We CU Educating at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Arts in English
Strengthen analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills valued across industries including publishing, education, law, marketing, and graduate study.
Why Professional Writing?
Professional Writing shows employers that individuals understand the nature of business documents and have the ability to communicate important information quickly, clearly, and in a variety of formats.
Professional Writing skills are a requirement of any workplace. The ability to present information clearly in order to inform or persuade a reader is vital. Strong writing proficiency isn’t just an “extra” skill to have in the workplace — it’s an essential one. The Centenary Professional Writing concentration teaches students how to respond seamlessly to a variety of writing situations and needs. We provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in any workplace situation by teaching them how to write for almost any purpose, audience, or format. Centenary professional writing students learn principles of document design and layout and apply them to legal documents, business reports, brochures, flyers, blogs, and website content.
Professional writing can provide students with skills that are valuable in a range of careers, including attention to detail, clear and concise language use, research, document planning, organization of ideas, and revising and editing. Employers value the ability to use clear and concise language for a particular audience. Professional writing minors have the ability to present this information in a compelling, organized way in either print or online formats.
Strong writing proficiency and experience writing for a digital world are increasingly expected and welcomed by employers. Centenary professional writing students are prepared to enter writing-intensive fields such as public relations, corporate communications, marketing, publishing, and advertising.
Additionally, professional writing can provide students with valuable experience working with non-profit organizations and on-campus publications. This experience can help them develop their skills and build an electronic portfolio, making them more attractive to potential employers. Professional Writing students at Centenary have completed internships with local industry as well as non-profits and publishers.
Professional Writing is important for both students and prospective employers. It provides students with valuable skills such as presenting information clearly and concisely, in a variety of formats – assets that can help students succeed in the business world.
As an English major, you will:
- Immerse yourself in timeless and modern masterpieces: Travel through literary landscapes that span centuries, continents, and cultures from classics to groundbreaking contemporary works.
- Analyze literature as a cultural artifact: Examine how literature responds to and influences societal changes, expresses cultural anxieties, and delivers socially-relevant messages.
- Think critically; express curiosity: Dive deep into literature to analyze the written word, craft compelling arguments, and raise thoughtful questions.
- Harness the power of written and oral communication: Strengthen your skills to write and speak with clarity, eloquence, and impact.
- Bring your stories to life: Share your unique perspective and imagine your own worlds through creative writing courses.
Join our literary community! Work with peers and professors in who share your love for literature. Our small class sizes create a culture of connectivity and collaboration.
Where Can an English Degree Take You?
With the skills honed in critical thinking, creative expression, textual analysis, and communication, English majors may pursue careers in the following:
- Writing and editing
- Publishing
- Library sciences
- Education
- Marketing, advertising, and public relations
- Law, policy, and advocacy
- Media, film, and entertainment
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public relations
- And more!
Your Journey Starts Here
The English Major program is more than an academic path—it’s an invitation to explore the world through the lens of literature and use what you discover to shape the future. Unleash your creativity, sharpen your intellect, and prepare to make an impact.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MA in Communication, MFA/MA in Writing, digital media, UX/content strategy, grant writing, publishing, or technical communication certificate.
Career Pathways:
Copywriter, Technical Writer, Content Strategist, Grant Writer, Editor, Communications Specialist, UX Writer, Digital Content Producer, Nonprofit Communications Coordinator, Documentation Specialist
Industry Outlook:
Strong and expanding demand across healthcare, technology, government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Growth is especially strong in technical writing, UX writing, and digital documentation roles, where organizations need professionals who translate complex information into accessible content. Writing paired with analytics, web tools, or domain expertise significantly increases earning potential.
Regional employers include
Audible; NJ PBS; News 12 New Jersey; Prudential Center / NJ Devils; NJPAC; Seton Hall / Rutgers communications offices; pharmaceutical/healthcare communications teams; nonprofit arts organizations.
Salary Outlook:
$55,000 – $95,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in English: Concentration Professional Writing, a reasonable starting range is approximately $40,000–$58,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $65,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data