Whether you’re a college senior wondering what’s next, a high school student exploring potential majors, or someone who simply loves reading and writing, you might find yourself asking: “What can I actually do with a degree in literature?”

It’s a fair question, and a common one. Many students pursuing a degree in Literature face uncertainty about how their skills translate to a career, especially in a world that often pushes STEM-focused paths.

But here’s the truth: a literature degree offers incredibly versatility. It teaches you how to think critically, write persuasively, and analyze complex ideas, all of which are skills that employers love.

What Does a Degree in Literature Look Like?

A literature degree goes beyond just reading novels and writing essays. Throughout your studies, you’ll dive into different genres, time periods, and cultures. You’ll analyze everything from Shakespeare to contemporary poetry, all while sharpening your writing, communication, and analytical thinking skills.

You’ll also explore themes like identity, power, society, and language, giving you a deeper understanding of the world around you. This degree is ideal for anyone who loves storytelling, language, and critical discussion, or who wants to turn their passion for reading and writing into a professional path.

What Can You Do with a Literature Degree?

Literature majors gain versatile skills in research, writing, and communication, opening doors to a wide variety of career paths. Whether you’re interested in working with words, people, ideas, or all three, your degree can take you in more directions than you might think.

Writing & Publishing

If you’ve always loved expressing yourself through words, writing and publishing may be a natural fit. Whether you’re creating articles, editing manuscripts, or working behind the scenes at a publishing house, this field allows you to shape stories and ideas for a wider audience. If your intro fiction, nonfiction, autobiographies, or anything in between, there is a niche for you in writing and publication! Especially passionate literature majors may even consider becoming authors themselves, writing their own stories and novels.

Some job titles to consider:

• Editor
• Copywriter
• Content Strategist
• Technical Writer
• Publishing Assistant
• Journalist
• Author

Education

Many literature majors go on to share their love of reading and writing through teaching. Whether in K–12 schools or at the college level, educators play a huge role in shaping students’ literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. For some literature majors, teaching, especially at the college level, becomes a second job for them or a part time job after retirement!

Some job titles to consider:

• High School English Teacher
• College Instructor (with advanced degree)
• Literacy Coach
• ESL Teacher
• Academic Advisor
• Curriculum Developer

Media & Communications

The communication skills you develop in a literature program make you a great fit for media and public-facing roles. From managing social media accounts to crafting press releases, you’ll use your knack for storytelling in strategic, impactful ways. If you’re interested in managing people and problems and securing media coverage, public relations may be a good fit for you. If you like writing stories or scripts, a podcast producer or speechwriter may be best.

Some job titles to consider:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Communications Coordinator
• Social Media Manager
• Brand Storyteller
• Podcast Producer
• Speechwriter

Marketing & Advertising

You may be asking yourself, “if I didn’t major in Communications, Advertising, or Marketing, how am I fit for a position in these two industries?” Well, literature majors actually learn a lot of transferable skills that are useful in the marketing world!

With your strong understanding of language, audience, and tone, you’re well-equipped to craft persuasive messages that connect with consumers and drive results. Both marketers and advertisers need someone to write the copy or scripts; that’s where you come in!

Some job titles to consider:

• Marketing Copywriter
• Brand Strategist
• SEO Content Writer
• Email Marketing Specialist
• Advertising Coordinator
• Creative Director (with experience)

Law & Public Policy

If you’re drawn to argument, analysis, and persuasive communication, law might be a great next step. Many literature majors go on to law school or policy work, where their ability to dissect complex texts and build strong arguments gives them a distinct advantage.

Some job titles to consider:

• Paralegal
• Legal Assistant
• Policy Analyst
• Legislative Aide
• Nonprofit Advocate
• Law School Student

Libraries, Museums, & Cultural Institutions

Love working with knowledge and history? Libraries, archives, and museums offer literature graduates a chance to engage with the written word in more scholarly or curatorial roles. These jobs often involve organizing collections, conducting research, and making culture accessible to the public.

Some job titles to consider:

• Librarian (with MLIS)
• Archivist
• Museum Program Coordinator
• Exhibit Writer
• Research Assistant

A Literature Degree Can Take You Anywhere

A literature degree isn’t just about books; it’s about the skills you build while studying them. Critical thinking, communication, creativity, and cultural awareness are all in high demand across today’s job market.

Whether you want to write, teach, lead, advocate, or create, your path is wide open. Your love of language and analysis can lead to a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.

Still feeling unsure about your next steps? Let Test Prep Score help you explore your options and plan your future. Our academic support and career resources are designed to help you connect your passion to your profession.