English Professor

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

1.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an English Professor?

An English Professor is an academic professional specializing in the study, teaching, and research of the English language and literature. They guide students in exploring literary works, understanding linguistic principles, and developing writing and critical thinking skills.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with English Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an English Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$60K per year	$78K per year	$103K per year	$137K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $30K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an English Professor do?

Work environment

English Professors typically work in colleges, universities, and sometimes in high schools with advanced placement programs. Their environment includes classrooms, offices, and libraries, with a significant portion of time spent preparing lectures, grading assignments, and conducting research. Some may engage in online teaching, requiring proficiency with digital learning platforms.

Quick task list

Prepares and delivers lectures on English literature, linguistics, and writing.
Grades student essays, assignments, and exams.
Conducts research and publishes scholarly articles and books.
Advises students on academic and career matters.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to the development of curriculum.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Literary Analysis: Focusing on the interpretation and critique of literary texts.
Creative Writing: Teaching the art of writing fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.
Linguistics: Studying the structure, development, and history of the English language.
Comparative Literature: Analyzing literature across cultures and historical periods.
Rhetoric and Composition: Specializing in the art of persuasive writing and effective communication.

Description

English Professors play a vital role in the academic development of students, fostering an appreciation for literature and effective communication skills. They engage students in the analysis of various literary genres, from classical texts to contemporary works, helping them understand cultural and historical contexts. Professors in this field often balance teaching with research, contributing to academic discussions through publications and conferences.

Their role extends beyond the classroom, as they mentor students in their academic journeys and career aspirations. English Professors are also instrumental in curriculum development, shaping the way English literature and language are taught. They often participate in departmental and university-wide committees, influencing educational policies and standards.

This occupation requires a passion for literature, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. English Professors must keep up with current literary trends and theories, integrating new ideas into their teaching and research. Their contribution to the field of English studies helps preserve and evolve the understanding of literary and linguistic heritage.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Inspiring a love for literature and language in students.
The intellectual stimulation of teaching and research.
Contributing to scholarly discussions and literary criticism.
Seeing students develop critical thinking and communication skills.

You might make a good English Professor if you are...

Passionate about English literature and language.
An avid reader and a critical thinker.
Skilled in writing and articulating complex ideas.
Enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring students.
Committed to lifelong learning and academic research.

Pros:

Intellectual fulfillment from teaching and studying literature.
Opportunities for creative and scholarly work.
Stable career path in academic institutions.

Cons:

Lengthy and competitive process to attain a professorship.
High demand for publishing and academic contribution.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with research can be challenging.

How to become an English Professor

Typical education

To become an English Professor, one usually needs a Ph.D. in English or a related field, which can take about 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including a bachelor's and master's degree.

High school preparation

**Courses: - Advanced English and Literature classes to build a strong foundation in reading and writing. - Foreign Language courses to understand linguistic diversity and structure. - History and Social Studies to gain context for various literary periods and movements.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining or forming a book club or literary discussion group.
Participating in writing workshops or creative writing clubs.
Volunteering as a tutor in English for younger students or peers.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in English, literature, or a related field.
Consider participating in undergraduate research opportunities.
Pursue a master's degree and Ph.D. in English or literature.
Gain teaching experience through graduate assistantships or teaching fellowships.

More resources

Modern Language Association (MLA) - Offers resources and guidelines for English language and literature professionals.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) - Provides teaching resources and professional development opportunities.
American Association of University Professors (AAUP) - Offers information on academic freedom and career resources for university professors.
Project MUSE - A database offering access to scholarly journals and books in the humanities and social sciences.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.