Bachelor’s in English Program Guide

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Updated on August 21, 2023
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Bachelor's in English Program Information

  1. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Tuition

    $9180

    Offering a 100% online bachelor's in English, Florida International University provides students with a flexible program emphasizing writing and rhetoric. 120 credits in scope, degree-seekers tackle a rigorous curriculum designed to shape critical reading skills while honing effective writing capabilities.

    In addition to general education requirements, students complete upper-division classes such as creative writing, studies in 19th century African American literature, and linguistics and modern English grammar. Learners selecting the writing and rhetoric concentration enroll in additional courses like introduction to writing studies, rhetorical theory and practice, and professional and technical writing.

    Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma. First-year applicants must supply FIU with a fully completed application and submit official high school transcripts and standardized test scores.

  2. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Tuition

    $13016

    Home to many online degree options, the University of Central Florida offers an online bachelor's in English with a literature concentration. Throughout their program, students hone research and writing skills while using literature as a tool to analyze historical and cultural issues.

    In addition to a literature concentration, other online English specializations include technical communication and creative writing. Core requirements for degree-seekers include classes in English composition, research and writing about literature, and theories and techniques of literature study.

    First-year applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit official transcripts. Additionally, prospective learners must submit SAT or ACT scores along with their completed online application. While not required, UCF strongly encourages applicants to submit an application essay.

  3. Arizona State University-Skysong
    Location

    Scottsdale, AZ

    Tuition

    $14166

    Covering a variety of English-related skills like linguistics, research, and writing, Arizona State University's online bachelor's in English prepares graduates for various writing, education, and marketing careers. ASU delivers online classes asynchronously through eight-week terms.

    Before graduation, English majors complete a total of 120 credits, including at least 45 credits of upper-level courses. Popular course offerings include writing for publication, history of literary criticism, and studies in American literature and culture.

    Applicants to this English program must demonstrate high achievement in one of three areas: high school class rank, high school GPA, or standardized test score. Additionally, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts.

  4. University of Illinois at Springfield
    Location

    Springfield, IL

    Tuition

    $10733

    Providing students with a solid foundation in the humanities, the University of Illinois at Springfield offers an online bachelor's in English. This flexible English degree utilizes a user-friendly platform where students complete coursework asynchronously while accessing the same academic, career, and personal resources as on-campus learners.

    Standard course requirements include critical reading, rhetoric and college writing, and college writing and civic engagement. Additionally, students select from upper-division courses like Asian American women, children's and young adult literature, and creative writing poetry. Before graduation, learners also complete 10 credits within the university's Engaged Citizenship Common Experience — a program designed to promote civic engagement and activism.

    In addition to standard application materials, applicants must submit a short essay outlining their interest in the degree and why they prefer an online delivery format.

  5. Southern New Hampshire University
    Location

    Manchester, NH

    One of the largest providers of online higher education, Southern New Hampshire University supplies degree-seekers with an online bachelor's in English that highlights critical thinking, cultural literacy, and effective communication skills. Students gain experience analyzing various literary styles and constructing cohesive arguments while working within a collaborative online environment.

    Standard literature-based coursework covers topics like the Black literary tradition, gender and text, and popular and contemporary fiction. Additionally, learners can choose between four creative writing workshops: playwriting, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing.

    SNHU accepts applications on a rolling basis with six start dates per year. SNHU also waives application fees and does not require SAT or ACT scores. As of fall 2021, all online students pay a tuition rate of $320 per credit.

  6. California Baptist University
    Location

    Riverside, CA

    Located about 50 miles east of Los Angeles, Riverside's California Baptist University is a Christian institution that oversees an online English program. Offering a foundational liberal arts education, CBU's online BA in English prepares learners for diverse careers and further academic studies.

    The program features 49 credits of major-related coursework. Students tackle upper-division courses such as multicultural literature, literary theory and criticism, and research and writing in literature and language. As a Baptist institution, CBU also requires learners to complete six credits of biblical and theological coursework.

    In addition to a completed online application, prospective students must submit official transcripts and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. As of fall 2021, online students at CBU pay a tuition rate of $613 per credit.

  7. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
    Location

    Lowell, MA

    Tuition

    $18257

    Through its online bachelor's in English, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell helps students build a strong liberal arts foundation. Degree-seekers develop vital research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Online graduates from UMass-Lowell complete coursework taught by the same instructors as on-campus learners.

    Students enrolled in this online English degree complete required courses like English studies in a digital environment, British literary traditions, and history of the English language. Before graduation, degree-seekers must tackle a 4000-level English course as a capstone requirement.

    Prospective students must complete an online application and submit official transcripts. For applicants under the age of 21 transferring fewer than 12 college credits, the school does require SAT or ACT scores. The tuition rate for undergraduate online courses is $380 per credit, as of fall 2021.

  8. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
    Location

    Saint Mary of the Woods, IN

    Founded in 1840, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Catholic institution that offers an entirely online English degree. Alongside standard coursework, SMWC prioritizes practical experience — students can gain hands-on experience in technical writing, develop social media strategies, and create written content for various organizations.

    In addition to general education classes, students complete 43 credits of English major coursework. Upper-division courses cover topics such as modern world literature, advanced studies in fiction, and women writers. Before graduation, degree-seekers also complete a senior thesis capstone project.

    Prospective online learners complete a free online application and submit official high school and college transcripts (if applicable). When reviewing applications, SMWC considers academic performance alongside an applicant's participation in extracurricular activities. In addition to associated fees, the online tuition rate is $496 per credit (as of fall 2021).

  9. Maryville University of Saint Louis
    Location

    Saint Louis, MO

    Maryville University offers a flexible bachelor's in English that students can complete entirely online. This online English program promotes student creativity while highlighting marketable skills rooted in critical thinking, effective communication, and writing for various professional audiences. Online English majors must complete 128 credits before graduation.

    Standard English classes include writing about literature, history of literary criticism, and multicultural voices in American literature. In addition to traditional online classes, Maryville requires students to complete an internship as part of a degree-culminating experience.

    Prospective students must complete an online application and submit official high school transcripts. While not requiring standardized test scores, applicants should have a high school GPA of at least 2.5.

  10. Clayton State University
    Location

    Morrow, GA

    Tuition

    $10326

    Georgia's Clayton State University is home to an online bachelor's in English where students can choose a writing or literature concentration. Online students complete coursework asynchronously through the school's BrightSpace platform. They can access various online student resources, including tech support, academic advising, and a writing center.

    Students complete 120 credits before graduation, including 42 credits within the BA in English program. Upper-division core English requirements include intro to literary studies, intro to writing studies, and critical theory. Additionally, degree-seekers tackle a senior capstone research project before completing their degree.

    Interested learners should complete an online application and submit official transcripts along with official SAT or ACT scores.

English majors gain an understanding of the world around them by studying literature and analyzing complex texts and ideas. Earning a bachelor's in English instills graduates with critical thinking skills and the ability to write and speak clearly and effectively.

Due to the all-encompassing nature of an English degree, graduates gain important skills that are necessary for various careers. Graduates can find flexible employment as freelance writers, educators, and marketers.

Read on to learn more about these programs and career opportunities for graduates.

Should I Get a Bachelor's in English?

A bachelor's in English program focuses on refining research and analytical skills. Graduates become clear and concise writers and speakers. These abilities can apply across various career fields and can bring unique perspectives to various roles.

Majoring in English refines skills that can allow you to work in different industries in a variety of positions.

Unlike engineer majors or business majors, English majors do not always have a clear path from degree to the workforce. However, majoring in English refines skills that can allow you to work in different industries in a variety of positions.

A bachelor's in English can give you room to explore diverse course offerings. Because of its multidisciplinary and flexible nature, a bachelor's in English degree may be a good fit for students who want to earn a bachelor's degree, but are not sure of their specific career path.

Find the best online bachelor's in English programs.

What Will I Learn in a English Bachelor's Program?

English majors study how to become better readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. By delving into diverse perspectives and texts, students expand their understanding of historical and cultural events. Many programs offer varied courses, allowing students to take classes in interest areas like British literature, multicultural literature, and women's studies.

Along with literature courses, English majors typically complete several writing courses to hone research and critical analysis skills. Many programs require a literary theory course. English majors may also take creative writing classes and workshops. By studying literature and writing, English majors practice empathy while honing analytical skills.

Concentrations

Creative Writing
Creative writing concentrations develop the writing skills needed to create original, well-crafted pieces of prose or poetry. By studying and analyzing other writers' techniques, students further develop their own writing skills. Many programs offer workshop courses where students learn to critique other students' work and revise their own.
Literature
A literature concentration focuses on analyzing novels, plays, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry. Through discussions, reading, and writing, students develop strong research and analytical skills. Programs may offer more specific specializations, such as American literature, British literature, or world literature.
Film Studies
Learners pursuing a film studies concentration study films in a similar process as they would analyze literature. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and write about film. Courses delve into the various elements of film and how filmmakers use different aspects of film to create a message.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in English?

A bachelor's in English degree develops desirable soft skills that employers look for when hiring new employees. Because a bachelor's in English degree can be interdisciplinary, students can focus their coursework in specific areas like creative writing or British literature.

Graduates can find work in publishing, marketing, journalism, and education. Many English majors become writers, social media managers, and teachers. Others continue on to graduate school and pursue creative writing or law.

Some graduates may choose freelance work, setting their own work schedules. Others may choose to work in technical writing for engineering companies.

Popular Career Paths

Popular Continuing Education Paths

How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in English?

Salary potential depends on career, location, and experience. Nevertheless, English majors can make competitive wages in many different positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), technical writers earn a median annual salary of $74,650, while high school teachers make a median annual salary of $62,870.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in English Programs

Is English a good major?

A bachelor's in English is a versatile degree. Students learn to read, write research, and speak. These skills can apply across various career fields. English majors can pursue careers in marketing, writing, and management.

How much does it cost to get a bachelor's in English?

In the 2020-2021 academic year, the average annual cost of tuition for a four-year public university was $20,470. Additional costs to consider include housing, books, and materials. Costs vary based on whether you attend a public or private university and if the college is in state or out of state.

Is a bachelor's in English worth it?

Graduates can pursue jobs in various fields, including writing, teaching, and marketing. Earning a bachelor's in English can also open the door to different graduate programs, including law schools.

Are English majors in high demand?

There are several career options for English majors experiencing high demand. For instance, between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects 7% job growth for technical writers. However, not all jobs are experiencing growth. During the same period, the BLS projects a 2% decline in demand for authors.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in English?

MA bachelor's in English degree typically requires 120 credits. Most full-time students graduate in approximately four years. Prospective students may be able to shorten this timeline through accelerated programs or by taking courses over the summer.

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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