Best Online English Degrees

An online bachelor’s degree in English may include concentrations in areas like literature, communications, and technical writing. Some programs may focus on the technical aspects of the English language, preparing graduates to work as editors or technical writers, while others may emphasize creative writing, training students to work as authors or screenwriters. Most English programs require significant reading, writing, and discussion to encourage critical thinking.

The curricula for bachelor’s in English degrees varies by program, but most programs focus on building a foundation in English and American literature through interdisciplinary studies. Students may explore written composition, different types of literature, and literary criticism. The following list outlines common courses found in online English programs.

This course examines how to properly use the English language in written communication, covering conventions like grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Coursework trains students to write fluently, accurately, and effectively in English.

Linguistics courses explore the structure and meaning of language, studying how language is used by native speakers through phonetics, semantics, and syntax. These courses teach students to understand and describe how people use language to communicate.

Often split into various periods throughout history, such as pre- and post-19th-century, the typical BA in English includes a broad survey of English literature, emphasizing quintessential authors like Shakespeare. Most BAs also cover American literature from influential historical periods.

When researching prospective schools, students should always look for a school’s accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Schools may hold regional or national accreditation. National accreditation typically applies to for-profit vocational and technical schools, while regional accreditation applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only recognize degrees and credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers require or prefer candidates to hold an accredited degree. Students can verify a school’s accreditation status through the Department of Education’s database.

Graduates with a bachelor’s in English can work in a variety of industries, such as communications, publishing, and journalism. They can also work as educators, interpreters, and translators. The following list outlines several common careers and potential salaries for graduates.

Graduates with an English degree can work as writers, authors, editors, interpreters and translators, and public relations or communications professionals. They can also work as social media specialists, copywriters, or technical writers.

Graduates can pursue most entry-level writing and editing positions. They can also further their education with a graduate degree, expanding career opportunities.

The typical bachelor’s degree in English takes four years of full-time study to complete; however, many online English degrees offer accelerated schedules, which may allow students to graduate in 2-3 years.

Schools may offer a BA or a BS in English. The BS emphasizes technical coursework, while the BA incorporates more liberal arts requirements.

English degrees may also be called English lit, literature, or creative writing degrees.

While salaries vary by location, job, and experience, technical writers earn some of the highest average wages among graduates with a bachelor’s degree in English. They earn a median salary of $79,960.