Should I major in English?

Question

I'm 26 and a single dad. I want to further my education to better support myself and my son. I want to go back to college, but I don't know what to major in.

After high school I earned an Associates degree in Computer Information Systems. Afterwards, I worked for a tech company for about 5 years. Now I realize 2 things: a) the Associates degree just doesn't cut it and b) the IT industry isn't for me.

I'm thinking about majoring in English. I just don't want to waste my time and money. I don't particularly have a passion for English, yet there is nothing else I can say I have a passion for either. I've been wanting to go back to college for over 4 years now, but this indecisiveness has been holding me back. I'm thinking that at this point it may be best just to go for English. I mean, I could have already earned a Bachelors by now. Even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted, atleast it would have been something. And, I can always go back to school again. What do you all think?

Answer 1

There are also other options - You could get a bachelor's in general studies or humanities. You also mentioned that the IT industry is not for you, but what about other industries? A business degree can be applied to almost every industry and it also gives you the option of starting up your own company. It seems that your desire to go back to school and get your bachelor's is really what's driving you here and you should definitely go for it without thinking twice about it. A bachelor's degree in whatever area is something that employers look for and expect. I have seen successful corporate managers with bachelor degrees in arts or history. So, go back to school, talk to your counselor and don't worry about your major. If you find something you love, then that'll be great but meanwhile just look at this whole process as a self-discovery journey and an employment tool.

Answer 2

I say an English degree has only one direction and that is to teaching. Inorder to make good money you will need to get a PhD. As a father nearing age 30 do you really have that kind of time.
I would have advised you to return and sharpen the skills you already have and try and relocate upward in the area you already posses skills.
Determine what if anything the computer field has to offer you. Getting a degree in business might allow you to start a small company or become a salesperson for a company.
I REALLY don't mean to speak down to you but you need to do some real soul searching on what you WANT to do. Its not always all about $ but happiness is important. As a single dad you can ill afford to spend time getting a BS in english and decide to "go back again"....those folks are called professional students but they generally don't have mouths to feed.


with the associates you are on the fast track to a degree in 2.5 years...don't screw around with something useless unless you intend to make the committment to being a college professor. Or perhap a high school teacher is what you want???? You still better plan on at least a Masters if thats true.

Hope I helped....My BS came in communications and was one of the worst financial decisions I ever made.

Answer 3

You should take a career test or find a career counselor, it should give you a starting point to see where your interests are. You said you don't have a passion for English so I don't think you should go into it, you will end up unhappy like you are now. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Dear, your thinking is nice. go and major English and then read the literature ,afterward write on it. It would be great source ofv earningto u and your family.