English, A.A. - SUNY Niagara

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English, A.A.

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Program Overview

SUNY Niagara’s English degree program provides students with a variety of literature and writing courses in anticipation of transfer to a four-year degree program. The English, A.A. program highlights a breadth and diversity of educational experiences in the humanities and liberal arts and serves as the first step for students in pursuit of advanced degrees in English or related fields.

Designed for transfer into a 4-year institution.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To prepare students for a career that values interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and editing skills.
  • To prepare students for transfer into baccalaureate English curricula.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

English, A.A.

SUNY Niagara’s English A.A. builds your skills in writing, literature, editing and critical thinking. It’s designed for transfer to a bachelor’s program in English or a related field.

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Last updated:

What careers does an English A.A. lead to?

  • Teacher
  • Editor or content manager
  • Journalist
  • Public relations specialist
  • Technical writer
  • Grant writer
  • Social media manager
  • Librarian
  • Research analyst
  • Lawyer

Most of these careers need a bachelor’s degree, and some need a graduate degree. This A.A. is your first step.

What will I learn to do?

  • Write clearly for different audiences
  • Read and analyze literature
  • Edit and revise your work
  • Think critically and build arguments
  • Report and write news stories
  • Communicate with confidence
Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
Technical writers$62,470$80,490
High school teachers$53,520$79,430
Editors$48,790$73,530
Public relations specialists$48,740$69,450
Writers and authors$51,970$67,300

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. These jobs usually need a bachelor’s degree. Teachers also need New York State certification. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • High school teachers: Jobs are expected to grow about 19% from 2022 to 2032, with about 420 openings each year.
  • Public relations specialists: Jobs are expected to grow about 20%, with about 110 openings each year.
  • Librarians: Jobs are expected to grow about 19%, with about 95 openings each year.
  • Writers and authors: Jobs are expected to grow about 7%, with about 55 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Strong writing and communication skills are useful in almost every field.

Sources

Where do English graduates work?

  • Schools and colleges
  • Newspapers, magazines and online media
  • Publishing companies
  • Marketing and PR agencies
  • Libraries
  • Nonprofits, businesses and law firms

Employers in almost every field need people who can write, edit and communicate clearly.

Sources

How do I get there?

  1. Build your writing skills in Writing I and II.
  2. Take literature, journalism and English electives.
  3. Finish the 62-credit A.A., including your general education courses.
  4. Transfer to a four-year program in English or a related field.

The A.A. is designed for transfer to a bachelor’s program in English. Work with your advisor to choose electives that fit your goals and your transfer school.

Which courses prepare me?

  • ENG 101 Writing I
  • ENG 102 Writing II
  • ENG 145 Journalism I
  • LIT Three literature electives
  • ENG Two English electives
Sources
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Last updated:

Program Coordinators