English Degree Guide
- What Is an English Degree
- English Degrees: Associate to Doctorate
- What to Know Before Applying
- What Can You Do With an English Degree?
- Cost of an English Degree
- FAQs
If you love the written word and wish to deepen your understanding of the English language, an English degree could be right for you.
English helps millions of people worldwide communicate each day. In an English degree program, you gain an essential understanding of how the language developed, functions, and continues to change.
An English degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of linguistics, grammar, writing, and literary analysis. Enrollees explore the English language and its applications while learning about the fundamentals of writing.
What Is an English Degree?
English degrees focus on the study of English literature, including poetry, prose, and nonfiction. Specialized concentrations in English may explore other topics, like linguistics or technical writing, to focus on how we use language to communicate and create meaning.
In an English degree program, you’ll learn how to craft compelling arguments, write creative prose, and critically analyze texts, all skills that can prepare you for a career in publishing, education, or marketing. The next sections detail the most common types of English degrees and focus areas.
Types of English Degrees and Concentration Areas
Many schools offer English degrees with different emphases and levels of study, so you should think about your educational interests and career goals before settling on a program. Some concentrations relate to career paths, such as education or technical writing. Others focus on a specific area of study. Some popular English concentrations include:
- Creative writing
- Cultural studies
- English teaching
- Film and media studies
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Technical writing
Reality Check: Can I Get An English Degree Online?
Yes, you can get an English degree online. Online English degrees offer the same courses as campus programs, often taught by the same professors. However, online learning gives you more scheduling flexibility, letting you take classes without ever visiting campus.
Many online programs offer courses asynchronously, meaning you don’t have to log in for class at any specific time. Instead, you’ll complete coursework at your own pace.
English Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate
You should consider your interests and professional goals before deciding on an English degree. Undergraduate degrees in English build foundational knowledge on reading, writing, literature, and linguistics, whereas graduate degrees tend to focus on specific aspects of the subject, such as creative writing or teaching English as a second language.
Associate Degree in English
- Program Length: 2 years
- Potential Jobs: Teacher’s aide, customer service representative, administrative assistant
An associate degree in English typically requires two years of study, during which you’ll complete coursework in English composition, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and public speaking. Many of the country’s best community colleges offer associate degrees in English.
With an associate degree in English, you can find employment as a sales representative, administrative assistant, or teacher’s aide. The curriculum also provides a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in English or other related disciplines.
Bachelor’s Degree in English
- Program Length: 4 years
- Potential Jobs: K-12 teacher, ESL instructor, publisher, copy editor, technical writer
Undergraduate coursework in English builds writing, reading, and communication skills that are essential for careers in many fields. Earning a bachelor’s degree in English can lead to employment as an English teacher, technical writer, content manager, or public relations specialist. English bachelor’s degrees also establish the necessary academic foundation to pursue graduate study.
Most bachelor’s degrees in English require four years of full-time enrollment. You complete introductory classes before moving into advanced or specialized subjects. Some bachelor’s degrees offer concentrations in literature, technical writing, or English education. Many bachelor’s degrees in English, particularly those that emphasize creative writing, also teach writing workshops.
Master’s Degree in English
- Program Length: 2 years
- Potential Jobs: High school teacher, community college professor, senior editor or writer
A master’s degree in English typically takes 1-2 years to complete and builds advanced skills in writing, research, and critical analysis. You’ll take lecture and seminar courses focused on literature, English theory, and practical applications. Many programs offer concentrations in areas like creative writing, rhetoric, English education, or business communication.
These specializations can prepare you for a career in teaching, editing, technical writing, or public relations, or even for a leadership role in education or communications. If you’re aiming to deepen your expertise or pursue a doctorate, a master’s in English can help get you there.
Doctorate in English
- Program Length: 4-5 years
- Potential Jobs: College professor, academic researcher or writer, senior publisher, managing editor
A doctorate in English should take 4-7 years to complete, but it can take even longer depending on the research topic and the amount of funding procured. Upon passing your qualifying exams, you’ll write a thesis and work on advanced research projects in the subject.
Most Ph.D. candidates specialize in a certain area of English, such as English in a specific geographic area or time period, literary theory, or media and digital studies. Doctoral graduates often teach at colleges and universities, but this degree can also lead to a career as a managing editor, public relations manager, or media executive.
What to Consider Before Applying to an English Program
You have many factors to consider when researching English degrees, including accreditation, concentration options, and admissions requirements. It’s always a good idea to reach out to different schools and find out what their English programs can offer you.
Accreditation for English Programs
You should always ensure a school’s accreditation status before deciding on a program. Most colleges and universities in the United States hold regional or national accreditation. Regionally accredited universities are typically more prestigious than nationally accredited ones.
National and regional accreditation apply to entire colleges and universities, but some degrees and departments may have additional programmatic accreditation that is conferred by independent agencies. The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation accredits English degrees.
Ensure Your English Concentration Area Is Offered
Always look over a school’s English concentration options, especially if you have a specific field of study in mind. Most programs offer a concentration in English literature, but specialized areas like cultural studies or creative writing may be harder to find.
If a school doesn’t offer your concentration of choice, you still may be able to take related classes. Talk to faculty or advisors about potential course options outside of the main curriculum.
Admission Requirements
To apply to an undergraduate English program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Many schools also require you to submit SAT or ACT scores. More selective programs may require a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a high GPA.
At the graduate level, programs usually have more rigorous application requirements. For most programs, you’ll need to submit a writing sample that shows faculty you’re ready for graduate work. Your personal statement also needs to discuss more specifically your professional and research goals.
What Can You Do With an English Degree?
An English degree can lead to professional opportunities in education, publishing, journalism, and business. If you’re interested in working in the publishing, marketing, or journalism industries, you may benefit from completing an internship or two during your studies.
While many English majors take traditional career paths, an English degree also prepares you with the communication and writing skills to succeed in research and technology, government service, and public administration. You can also increase your employment opportunities by taking classes or minoring in another discipline.
| 8 English Major Careers | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Projected Job Growth (2023-33) | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interpreter and Translator | $59,440 | 2% | Bachelor’s |
| Newspaper Publisher | $59,600 | -3% | Bachelor’s |
| Writer and Author | $72,270 | 5% | Bachelor’s |
| Editor | $75,260 | -2% | Bachelor’s |
| Technical Writer | $91,670 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | $159,660 | 8% | Bachelors |
| High School English Teacher | $64,580 | -1% | Bachelor’s or Master’s |
| College English Professor | $83,980 | 8% | Doctorate |
English Degree Salary
Salaries vary among English majors based on level of education, career path, and work experience. The top-earning roles for students with an English degree are in advertising, promotions, and marketing.
Teaching English is a common career choice among English majors. Teachers across all grade levels earned a median annual salary of over $64,000 in 2024, according to the BLS.
How Much Does an English Degree Cost?
As the chart below demonstrates, online bachelor’s in English degrees cost about $2,500 less, on average, than campus-based programs. At the graduate level, tuition rates at public colleges are similar to undergraduate programs.
Keep in mind that tuition rates vary widely among institutions. Private schools typically charge higher tuition than public schools. Community colleges, which may only offer associate degrees, usually charge the lowest tuition rates.
| Degree Level | Online English Programs | Traditional, On-Campus English Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | N/A | $1,672 |
| Bachelor’s | $9,315 | $11,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions About English Degrees
An English degree builds skills in communication and critical thinking, making English graduates desirable to many employers. While salary levels for English majors may lag behind those in some higher-paying fields, English degrees can lead to a wider variety of career pathways.
If you enjoy reading and writing and want a versatile degree that doesn’t lock you into a specific career path, an English degree could be a practical choice.
