Average IQ for English Literature Majors
Average IQ Range
106–116
IQ Classification
Average range
Overview
English literature trains deep reading of complex texts, critical argumentation, and persuasive writing at a high level. The cognitive demands are primarily verbal: comprehension of dense prose, detection of subtle meaning, construction of analytical arguments, and the ability to synthesize multiple texts in a coherent essay. Graduate English programs are highly competitive, requiring not just verbal skill but original intellectual insight. The field produces exceptionally strong verbal IQ scores while having minimal quantitative demands, making it a polarizing cognitive profile compared to STEM disciplines.
To understand what these IQ ranges mean, see our complete IQ score ranges guide. You can also check where specific scores fall: Is 110 IQ Good?
SAT & GRE Correlation
English majors average the highest GRE verbal scores of any discipline, typically 159–163 out of 170, reflecting mastery of verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical writing. These skills align directly with verbal IQ subtests. Quantitative GRE scores are lower, averaging 145–150. LSAT scores for English majors are above average, reflecting the strong logical-verbal training literary analysis provides.
For more on how standardized test scores relate to IQ, see our SAT to IQ conversion guide and GRE to IQ conversion guide.
Top Programs
- Yale
- Harvard
- Oxford
- Johns Hopkins
Career Paths
- Writer/Editor
- Attorney
- Journalist
- Academic
Curious how these careers compare? See our full IQ by career chart.
How Does English Literature Compare to Other Majors?
| Major | Average IQ Range |
|---|---|
| English Literature | 106–116 |
| History | 108–118 |
| Philosophy | 125–132 |
| Communications | 100–110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ of an English literature major?
English literature majors are estimated to average IQ scores of 106–116, with particularly strong verbal IQ. English majors post the highest GRE verbal scores of any discipline, reflecting exceptional reading comprehension and analytical writing. The field has lower quantitative demands, so overall IQ estimates are somewhat lower than STEM fields despite the strong verbal performance.
Is English literature a hard major?
At elite institutions, English literature is intellectually demanding — requiring close reading of complex texts, sophisticated theoretical frameworks, and high-level analytical writing. The workload of reading hundreds of pages weekly and producing lengthy analytical essays is substantial. However, the absence of quantitative requirements makes it more accessible than STEM for students with verbal strengths.
What careers do English majors pursue?
English majors go into publishing, journalism, law, education, marketing, public relations, and increasingly, technology (content strategy, UX writing). Many pursue graduate school in law or English. The verbal reasoning and communication skills English develops are versatile, though the major's career prospects depend heavily on the specific career path pursued.
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MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.