Best Online English Degree Programs of 2025
An English degree can prepare you for a wide variety of jobs — and an online English program can help you develop the skills needed for them.
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Many English majors can relate to the pressure of well-meaning relatives and friends asking them, “What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in English?” Well, this resource will help you answer that question.
You can do a wide variety of things with a bachelor’s degree in English. With so many options, you won’t be limited to just a writing career. A degree in English can help you improve your writing, communication, research, and analytical skills, which are all useful soft skills in the job market.
Read on to learn more about career tracks, salaries, what to expect from an English degree program, and more.
Best Online English Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,368
$22,467
43%
9%
Why We Chose This School
UCF's BA program in English literature develops critical thinkers and effective communicators. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online at your own pace. The curriculum covers topics such as American literature, gothic literature, and the theory and practice of creative writing. You'll also learn how world events impact literature.
We like that you can use generous elective credits to pursue your areas of interest. Through an elective, you can build applicable job skills such as writing for technical professionals. You may also want to consider nature writing or a creative nonfiction workshop.
Highlights
- Relatively affordable in-state tuition
- 92.3% retention rate
- Strong support for online students
Know Before You Apply
- 58.7% graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
$6,916
$25,759
92%
68,842
Public
Yes
$6,368
$22,467
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,368
$22,467
43%
9%
$6,916
$25,759
92%
68,842
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UCF's BA program in English literature develops critical thinkers and effective communicators. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online at your own pace. The curriculum covers topics such as American literature, gothic literature, and the theory and practice of creative writing. You'll also learn how world events impact literature.
We like that you can use generous elective credits to pursue your areas of interest. Through an elective, you can build applicable job skills such as writing for technical professionals. You may also want to consider nature writing or a creative nonfiction workshop.
Highlights
- Relatively affordable in-state tuition
- 92.3% retention rate
- Strong support for online students
Know Before You Apply
- 58.7% graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,850
$34,676
85%
39%
Why We Chose This School
UMass Lowell's BA in English is a very customizable and flexible program. You'll complete 120 credits covering core subjects like the British and American literary traditions.
We like that you can customize the fully online BA using a generous number of electives. You can learn skills such as business writing and/or writing for new media. Aspiring authors can explore genres such as comedy, horror, or science fiction and fantasy.
Plus, you can finish this degree faster by transferring in credits, such as from an associate degree.
Highlights
- Complete in as little as 12-36 months
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 70% six-year graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 47% four-year graduation rate
$14,956
$27,030
82%
16,959
Public
Yes
$15,850
$34,676
Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,850
$34,676
85%
39%
$14,956
$27,030
82%
16,959
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UMass Lowell's BA in English is a very customizable and flexible program. You'll complete 120 credits covering core subjects like the British and American literary traditions.
We like that you can customize the fully online BA using a generous number of electives. You can learn skills such as business writing and/or writing for new media. Aspiring authors can explore genres such as comedy, horror, or science fiction and fantasy.
Plus, you can finish this degree faster by transferring in credits, such as from an associate degree.
Highlights
- Complete in as little as 12-36 months
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 70% six-year graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 47% four-year graduation rate
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,000
$33,200
77%
54%
Why We Chose This School
The online BA program in English at Mizzou teaches the fundamentals of language and literature with opportunities for specialization. You'll explore key areas like creative writing and language and linguistics.
You can specialize in a variety of areas, such as 20th- and 21st-century literature or film and digital studies. We like that you can design your own area of study with advisor approval.
Participants complete a capstone writing intensive that develops research skills and career readiness. Transfer credits can help you earn your BA faster. Mizzou is a leader in online learning and supports student success.
Highlights
- Robust virtual college
- Rich selection of electives
- Transfer up to 60 credits
Know Before You Apply
- More expensive than many other programs on this ranking
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
$10,447
$28,605
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
$13,000
$33,200
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,000
$33,200
77%
54%
$10,447
$28,605
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The online BA program in English at Mizzou teaches the fundamentals of language and literature with opportunities for specialization. You'll explore key areas like creative writing and language and linguistics.
You can specialize in a variety of areas, such as 20th- and 21st-century literature or film and digital studies. We like that you can design your own area of study with advisor approval.
Participants complete a capstone writing intensive that develops research skills and career readiness. Transfer credits can help you earn your BA faster. Mizzou is a leader in online learning and supports student success.
Highlights
- Robust virtual college
- Rich selection of electives
- Transfer up to 60 credits
Know Before You Apply
- More expensive than many other programs on this ranking
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
Washington State University
Pullman, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,976
$27,052
85%
28%
Why We Chose This School
WSU's BA program in English can help you prepare for a career in professional and technical writing. You'll learn writing and editing skills you can apply to a variety of positions.
WSU delivers the program entirely online and offers two tracks. We like that you can choose the rhetoric and professional writing specialization. You can also opt to design your own specialization to include complementary areas of interest.
We also like that you can get hands-on experience and earn internship credit as an online student. The department's Blood Orange Review is a nationally recognized literary journal that can also showcase your work.
Highlights
- Credits for practical experience
- Add-on certificates like professional science and technology writing
- Transfer-friendly college
Know Before You Apply
- 37.1% four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
$12,366
$27,163
81%
26,490
Public
Yes
$10,976
$27,052
Pullman, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,976
$27,052
85%
28%
$12,366
$27,163
81%
26,490
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
WSU's BA program in English can help you prepare for a career in professional and technical writing. You'll learn writing and editing skills you can apply to a variety of positions.
WSU delivers the program entirely online and offers two tracks. We like that you can choose the rhetoric and professional writing specialization. You can also opt to design your own specialization to include complementary areas of interest.
We also like that you can get hands-on experience and earn internship credit as an online student. The department's Blood Orange Review is a nationally recognized literary journal that can also showcase your work.
Highlights
- Credits for practical experience
- Add-on certificates like professional science and technology writing
- Transfer-friendly college
Know Before You Apply
- 37.1% four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$7,666
$26,690
72%
36%
Why We Chose This School
Consider U of A's BA in English for its affordability and sweeping curriculum. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online. Students take core classes and choose a concentration in creative writing or rhetoric and writing studies.
You can also design a concentration that cultivates your understanding of literature and culture. We like that all online learners pay low in-state tuition. U of A's support services include academic coaching, 24/7 tutoring, and access to an online student union.
Virtual international internships offer a unique opportunity to work with international organizations without the need to travel.
Highlights
- Lower-than-average tuition
- Generous elective credit
- Strong support for online learners
Know Before You Apply
- 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 70% four-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
$7,875
$21,420
86%
32,140
Public
Yes
$7,666
$26,690
Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$7,666
$26,690
72%
36%
$7,875
$21,420
86%
32,140
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Consider U of A's BA in English for its affordability and sweeping curriculum. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online. Students take core classes and choose a concentration in creative writing or rhetoric and writing studies.
You can also design a concentration that cultivates your understanding of literature and culture. We like that all online learners pay low in-state tuition. U of A's support services include academic coaching, 24/7 tutoring, and access to an online student union.
Virtual international internships offer a unique opportunity to work with international organizations without the need to travel.
Highlights
- Lower-than-average tuition
- Generous elective credit
- Strong support for online learners
Know Before You Apply
- 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 70% four-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
63%
Why We Chose This School
Texas Tech's BA program in English can prepare you for a variety of careers. You'll complete a core curriculum and choose a concentration like creative writing or English literature. We like that the teaching concentration may qualify you for a provisional teaching certificate, depending on state requirements.
If you plan to teach in high school, you can choose a minor in secondary education. This option provides one semester of student teaching in the senior year.
Texas Tech's online students can study abroad just like their on-campus peers. Online learners receive support like virtual tutoring, student success specialists, and mental health services.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Teacher preparation option
- All students complete a minor
Know Before You Apply
- 48.8% four-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
- Limited access to professors
$6,956
$15,136
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
$8,934
$21,174
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
63%
$6,956
$15,136
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Texas Tech's BA program in English can prepare you for a variety of careers. You'll complete a core curriculum and choose a concentration like creative writing or English literature. We like that the teaching concentration may qualify you for a provisional teaching certificate, depending on state requirements.
If you plan to teach in high school, you can choose a minor in secondary education. This option provides one semester of student teaching in the senior year.
Texas Tech's online students can study abroad just like their on-campus peers. Online learners receive support like virtual tutoring, student success specialists, and mental health services.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Teacher preparation option
- All students complete a minor
Know Before You Apply
- 48.8% four-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
- Limited access to professors
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
Why We Chose This School
Maryville's online BA in English blends theoretical learning and hands-on experience. You'll take courses like writing across disciplines and advanced creative writing. Students also learn professional writing skills applicable to a variety of fields.
The degree is customizable to include teacher preparation. We like that all students can get practical experience through research- and project-based online courses and internships.
Maryville is a leader in online education. Online students receive strong support such as academic tutoring, personal coaching, and life coaching. The institution offers many top-ranked programs and is military-friendly.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Ability to choose a minor
- Transfer-friendly, including military credit
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 94% acceptance rate
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
$24,766
$24,766
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
94%
83%
$14,346
$14,346
83%
9,883
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Maryville's online BA in English blends theoretical learning and hands-on experience. You'll take courses like writing across disciplines and advanced creative writing. Students also learn professional writing skills applicable to a variety of fields.
The degree is customizable to include teacher preparation. We like that all students can get practical experience through research- and project-based online courses and internships.
Maryville is a leader in online education. Online students receive strong support such as academic tutoring, personal coaching, and life coaching. The institution offers many top-ranked programs and is military-friendly.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Ability to choose a minor
- Transfer-friendly, including military credit
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 94% acceptance rate
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,645
$19,410
84%
83%
Why We Chose This School
UIS's BA in English prioritizes a customizable curriculum to accommodate your career goals. You'll complete a core curriculum with courses like early American literature and research methods in English studies.
We like that you can choose from a robust suite of elective courses. Students can explore various genres such as nonfiction, comedy, and books for children and young adults. Students can also learn practical skills like professional writing and editing, including writing for new media.
UIS is transfer-friendly, allowing you to finish the BA faster with prior credits.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Generous elective credit
- 76% four-year graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 84% acceptance rate
$8,858
$16,408
81%
4,661
Public
Yes
$9,645
$19,410
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,645
$19,410
84%
83%
$8,858
$16,408
81%
4,661
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UIS's BA in English prioritizes a customizable curriculum to accommodate your career goals. You'll complete a core curriculum with courses like early American literature and research methods in English studies.
We like that you can choose from a robust suite of elective courses. Students can explore various genres such as nonfiction, comedy, and books for children and young adults. Students can also learn practical skills like professional writing and editing, including writing for new media.
UIS is transfer-friendly, allowing you to finish the BA faster with prior credits.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Generous elective credit
- 76% four-year graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 84% acceptance rate
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA2 yearCampus + Online
$38,644
$38,644
78%
59%
Why We Chose This School
Aspiring teachers may want to consider BVU's online bachelor's in English to meet certification eligibility requirements. The curriculum includes a traditional English major that covers topics like American, British, and world literature.
We like that the major in English with teaching licensure 5-12 includes an education core and secondary education requirements.
You can earn this bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years via BVU's Plus One program. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of where they live.
Highlights
- 68.7% online student retention rate
- Relatively affordable tuition
- Transfer agreements with more than 10 community colleges
Know Before You Apply
- 57.5% online student four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
$9,936
$9,936
76%
1,290
Private
Yes
$38,644
$38,644
Storm Lake, IA2 yearCampus + Online
$38,644
$38,644
78%
59%
$9,936
$9,936
76%
1,290
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Aspiring teachers may want to consider BVU's online bachelor's in English to meet certification eligibility requirements. The curriculum includes a traditional English major that covers topics like American, British, and world literature.
We like that the major in English with teaching licensure 5-12 includes an education core and secondary education requirements.
You can earn this bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years via BVU's Plus One program. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of where they live.
Highlights
- 68.7% online student retention rate
- Relatively affordable tuition
- Transfer agreements with more than 10 community colleges
Know Before You Apply
- 57.5% online student four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
Columbia College
Columbia, MO2 yearCampus + Online
$12,140
$12,140
58%
78%
Why We Chose This School
Columbia College's bachelor's in English program offers the choice of a literature or creative writing emphasis. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online with a core curriculum that depends on your emphasis choice.
Creative writing students take core courses exploring fiction, poetry, and nonfiction genres. Literature students explore topics like British and American literature. We like that you have a strong collection of elective courses from which to choose regardless of your emphasis.
Students can pursue internship opportunities available to all online learners. Columbia College has been delivering programs online for more than 20 years.
Highlights
- Many general electives to choose from
- One of the cheaper programs on this ranking
Know Before You Apply
- 48% four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
$8,826
$8,826
76%
952
Private
Yes
$12,140
$12,140
Columbia, MO2 yearCampus + Online
$12,140
$12,140
58%
78%
$8,826
$8,826
76%
952
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Columbia College's bachelor's in English program offers the choice of a literature or creative writing emphasis. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online with a core curriculum that depends on your emphasis choice.
Creative writing students take core courses exploring fiction, poetry, and nonfiction genres. Literature students explore topics like British and American literature. We like that you have a strong collection of elective courses from which to choose regardless of your emphasis.
Students can pursue internship opportunities available to all online learners. Columbia College has been delivering programs online for more than 20 years.
Highlights
- Many general electives to choose from
- One of the cheaper programs on this ranking
Know Before You Apply
- 48% four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in English?
An English degree can help prepare you for careers beyond writing and teaching — you’ll develop a keen eye for detail, rhetoric and analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and reading comprehension, which are necessary to succeed in areas such as communication, business, and the nonprofit sector.
Depending on the field you choose, your salary can range widely, from around $35,000 on the lower end to over $150,000 on the higher end. In government, you can make $64,160 as a fundraising coordinator, while in the corporate world you can earn six figures as a human resource manager.
Your career options are versatile — you can be an editor, a marketing consultant, or even a financial aid counselor. Even in traditional writing roles, there are different routes you can take: As a speechwriter, you may write stirring and memorable speeches for politicians, or you can be responsible for disseminating important news to thousands, if not millions, of people as a journalist.
Adding technical skills, subject knowledge, and additional career experience into the mix can also add to your value and help you cross industries with more success.
Note: An asterisk (*) denotes that the figure shows the average salary and not the median.
| Job | Median Salary (2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Assistant | $41,650* | N/A |
| Journalist, News Anchors, Critic | $60,280 | -3% |
| Screenwriter, Copywriter, Blogger | $72,270 | 5% |
| Editor and Copy Editor | $75,260 | -2% |
| Technical Writer | $91,670 | 4% |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $132,870 | 7% |
| Advertising and Marketing Manager | $159,660 | 8% |
| Casting Director | $92,000* | N/A |
| Job | Median Salary (2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sales Agent | $61,460 | -7% |
| Public Relations Specialist | $69,780 | 6% |
| Advertising Copywriter | $72,270 | 5% |
| Marketing Consultant | $73,890* | N/A |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,950 | 8% |
| Corporate Librarian | $85,000 | NA |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | 6% |
| Information Architect | $112,240* | N/A |
| Job | Median Salary (2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services Coordinator | $45,120 | 8% |
| Legislative Assistant | $44,650* | N/A |
| Grant Writer | $53,330* | N/A |
| Special Events Coordinator | $59,440 | 7% |
| Archivist | $57,100 | 11% |
| Fundraising Coordinator | $66,490 | 6% |
| Speechwriter | $72,270 | 5% |
| Lobbyist | $88,510* | N/A |
| Executive Director | $105,350 | 6% |
| Job | Median Salary (2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Aid Counselor | $43,990* | N/A |
| Reading Specialist | $59,190* | N/A |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $62,310 | -1% |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 | -1% |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 | -1% |
| ESL Teacher | $59,950 | -13% |
| Curriculum Developer | $74,720 | 2% |
| Classroom Assistant | $35,240 | -1% |
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in English?
Typically, it takes four years to complete a traditional bachelor’s degree. An online English degree can be more accessible and take you less time to complete. Online English degree programs allow students more flexibility to take classes outside of regular school hours.
You will likely need to complete between 120 and 180 credits for your degree. The average cost per college credit is $477, with private nonprofit four-year colleges charging the most and community colleges charging the least on average.
An accelerated online program can get you closer to your career goals in less than four years. Accelerated English degrees may have you taking more classes each semester and over the summer. Due to its intense nature, accelerated programs can be overwhelming for students with a full-time job or with family or other obligations.
To complete your English degree — whether you complete it online, accelerated, or on campus — you’ll likely take courses on the same topics. Some of the classes you might take may include creative writing, English grammar, media writing, scientific or technical writing, literature, and special topics in composition.
Many programs allow you to transfer previous credits you may have completed in other programs. Regardless of which type of program you enroll in, you should check with your institution to see if you can get credit for your previous work experience.
9 Transferable Skills With an English Major
There are many valuable skills you can develop with an English major that can be transferred across industries and different jobs. A bachelor’s in English can lend itself to more than just writing-focused jobs.
Here is a list of skills you can develop as an English major that can help you in industries such as business, advertising, journalism, and more.
- Exposure to a diversity of thought: Being exposed to and versed in a diversity of narratives, stories, and perspectives can develop an awareness of different experiences and a deeper understanding of human nature. This skill and awareness can create great leaders in nonprofit and government careers, as you will have to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Emotional intelligence: Through storytelling we can learn and develop emotional intelligence, which is necessary for building relationships and coping with emotions like stress. This is another great skill for leadership roles.
- Creative writing: Learning how to construct an engaging narrative can assist you in fields such as advertising and communication, which is necessary for coming up with creative messaging that is both persuasive and entertaining.
- Analysis: English classes will teach you how to analyze texts, arguments, and schools of thought. Analytical thinking can help in a wide variety of occupations, including journalism, research, and legislative assistant roles.
- Critical thinking: Critical thinking never goes out of style. The critical thinking expertise that you will have nurtured in your English program can help you become a journalist, editor, business leader, or government worker.
- Research skills and managing information: As an English major you will be tasked with research-gathering projects. This can set you up to be a great corporate librarian or research assistant.
- Summarize texts and information: As an English major, you will need to summarize ideas in all kinds of text. This can help you in roles such as news anchor, business associate, or legislative assistant.
- Write concisely and effectively: Concise and effective writing is frequently sought out by employers. No one wants to hire someone who can’t write. Any job where you write reports or is involved in communications will want an employee with these skills.
- Build arguments: Your classes will likely have you examining and analyzing the structure and effectiveness of arguments and rhetoric. Jobs in politics, government, journalism, and marketing can all leverage these skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in English Programs
Yes, you can earn an English degree through an online program. There are several different options for completing your English degree online, including accelerated programs.
Online programs allow for more flexibility for students to complete their degree around their schedule.
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