2023 Best Online English Degrees
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Online Degrees Courses Careers Concentrations Benefits
For those who love the written word, an online bachelor's degree in English may be the perfect choice. In addition to learning how to analyze all types of writing from many time periods and geographic regions, students develop a wealth of other marketable skills. Working individually and in teams, English majors learn to present their thoughts and ideas in an organized fashion, expand their cultural literacy, and master the art of research.
A bachelor's degree in English can be the first step on the path to becoming an author, technical writer, public relations specialist, editor, or many more options. Some students also use this degree as a foundation for an advanced degree, perhaps in writing, political science, or the law.
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Online English Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Arizona State University
Southern New Hampshire University Online
Annual Tuition: $9,600
5 Programs (view all)
Grand Canyon University
Annual Tuition: $17,800
2 Programs (view all)
2023 Best Online English Degrees
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $35,317 | ||
| American Public University System | 90 | $34,898 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 88 | $34,441 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 86 | $33,843 | |
| Arizona State University | 78 | $32,214 | |
| University of Minnesota Online | 73 | $31,451 | |
| University of Phoenix | 70 | $31,030 | |
| Washington State University | 62 | $29,808 | |
| University of Massachusetts - Lowell | 62 | $29,796 | |
| West Virginia State University | 61 | $29,654 |
2023 Online Colleges Offering Bachelor's Degrees
Ranking Details
#1 Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Salary Score: 91
- Median Starting Salary: $35,317
- Locations: Denver (CO)
- Accreditation: HLC
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), which is a public university, has been designated a Hispanic-serving institution. Students who want to earn an online Bachelor of Arts in English can opt for an additional concentration in literature, film, and media studies. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, which most full-time students achieve in four to five years. MSU Denver has a 59% acceptance rate and a 36% graduation rate.
This degree program includes courses in English literature, writing, linguistics, and diversity. Students enrolled in this online program can participate in the school's annual writing contest and annual undergraduate conference for English majors, and they may submit contributions to the school's literary magazine.
#2 American Public University System
- Salary Score: 90
- Median Starting Salary: $34,898
- Locations: Charles Town (WV)
- Accreditation: HLC
The American Public University System (APU) — a private, for-profit university — offers a Bachelor of Arts in English with optional concentrations in either literature or writing and communication. The degree requires 120 credit hours, and the school's year-round format structured on eight- to 16-week classes may allow some students to earn their degree in four years or less. APU accepts all applicants and has an 18% graduation rate.
All English majors take core courses in various literary periods and genres. Those pursuing the literature concentration take additional lit classes, such as Monsters, Heroes, Romance, and the Human Condition Through the Centuries, while those in the writing concentration explore creative writing, technical writing, and journalism.
#3 University of Maryland Global Campus
- Salary Score: 88
- Median Starting Salary: $34,441
- Locations: Adelphi (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Through the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), students can earn an online Bachelor of Arts in English with one of two optional areas of focus: American literature and British literature. The degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours, which some full-time students achieve in four years. This public institution accepts all applicants and has a graduation rate of 28%.
Some of the core courses in the program include Introduction to Women's Literature, Renaissance Literature, and Contemporary Global Literature. Major-related electives include African American Authors from 1900 to Present and Shakespeare Studies. English majors are also required to complete an advanced seminar in literature and writing. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in publishing, public relations, education, and more.
#4 Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Salary Score: 86
- Median Starting Salary: $33,843
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), which is a private, nonprofit institution, offers several online options for earning a degree in English. Students can select a Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature with optional concentrations in literature or professional writing; a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing & English with optional concentrations in screenwriting, poetry, nonfiction writing, or fiction writing; or a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies - Concentration in Writing and Creative Expression. All programs require 120 credit hours, which some full-time students complete in four to five years.
Depending on the program, courses cover various literary genres and periods as well as types of writing. Coursework is designed to help students develop their attention to detail, research abilities, and communication skills.
#5 Arizona State University
- Salary Score: 78
- Median Starting Salary: $32,214
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
Arizona State University (ASU), which is a public institution with extensive online programs, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English. Graduation requires the completion of 120 credit hours, which some students achieve in four to five years of full-time study. ASU has an 85% acceptance rate and a 52% graduation rate.
At ASU, students access their online courses through the Canvas learning management system. Composition, literary analysis, and English literature are among the core courses, and students must also fulfill a foreign language requirement. Graduates have pursued careers as communications specialists, writers, teachers, and more.
Overview
The best online degrees can help you prepare for a rewarding and lucrative career in any number of growing fields. The best online English programs fit the bill here as well — and for more reasons than one.
If you're on the fence about pursuing a bachelor's degree in English, you should learn about the different degree types available in this field, courses you'll take, and careers you can qualify for after you graduate. Read on to find out why online English degrees are so popular, plus how you can find the right college or university for your studies.
Can I Get an English Degree Online?
Unlike other areas of interest that may require in-person clinical training or lab time, the best online English programs are offered by an array of accredited schools in a fully online format. Many of the best online English bachelor's degree programs are even available from colleges and universities you have already heard of, including online schools that are highly respected for their rigorous academic standards. Some schools even offer the exact curriculum and coursework to online students as they do to students at their brick-and-mortar school locations.
This means that, yes, you can absolutely earn a bachelor's degree in English online and even on your own schedule, potentially. That said, you'll want to take the time to compare the best online English programs as well as the different degree types available in this field of study.
What Is the Difference Between a BA in English and BA in English Literature?
If you're trying to decide whether to major in literature or English, you should first decide on the areas of language you are personally most interested in. For example, those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Literature tend to focus on the study of literary themes and their impact throughout history, as well as famous literary authors and how their writings impacted the era in which they lived. Students who pursue this degree program will also spend time delving into historical texts, writing essays, and participating in discussions with their professors and peers.
English majors take literature courses as well, but they also study grammar, linguistics, and rhetoric. Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English also means studying the means of digital communication, including through social media and various online platforms. English degrees also emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which help students become more thoughtful, careful communicators once they enter the workforce.
How Quickly Can You Get an English Degree?
Earning a bachelor's degree in English typically requires four years of full-time study, but it's possible to graduate on a faster timeline. For example, some schools let students transfer existing college credits they have toward this degree, which helps them save both time and money. There are also accelerated program options, as well as self-paced learning, or asynchronous, options that let you complete your program at your own pace.
Also, note that many accredited institutions of higher learning take additional steps to make getting started easier, such as not requiring specific college entrance exams or a minimum GPA to apply.
Common Classes in an English Degree Online
The best online English degree bachelor's programs offer courses that adequately prepare students for the workforce. They do this by offering classes that are meant to bolster student's communication skills while building vital skill sets employers seek out in the hiring process.
Some of the most common courses for English majors include the following:
Communications
English majors need to learn effective communication skills that will be required in their future careers. This course introduces students to various communication concepts, such as context and messaging. Students also explore the history and development of the communication profession, plus how communication issues can be discovered and resolved.
Creative Writing
English students also need to take a creative writing course, which helps them tap into and develop their artistic and inventive side. This course forces students to put some of their most outrageous ideas on paper and use various storytelling techniques in order to bring curious tales to life. Students who take this course also learn the basic elements of most stories, including concepts like conflict, plot, resolution, and theme.
English Grammar
Grammar is the study of the proper use of words and punctuation in the English language. Students in this course learn how to properly formulate sentences as well as the most common grammar problems and how to avoid them. In addition to online lectures, this course can also include grammar exercises and quizzes meant to help students hone their skills.
Psychology
This course introduces students to the inner workings of the human mind as well as how psychology relates to the business world. Topics covered include the scientific method, history of psychology, and human development, to name a few. Students often walk away from this course with a greater understanding of people and how they operate and interact based on the environment around them.
Public Speaking
English majors also need to take a public speaking course, which teaches them communication techniques that translate well in front of an audience. Since public speaking is a common requirement in a number of professional fields, this course can help students gain the confidence they need to excel in the workplace. This class is offered entirely online, so students can learn how to effectively communicate in a virtual format using learning platforms, like Skype and Zoom.
Are you still undecided about pursuing an English degree? Check our our lists of the best online degrees in some similar fields: history, psychology, journalism, and creative writing.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in English?
An online English degree can lead to more careers than one might think and in many different industries. This is mainly due to the fact that English majors learn so many skills during their programs, which can include reading comprehension, effective communication, research skills, organizational skills, and empathy.
Some of the most common jobs for English majors include the following:
Editors
Editors use their knowledge of the English language in order to read content and check it for accuracy and grammatical errors. These professionals are also charged with fact-checking information before publication and assigning stories based on reader preferences or current events. While many editors work for newspapers, others work for professional organizations, publishing companies, and especially digital platforms that publish content.
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts use their research and comprehension skills in order to study the market conditions as they relate to the sales of a specific product or service. They tend to use various statistical software programs in order to do so, and they create predictive models and reports that help companies understand who will buy their products and when.
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
News analysts, reporters, and journalists report the news and other relevant information to audiences — whether through the written word, radio, television, or other means. They explore topics that may be assigned by an editor or discovered on their own, and they conduct research and interviews in order to get to the bottom of a story.
Technical Writers
Technical writers use their mastery of the English language in order to create how-to guides, manuals, and other types of content for consumers. This often requires them to consolidate complicated information in a way that is easy for regular people to read and understand. Technical writers may also study product samples in order to gain a full understanding of the material they need to create. While many technical writers find work in professional, scientific, and technical service industries, others work in manufacturing or publishing.
Writers and Authors
Writers and authors create all kinds of content for clients and self-publishing, which can include fiction and nonfiction scripts, advertising copy, short stories, essays, books, digital content, marketing content, and more. They may craft a project based on an outline supplied by a third party, but they might also create entirely new content on their own. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that well over half (62%) of writers and authors are self-employed, industries that hire writers include educational services, publishing companies, and other professional organizations.
English Degree Concentrations
If you decide to earn an English degree online, it's possible to choose from several concentrations that could help you get your foot in the door in a specific industry.
The following concentrations are just some examples of how you can tailor your online program to the field or industry you hope to enter later on:
Benefits of Choosing an Online English Degree
As you begin looking for the best online English programs, you may have a few nagging thoughts in your head. For example, is English a useless degree? And, does it make sense to pursue this specific degree program online?
Professionals with an English degree tend to find high levels of job satisfaction.
While the value of any degree is determined by how you use it, you should know that English degrees are incredibly common for a reason. Mastery of the English language is an important skill in several important fields, including communications, marketing, public relations, and more. Not only that, but English degrees directly correlate to a number of rewarding careers, such as those listed above.
Professionals with an English degree tend to find high levels of job satisfaction as well. For example, Career Explorer reports that authors experience "very high" levels of job satisfaction overall. In fact, job ratings from current authors put this job in the top 7% of all careers combined in terms of on-the-job happiness. Other English major jobs with high levels of job satisfaction include editors and television writers.
With all this being said, there are certainly some downsides that can come with pursuing an English degree online. For example, you'll need to have a certain amount of discipline and drive to complete a program at home and on your own.
Learning online can also come with specific challenges for people who need to network and build relationships in order to stay on task. For example, it can be difficult to connect with peers when you are learning virtually and only communicating with others via message boards and online chat.
Bottom Line
As you continue looking at online English degrees, you should make sure all institutions you're considering are fully accredited. This step ensures that you're only looking at high quality schools that offer this major and that you won't end up enrolling in an online school that is barely more than a diploma mill.
In the meantime, it never hurts to check out related degree programs, including bachelor's degree programs in creative writing and journalism. If you plan to pursue a terminal degree in this field of study, you should also explore the best online master's degree programs in English.
Finally, you'll want to learn as much as you can about financial aid opportunities that might apply to your program, such as grants, scholarships, and student loans.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 12/23/2022