Average IQ of English Literature majors

The average IQ of English Literature majors is estimated at about 120, higher than about 91% of people. The estimate comes from SAT and GRE score research. It describes a typical student, not a requirement: people in every major score well above and below it.

English Literature majors average about 120. What's yours?

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Key facts

Estimated average IQ
120
Basis
SAT and GRE correlation research, converted to the IQ scale
Dominant archetype
The Bard
Common traits
Verbal Intelligence, Empathy
Career paths
Editing, Writing, Teaching

English Literature next to other degrees

Estimated averages for the nine degrees nearest English Literature in our ranking of 51. Gaps of a few points are smaller than the error in the estimates.

DegreeEstimated IQHigher than
Biology12293% of people
Civil Engineering12293% of people
Political Science12192% of people
Architecture12091% of people
English Literature12091% of people
History12091% of people
Environmental Science11990% of people
International Relations11990% of people
Anthropology11888% of people

Check any score with the IQ percentile calculator or the IQ chart.

What studying English Literature is like

Choosing English Literature isn’t only about interest, it’s about temperament. The same curriculum can feel like flow to one person and chronic friction to another.

The hardest part of English Literature is not the content, it’s the feedback loop. You’re often judged by correctness, precision, and the ability to explain your reasoning.

Dominant archetype: The Bard. This archetype tends to be rewarded in the culture and study style of English Literature.

Common traits include Verbal Intelligence and Empathy. Typical career paths include Editing, Writing, and Teaching.

Jobs for English Literature graduates

  • TeacherIQ evidence and demands for the role

English Literature: common questions

What is the average IQ of English Literature majors?

Estimated average IQ is about 120. This is a rough proxy derived from standardized-test correlations; it’s not a hard requirement for success.

Is English Literature hard?

It’s hard if the feedback loop taxes your weaknesses. If you enjoy deep focus and structured problem-solving, the same workload can feel manageable, sometimes even enjoyable.

What kind of person enjoys English Literature?

Common traits include Verbal Intelligence and Empathy.

What careers can English Literature lead to?

Typical career paths include Editing, Writing, and Teaching.

English Literature majors average about 120. What's yours?

Interest and effort decide how a degree goes, not an IQ number. Your score is one more piece of self-knowledge to bring to the choice.

Take the IQ test

25 questions · about 12 minutes

Sources

  1. Frey, M. C., & Detterman, D. K. (2004). Scholastic Assessment or g? The relationship between the Scholastic Assessment Test and general cognitive ability. Psychological Science, 15(6), 373-378.

Estimates describe groups, not individuals. Last reviewed January 2025.