| JOB TITLE | TYPICAL EDUCATION | MEDIAN WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Middle School Teachers | Bachelor Degree | $72,175 |
| Secondary School Teachers | Bachelor Degree | $80,056 |
| Librarians | Bachelor Degree | $76,960 |
| Budget Analysts | Bachelor Degree | $90,293 |
| Reporters and Correspondents | Bachelor Degree | $46,308 |
| Technical Writers | Bachelor Degree | $78,028 |
| Copy Writers | Bachelor Degree | $52,227 |
| Desktop Publishers | Associate degree | $53,830 |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | Bachelor Degree | $36,392 |
About the English Program
The program guides students through a racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse range of literary expression including foundational, emerging, and global voices. Students begin the program with core courses in the discipline to build writing and critical analysis skills. Next, students complete survey courses to develop a broad understanding of a variety of styles, movements, and genres. In addition, students complete elective courses to pursue their interests in classic and contemporary fiction, poetry, prose, drama, film and literature, and creative writing.
Transfer Preparation
Even though Santa Monica College does not offer degrees in English or Creative Writing, SMC students can still complete coursework in these subjects that will enable them to transfer to and eventually receive a bachelor's degree in these majors from a four-year institution. Students who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in English or Creative Writing should therefore make sure they take courses at Santa Monica College that will be accepted at the specific college/university to which they hope to transfer. Please consult a Counselor to assist in this selection of classes.
Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should also discuss their plans with a Counselor before selecting classes.
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Program Paths
English
Associate in Arts for Transfer
Available Fall 2026
Students will enter the job market as sought-after communicators and critical thinkers. Empowered to use language skillfully, students pursuing the English AA-T learn to communicate in nuanced ways beyond socioeconomic and political differences and across boundaries of gender, race, and ethnicity.
Potential Career Options
Elementary School Teachers
Salary: $79,972
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
Editors
Salary: $60,646
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Salary: $52,227
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
Resources and Transfer
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your colleges/universities.
Mentor Program
A concentrated group of talented art students who have been invited to explore and develop their artistic practice in an experimental and interdisciplinary manner.
Writing & Humanities Tutoring Center
We offer writing support to all SMC students in any subject and at any stage in the writing process. Experienced tutors help students strengthen their writing and critical thinking skills through one-on-one collaborative and interactive appointments.
Counseling and Transfers
Our counselors are here to help you plan your academic classes, goals, and needs.