Degrees in the Field of English
The complex field of English can include studies in rhetoric, literature, communication, and creative writing. To major in English, undergraduates usually need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, success in relevant coursework, and strong recommendation letters.
Online English degree curricula often vary according to enrollees' career goals and chosen concentrations. Learners interested in writing careers often study composition and rhetoric, journalism, or creative writing. Aspiring English teachers usually use their bachelor's degrees to qualify for graduate school.
Earning an English degree online can support careers in communication, editing, marketing, or education. English programs cultivate advanced reading, analysis, and writing skills useful in many contexts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a median annual salary of $63,400 for editors and $67,120 for writers. The BLS projects jobs for writers to grow 9% from 2020-2030, but job growth for editors to grow slower than average in the same time. The BLS also projects jobs for technical writers to grow 12%. These professionals earn median annual salaries of $74,650.
Why Get an English Degree?
Online English degrees offer many benefits, including advanced skills in reading, writing, and analysis. Enrollees can make useful professional connections in these programs. See below for descriptions of key English degree advantages.
Most English courses require enrollees to write papers, and most English professors offer expert-level writing feedback. Some English programs also feature courses or curriculum tracks cultivating professional communication skills.
English bachelor's students develop and demonstrate strong analytical reading, writing, and speaking skills. An English degree prepares learners for graduate school, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, arts, and legal disciplines.
Many English programs focus on literary analysis, teaching participants to read closely, think critically, and explore various theoretical lenses. These skills prove useful in careers with considerable reading or writing responsibilities.
Most literature offers powerful insights into human nature, cultures, and societies. By studying literature, English students also learn about history, philosophy, critical theory, and psychology.
Many bachelor's programs encourage enrollees to complete internships. These hands-on experiences build skills and support connections with potential employers and colleagues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online English Degrees
What kind of jobs can you get with an English degree?
Many English majors become writers or pursue additional schooling to become teachers. However, graduates with relevant internships or professional experience also obtain jobs in marketing, communication, or public relations.
What's the difference between an English degree and 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.
Do English majors make good money?
Yes. English majors average $66,000 annually, according to Dec. 2021 .
Is majoring in English worth it?
Yes. An English degree often benefits students planning on law school or graduate school in the humanities disciplines.
What Are the Goals of an English Degree?
Students interested in English can pursue bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of liberal arts degrees in this discipline. Additional options include bachelor of fine arts or bachelor of education degrees with concentrations in English. Prospective students should pursue the degree type most suited to their career goals. Most English programs include core courses in composition, English language history, and literature survey courses.
Many bachelor's programs offer curriculum concentration options aligned with particular career paths such as teaching, writing, business, or media. Common online English degree concentrations include American literature, British literature, and medieval and Renaissance studies. Many programs also offer specializations in women's and gender studies, ethnic studies, film studies, and literary or critical theory.
What Are the Requirements for an English Degree?
First-year applicants to English degree online programs usually 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 writing standardized test sections. Transfer students and applicants to the major often need prerequisite coursework, strong recommendation letters, and writing samples.
To graduate with an online bachelor's degree in English, enrollees typically complete around 120 credits. 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
Affordable online English degrees can support many career endeavors in nonprofit, industry, and law or governmental sectors. Many English majors use their bachelor's degrees to prepare for teaching certification or to enter graduate school. However, as strong communicators, English degree graduates also possess relevant skills for careers in writing, editing, marketing, and public relations. See below for descriptions of two lucrative career paths for English majors.
Technical Writer
These writers produce copy for technical documents, including guides, instruction manuals, and training manuals. Technical writers usually collaborate with various other staff to complete their projects. Technical writer jobs often require an English or communication-related bachelor's degree or related experience.
Median Annual Salary: $74,650
Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030): 12%
Public Relations Specialists
This career involves creating public communication such as social media programs, media releases, speeches, and interviews. Also known as communication or media specialists, public relations specialists inform the public about organizational decisions, services, and projects.
Median Annual Salary: $62,810
Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030): 11%
Most Affordable Online English Degrees 2022
#1 Best Online English Degrees
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a flexible education should check out the bachelor of arts in English at Florida International University. A total of 39,863 online learners receive a premier education from the public college, choosing from 36 virtual bachelor's programs.
The bachelor's in English program gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the English field. Classes provide enrollees with broad knowledge, covering both foundational and advanced subjects. If applicable to their career goals, degree-seekers can participate in experiential learning opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of the industry. Learners can benefit from internships and externships, or industry-specific research projects. Throughout the program, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.
Eligible applicants can pursue scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities from within or outside of the school to help lower degree costs. A total of 90% of enrollees at the college receive financial aid from the leader in distance learning.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online English Degrees
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Orlando-based University of Central Florida provides flexible education opportunities for all kinds of degree-seekers interested in the public institution. The school offers its 41,097 distance learners 19 remote bachelor's programs. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor's in English - creative writing is a great choice for learners planning to start a career in English or a related field.
Degree-seekers benefit by connecting with top faculty members and engaging with supportive peers. In a virtual classroom space, students complete coursework and projects that advance their personal and professional goals. Learners can participate in internships, externships, and research projects led by faculty members. Enrollees can work with their faculty advisor to customize their coursework, select electives, and fit their program to their interests.
An education at the college is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. Eligible students can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. Lowering educational expenses is easier for the 92% of enrollees who receive some kind of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online English Degrees
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The public institution enrolls 3,006 learners remotely in its 12 online bachelor’s programs. The bachelor of arts in English program provides a rigorous education.
The English program's online learning environment connects enrollees with colleagues and instructors, allowing them to fully benefit from the supportive remote community. Classes covering foundational and advanced topics in English provide learners with relevant knowledge for their future careers in the field. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help degree candidates strengthen their competency for a future profession in English. Degree-seekers get access to academic advising, career counseling, and other institutional resources focused on student success during the course of the program.
When preparing for the costs of an English degree, students should meet with the financial aid office to discuss funding opportunities. The college offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid opportunities. In all, 96% of all students receive some form of aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online English Degrees
University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Maine at Presque Isle features a bachelor's in English degree that is a great choice for students wanting a flexible online education in English. The public institution's 597 virtual degree-seekers can choose from 10 remote bachelor's programs with industry relevance. A supportive virtual community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners.
Students in the English program gain knowledge relevant to the industry from immersive classes. The curriculum includes general education and advanced courses. Learners can modify classes and choose electives. Enrollees supplement their education with hands-on learning experiences. Getting first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the English field is possible for degree-seekers who complete internships, externships, or research projects.
Prospective students should meet with the admissions office to discuss enrollment requirements. Financial aid is awarded to 91% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they qualify. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities to offset their degree's cost.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online English Degrees
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls State University offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The public institution's 3,388 online learners can choose from nine virtual bachelor's programs. The bachelor of arts in English program provides a rigorous, industry-relevant education.
Degree-seekers can take advantage of a supportive virtual learning community by connecting with peers and faculty in a remote classroom environment. Classes cover foundational and advanced topics to prepare enrollees with relevant knowledge for their future careers in English. Internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities help learners practice hands-on skills. The institution provides degree-seekers with access to student success-focused resources, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.
Students can defray some of their English degree costs through funding opportunities found with the help of a financial aid officer. The college features many different scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid opportunities. Of all enrollees, 96% get some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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