs, and creating accessible guides.

Jacob Williamson-Rea

Jacob Williamson-Rea
Jacob holds degrees both in English Literature and Writing from UPJ. After earning an MFA from Johns Hopkins and teaching at both MIT and UPJ, he was hired by Microsoft as a Digital Content Manager where he manages Microsoft Research's Global Internal Portal across three continents.


Dedicated, Expert Faculty

Literature students in a classroom

Meet the English Literature Faculty Meet the Humanities Faculty

Our English Literature faculty has over 120 years of experience across multiple literary genres with expertise in both American and British literature, Contemporary and Digital Literature, and Poetry. For more information, please reach out to:

Ann Rea, PhD, Department Chair
223-C Biddle Hall
814-269-7166 | anr12@pitt.edu

or

Humanities Division
233 Biddle Hall
814-269-7140


Want More Info?

We'd love to welcome you to the UPJ family!

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