Language arts and history are two of the oldest academic disciplines. Well before they studied cyber security or bioengineering

1. Compare & Contrast: English Major
vs. History Major
Language arts and history are two of the oldest academic disciplines. Well
before they studied cyber security or bioengineering, students focused on the
development and use of language and the lessons of those who came before
them.
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Experience
Though modern-day colleges and universities offer a vast array of
concentrations, English and history remain popular. Those who earn bachelor’s
degrees in English and history receive a well-rounded liberal arts education,
which they can use to step into a job right after graduation or build upon
through master’s or PhD level studies. Each degree can offer rewarding learning
experiences that open new doors. Many students interested in human stories
find themselves weighing an English major vs. a history major, trying to decide
which to pursue.
Here, you can explore some of the important distinctions and commonalities
between these two classic liberal arts degrees.
English Major Overview
Studying English as an undergraduate involves multifaceted coursework about
the English language, literature, and theory. Most degree programs, such
as Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in English, include a
comprehensive study of how the English language has evolved through
literature, music, mythology, and rhetoric.
Coursework may include topics such as English literature, world literature,
classic works like Shakespeare, and women’s literature. These courses illustrate
how the English language has changed over time, reflects cultural value
systems, and even serves as a catalyst for historical events. All the while,
students learn how to master the use of language in their own writing.

2. What Do English Degree Graduates Do?
Any career that relies heavily on communication can be a good fit for English
graduates. They can earn entry-level positions in marketing, public relations,
journalism, or editing. With an English degree, graduates can also extend their
academic careers by going to graduate school, either to specialize in a field
related to English (for example, a master’s in journalism or a law degree) or to
teach the craft as a teacher or professor. Even outside of work, lovers of writing
find their education and talents are well used in writing articles, poetry, or
maybe even the next great American novel.
Types of careers:
 Journalist
 Author
 Copywriter
 Technical writer
 Editor
History Major Overview
At its core, the study of history is about developing an understanding of past
events and then evaluating and sharing those lessons, especially in the context
of current events.
Undergraduate history programs, such as Maryville University’s online Bachelor
of Arts in History, focus on giving students the skills to research, interpret, and
offer analysis on history to the public. The degree program includes courses
designed to help students embrace their curiosity about the past. This happens
through courses in world and American history as well as in research methods.
Increasingly, curricula also include courses on recent history and foreign policy
and its effects.
What Do History Degree Graduates Do?
With a degree in history, it’s possible to work in a career directly related to
one’s course of study. That can include a job in a museum or gallery or as a
researcher for a federal or nonprofit institution. Job duties can include
conducting historical research in the field, archiving important historical

3. documents, or sharing stories with the public. History majors may also become
teachers or lawyers, though they usually need additional certification or
education.
History graduates can also choose to continue their education, earning a
master’s or PhD. With an advanced degree, graduates can become college
professors or lead a research study in their area of expertise.
Types of careers:
 Historian
 Researcher
 Curator
 Educator
Similarities Between English and History Majors
Bachelor’s degree programs in English and history do have some commonalities
in their core curricula. And as liberal arts degrees, both involve writing-intensive
courses, so students should prepare to author essays, conduct research, and
spend many hours reading. While some English and history degree programs
prioritize the American experience, most students in these disciplines find they
get a well-rounded worldview.
Differences Between English and History Majors
Though their courses both fall on the liberal arts side of academia, English and
history majors differ in areas such as their core focuses, key skill set
requirements, curriculums, and potential job paths.
Area of Study
English majors are sure to take some history courses, and history majors
likewise must put strong English skills to use when writing research papers.
Both subjects inform one another, but coursework and objectives tend to differ.
English majors focus on language and literature, while history majors are more
interested in political and cultural events. History majors focus on theory and

4. connecting the dots across historical periods. Students who pursue an English
degree, on the other hand, focus on the themes and structure of literature and
its effects on culture. Through English study, students gain a nuanced
understanding of words and their interplay and how to effectively communicate
complex ideas in a variety of formats.
Job Differentiation
A key difference between English and history majors is the divergent paths
graduates can take after earning a degree. While some crossover exists — for
example, both paths can lead to careers in teaching — the different degrees
also lead to different opportunities.
English majors may pursue careers in journalism or marketing, where they can
leverage their communication skills. Their in-depth understanding of how to
convey ideas serves English graduates well in positions such as grant writing,
public relations, and advertising. Many industries value effective
communication. As such, an English degree is quite versatile, offering job
opportunities in technical fields, nonprofits, business, and media.
History majors, on the other hand, may lean on their ability to interpret and
convey the importance of past events. This can lead to work in government
offices, history museums, or for nonprofit organizations that require an
understanding of historical context.
Skills and Knowledge
History goes far deeper than remembering dates and names. It relies on an
understanding of events and their cultural, political, and social significance. The
ability to analyze the past and draw conclusions helps us understand where we
are today. This, in turn, allows us to make better decisions moving forward.
English majors focus on developing strong communication skills. This includes
the technical aspects, such as grammar and usage, as well as creative
expression, such as styles of writing. Literature and language are foundational
to how we express ourselves, and English majors can break complex topics
down to their simplest forms. From verbal expression to crafting concise and
compelling messages in written form, English can powerfully influence how we
understand each other and gather information.
English vs. History Majors: Which Is Right for You?

5. If you’re passionate about writing or studying the past, then a liberal arts
degree in English or history could be right for you. Explore how Maryville
University’s online Bachelor of Arts in English or online Bachelor of Arts in
History can help you turn your passion into a career, developing the skills you
need to enter the workforce in a way that is fulfilling and profitable.