There are over 1.7 million people with English degrees currently employed in the United States. Of these, 64% are employed in related fields, including education, library science, media, and business operations — and 46% have obtained an advanced degree.
The best online English degrees prepare graduates to succeed in diverse careers, including editor, writer, technical writer, and public relations specialist.
Continue reading to learn more about English program expectations and requirements to earn an English major online, as well as some of the most common career options and median salaries.
Bachelor's in English: Program Expectations
If you're interested in pursuing a bachelor's in English, you should be prepared to learn about critical thinking, literary works, and writing in different styles, including creative, business, and journalism.
Here's a quick look into what you might expect:
The average completion time for a bachelor's in English is four years.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply to an English program.
There can be flexibility in your coursework depending on how you plan to use your degree.
Students with a knack for critical thinking, research, and communication can benefit from an English degree.
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Best Online English Degrees of 2023
What Are the Goals of an English Degree?
Pursuing an English degree may be a great choice for you if you enjoy reading, writing, and communicating information. During your degree program, you'll have the opportunity to take a wide array of courses depending on your interests — from literary works to grant writing to public relations.
In addition to developing your writing and editing skills, you'll learn about the importance of attention to detail and hone your research and communication skills.
There are more job opportunities with an English degree than you might think. You can become a writer across different industries or a teacher, or you may even find a career in the arts and entertainment industry.
What Are the Requirements for an English Degree?
You'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA. Some schools also look for above-average scores on verbal and written standardized test sections.
Transfer students and applicants to the major often need prerequisite coursework, strong recommendation letters, and writing samples.
You'll complete around 120 credits in an online bachelor's degree in English program. Curricula usually combine general education coursework, core English courses, and specialization-related electives.
Core requirements often include a capstone thesis or internship.
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Career and Salary Outlook for English Majors
An English degree most commonly leads to a career in writing and editing, but there are options in business and education as well. A graduate degree is required if you plan to teach at the college level.
Here are some other common career choices for English majors. All salaries and job outlook data below come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates instructional documents — including manuals, user guides, and other forms of technical instructions — that help communicate complex information easily.
To become a technical writer, you should be comfortable with research, user testing, and interviewing subject matter experts, using that information to write your documentation.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$78,060
Job Outlook6% increase from 2021-2031
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies consumer habits and market conditions to organize and create reports that can help drive business decisions. This allows companies to understand the products people want and at what price they want them.
For this role, you must be comfortable conducting surveys, handling statistical data, and generating suggestions based on the market.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$63,920
Job Outlook19% increase from 2021-2031
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists manage the communication of a business, organization, or individual. In this role, you'll be required to write press releases and other media materials. You may also manage events and develop relationships with the media.
To be successful in this career, you should have strong communication skills and be comfortable working with the public.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$62,800
Job Outlook8% increase from 2021-2031
Editor
Editors review and revise written material for media such as websites, books, magazines, and newspapers. As an editor, you need to have a sharp eye for grammar and concise language.
You should also feel comfortable guiding the editorial process, making decisions, and providing writers with feedback.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$63,350
Job Outlook5% decrease from 2021-2031
Writer
Writers work on a variety of publications, including newspaper and magazine articles, scripts, or web copy. You should have a background in gathering research and fact-checking. You also have to be able to turn that information into language readers find useful and engaging.
Additionally, you must be comfortable working with editors and agents to accept feedback on your work and make revisions if required.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$69,510
Job Outlook4% increase from 2021-2031
Frequently Asked Questions About Online English Degrees
How long does it take to earn a degree in English?
It takes approximately four years to earn an English degree if you plan to attend school full time. If you plan to go on and earn an advanced degree, it will take you longer.
Is getting a degree in English worth it?
If you enjoy reading, writing, and communicating, then it may be worth it for you to pursue an English degree. Plus, many of the skills you learn during your degree can be applied to a variety of fields, such as marketing, PR, and education.
Can you earn an accelerated English degree?
Yes. In fact, you can choose an accelerated online program and earn your degree in as little as two years. However, an accelerated degree usually requires taking a heavier course load and/or taking summer classes.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a degree in English?
The highest-paying jobs for graduates with a degree in English include advertising, promotion, and marketing managers, who earned a median annual salary of $133,380 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
What's the difference between an English degree and a communication degree?
Communication degrees usually provide better preparation for professional careers in media, public relations, sales, or politics. English degrees often suit aspiring teachers and writers.
