Is 30 Too Old to Get an English Degree?

Thinking of going back to school for an English degree? If you're 30, perhaps you're concerned that you're too old for college. But is that concern valid?

There's no such thing as being too old for college. Thirty can be the ideal time to get your English degree because you may be more focused as a student, have clearer career goals, and be in a better position financially to complete your education.

Reasons To Earn Your English Degree at 30

There are many valid reasons to hold off on college until you're 30. Below are some reasons why you may be interested in getting your English degree at this time of your life:

To Advance or Change Your Career

If you like your current job or industry, getting a degree can help you pursue career advancements within your existing field. Having an English degree can make you a more marketable job candidate, allowing you to pursue advanced or more lucrative positions.

On the other hand, maybe you're looking to make a career change. Getting your degree can help you achieve this as well. An English degree can lead to a wide range of new job opportunities, so you'll be able to pick one that suits your particular interests and career goals.

To Improve Your Skills

Maybe you've always been good at spelling, writing, and grammar, or maybe you've always struggled with these subjects. Either way, you recognize that there's always room for improvement.

A degree in English can help you develop and perfect the basic skills necessary for professional success in every industry.

To Finish Your Degree

Many students begin college right out of high school but, for one reason or another, they never finish. If you were one of these students, you may want to go back to school to finish what you started.

Pursuing a degree in English is a great way to finish your college journey, as it can lead to many new professional opportunities and give you a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

What Will I Learn In an English Degree Program?

Every English degree program is slightly different from the next, and English bachelor's degrees cover more basic topics than English master's degrees and doctoral degrees in English. That said, all English degrees explore many of the same topics.

Some of the subjects you can expect to explore in-depth in an English degree program include:

• writing and editing fundamentals
• literature and linguistics
• rhetoric and research
• reading and film studies
• professional and creative writing

English degrees often include program concentrations that allow students to focus their studies on a specific area of interest.

Common English degree concentrations include:

• literature and culture studies
• writing, editing, and publishing
• drama
• language and linguistics
• creative writing

What Can I Do With My English Degree?

English degrees can be beneficial in almost any industry, but they lend themselves particularly well to certain fields. Let's take a look at some of the best career options for those with English degrees:

Journalist

Journalists are reporters. They work for various news and media outlets to report on breaking news and ongoing stories. They may write and publish articles and news stories, report them live on news shows, or record them for various media outlets. Their job commonly involves investigating, asking hard questions, and uncovering the truth.

Editor

Editors commonly work for publishing houses or as freelancers or contractors. They revise and offer constructive feedback on written content such as books, articles, and screenplays. They must have exceptional proofreading skills as well as the ability to address larger or more intangible issues within a written work.

Writer

There are many different kinds of writers, including:

• creative writers
• technical writers
• grant writers

Writers produce all different types of written content, from books and ebooks to web content to instructions in a user's manual. They must have an excellent command of the English language and a knowledge of how to use it effectively for the specific type of writing they do.

English Teacher

English teachers teach English to students, usually at the high school level. They provide classroom instruction on reading, grammar, composition, and other English-related topics, provide assignments and feedback, and administer tests to gauge students' progress.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are tasked with presenting a positive image for their company through marketing campaigns, press releases, and more. They are responsible for developing and maintaining the company's public appearance and defending the company against negative publicity.

FAQs About Starting an English Degree at 30

Want to learn more about getting your English degree at 30? Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

Are There Benefits To Starting My English Degree at 30?

Starting your degree at 30 can have many benefits. You may be more prepared for the rigors of college coursework and more committed to your studies. You probably have a better idea of your career goals and interests than you did right after high school, which will help you stay focused as you pursue your degree.

Are There Any Free or Affordable English Degree Programs?

Some colleges offer fully funded English or fine arts degrees for graduate students. If you're still an undergraduate, you can pursue financial aid, scholarship opportunities, work-study programs, and tuition assistance benefits that can greatly reduce or eliminate the cost of your education.

Should I Go Back to School for English?

While there are many benefits to getting your degree — better career opportunities, higher earning potential, and personal achievement, to name a few — only you can decide whether you're suited for the college experience. An English degree can help you pursue many different career paths and sharpen your skills, but you must weigh the pros and cons and determine whether getting your English degree is the right choice for you.