Bachelor’s in English: A Guide to Getting Yours Online

English majors are sometimes perceived to be useless when compared to other degrees, but that is far from true. A bachelor’s in English can land you a lucrative job in one of several industries. Whether you want to pursue a career as a professional writer or boost your transferable skills, a Bachelor of Arts in English can be very constructive. 

English is actually a very popular course of study among undergraduate students. English programs utilize curriculums that bolster students’ literary skills. From writing comprehension to organizational skills and public speaking prowess, the breadth of knowledge gained while studying for a BA in English is vast. 

Read on to discover how you can get your Bachelor of Arts in English online and why it might be a good option for you.

What Should I Know Before Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree Online?

The Benefits of Online Learning

As of today, over six million undergraduate students are in the process of attaining higher education online. Due to the spread of COVID-19, online learning for the college and university level is expected to continue growing. Although online degrees have in the past been deemed illegitimate, this is far from the case today.

Online programs are gaining popularity mostly because they offer greater flexibility and are often cheaper than their offline counterparts. So, regardless of your current financial, geographical, or professional situation, earning your liberal arts degree in English online is a viable option. If you have a part-time job, need to take care of a family member, or are located far away from any reputable institution, then online classes are your best bet.

Although there are many obvious benefits, keep in mind that online programs are still a very different environment to traditional in-class learning. Below, we’ll go through some of the factors you should keep in mind when considering an online baccalaureate degree.

Even though online programs are much less expensive than traditional ones, cost is still an important factor. Make sure you choose a program that offers good value for money. Online programs trumps traditional programs in terms of affordability because you do not have to pay for miscellaneous services such as commuter fares or boarding fees. So, when signing up, make sure the course does not require arbitrary fees, such as graduation fees.

Another important question to ask yourself is whether you’re well equipped for online learning. Ensure that you are familiar with the software (e.g. Zoom; Word) and the hardware (e.g. printers/laptops) that are required for the classes. Participate in video lessons, message boards and online meetings to the best of your ability, as it may prove to be the difference between a failing grade and a high grade.

Furthermore, before beginning, you should research whether your potential program is self-paced or not. Setting your own pace will be beneficial because you will be able to set your own deadlines.

You should also research whether the school you are looking to enroll in is reputable. You can visit school websites, check online reviews of the programs and instructors, and contact schools directly for further information. It is also important to make sure your program possesses regional accreditation of some sort. This is important to avoid issues down the road when it comes to transferring credits or seeking employment.

Coursework for a Bachelor’s Degree in English

Though coursework varies by institution, BA in English programs focus on similar subjects. Students take core courses in literary history, language, literary analysis, Shakespeare, and focused research. 

The English major fosters skills in critical analysis, independent thinking, creativity, research, and writing. Like in-class students, online learners also get to choose from a plethora of engaging elective courses on a range of topics.

A BA in English is an excellent way to prepare for careers in teaching, media, advertising, writing, and publishing; for graduate or professional studies in English, communications, or law. Below are some courses you can expect to take when pursuing an online English degree:

• Postwar American Literature
• Introduction to Film Studies
• Introduction to Literary Theory
• Literature of the South
• Science Fiction Literature

In sum, a Bachelor of Arts in English will provide you with a strong background in the study of all things related to English. Through a rigorous curriculum of literature, composition, and linguistics, you will expand your creative writing knowledge along with many other vital transferable skills that will be useful in a variety of career paths.

Careers Paths Available to Graduates with a BA in English

Once you’ve earned your degree, you can put your newfound knowledge and skill set to use in a variety of careers. Whether you’re interested in teaching English, becoming an author, or pursuing graduate studies, there are a lot of exciting prospects for English majors.

The average salary for English major jobs is around $40,000, though the top 10 percent earn an average over $163,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students majoring in English often work in careers revolving around dialects, literature, and cultures of English-speaking peoples. 

Moreover, there were 226,034 recipients of a bachelor’s degree in this field in 2015. Full-time workers under age 35 earned a median annual wage of about $38,710.

Below are some of the most popular career paths for those who earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English.

Elementary or Middle School Teacher

2019 Median Salary: $59,660

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 4% (average)

School teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future education.

Copywriter

2019 Median Salary: $50,570

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 6% (average)

Copywriters create advertising text and promotional content for companies and corporations

Public Relations Specialist

2019 Median Salary: $61,150

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7% (above average)

Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.

Technical Writer

2019 Median Salary: $72,850

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7% (above average)

Technical writers specialize in generating content such as complex informational instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents.

Journalist/Reporter

2019 Median Salary: $46,270

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 9% (above average)

Journalists, reporters, and news analysts inform the public about news-worthy events.

Best Online Bachelor’s in English Programs

Indiana University East (Richmond, IN)

Program Name: BA in English with an Emphasis in Technical and Professional Writing

School Status: Public

Tuition: $224/credit in-state; $321/credit out-of-state

Credit Requirements: 60 credits

Format: 100% online; asynchronous

The BA in English at Indiana University East is a popular option for online learners. In this course, students learn how to apply concepts in English and literature to the modern workplace. The BA in English, Technical, and Professional Writing is also offered as a degree completion option for learners who have built up significant prior credit.

The industrious faculty offers students 20 classes in several topics, including an analysis of American prose, the history of the English language, and studies in American culture. Participants study the use of digital writing to script multimedia, prepare technical reports, and harness research and writing skills for academic and professional initiatives.

Admission to the online bachelor’s in English program requires at least 60 credits or an associate degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)

Program Name: BA in English

School Status: Public

Tuition: $179/credit in-state; $716/credit out-of-state

Credit Requirements: 120 credits

Format: 100% online; asynchronous

The BA in English at University of Central Florida has a reputation as a rigorous online program. The program gives learners a diverse education that is applicable to an array of professions and industries. The curriculum spans 120 credits and students may graduate in as few as 24 months if they transfer enough credits when beginning the program. 

Participants in the program must complete a nine-credit core curriculum. The topics covered include creative writing for English majors, theory and practice of creative writing, and theory and techniques of literary study. The degree also offers three areas of emphasis: creative writing, literature, or technical communications. After completing the foundation coursework, students then spend the rest of their time completing courses in their chosen specialization.

Eligible candidates must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA on transferable credits. For freshmen, the admissions process also requires SAT or ACT scores.

University of Illinois at Springfield (Springfield, IL)

Program Name: BA in English

School Status: Public

Tuition: $305

Credit Requirements: 68-71 credits

Format: 100% online; asynchronous

The University of Illinois at Springfield is one of the most reputable institutions on this list, as it has been part of the US News & World Report’s top 15 regional colleges for 13 years running. Fortunately, the prestigious university offers a fully online BA in English. Students must transfer at least 30 credits of lower-division coursework to qualify for the BA program, since the university’s The Department of English and Modern Languages only requires an additional 68-71 credits. 

Students will explore topics like early British literature, creative writing, and children’s/young adult literature. There is also a capstone project toward the end of the degree, in which participants further apply their learning to their chosen professional areas. The courses, such as writing in new media and professional writing, are meant to teach numerous concepts to the contemporary workplace.

Applicants must possess transferrable credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to applicants with at least 60 credits or those who have an associate’s degree.

Louisiana State University – Alexandria (Alexandria, LA)

Program Name: BA in English

School Status: Public

Tuition: $291/credit in-state; $291/credit out-of-state

Credit Requirements: 120

Format: 100% online; synchronous

Louisiana State University-Alexandria offers a very affordable yet excellent set of online degrees that feature accelerated curriculums. The 120-credit BA in English is no different, as it is built to simulate on-campus classrooms. As an added benefit, students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. 

In the major, students explore English grammar, novels, poetry, and American and British literature. Students will learn more advanced concepts when taking electives, some examples of which include creative writing and studies in Shakespeare. Online learners also receive continuous support through a dedicated learner concierge assigned to each student. 

Freshmen applicants must complete a high school core curriculum and hold a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission. Transfer students must have at least 18 credits and a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.

Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA)

Program Name: BA in English, Professional, and Creative Writing

School Status: Public

Tuition: $617/credit in-state; $1,465/credit out-of-state

Credit Requirements: 74 credits

Format: 100% online; asynchronous

Though it is a bit more expensive than the others on this list, the BA in English program at CWU is worth it. English majors explore multiple creative writing genres and gain expertise in both technical and professional writing. The BA in English, Professional, and Creative Writing is an interdisciplinary curriculum that can be completed in just two years.

The 74-credit, online curriculum explores fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and film. Students will develop a comprehensive portfolio of skills in technical, business, and new media writing. Participants also share constructive feedback in a virtual classroom. If you wish to join an accelerated program that encourages collaboration, this may be your top choice.

Applicants who are freshmen must submit their SAT or ACT scores. Applicants must also possess a minimum 2.5 GPA on transferable credits.

Bachelor’s in English FAQs

How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s degree in English?

The typical bachelor’s degree in English takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, as seen above, several online degree programs offer accelerated schedules, which may allow students to graduate in two to three years.

How expensive is it to obtain an English degree traditionally vs online?

The average total cost for an undergraduate degree on-campus is more than $42,000, while the average total cost for an online bachelor’s degree is half that, at around $21,000. 

Miscellaneous costs for housing, food, and transportation, are significantly smaller when pursuing online degrees.Costs for textbooks and devices such as laptops to facilitate learning are similar between in-person and online classes.

What prerequisites or admission materials do I need before applying to an online program?

Similar to a traditional degree program, online degrees also have admission requirements. Most programs set a minimum high school GPA in order to gauge whether an applicant is fit for the curriculum. 

Admission materials may include a general application that includes information about yourself, and why you want to join the program. Transcripts and test scores (ACT/SAT) are also required for most programs. Furthermore, you may have to submit letters of recommendation from credible sources who can vouch for your abilities.