Focusing on the study and interpretation of literary texts, bachelor's in English programs produce strong readers, writers, and thinkers. A highly versatile academic major, English prepares graduates for careers in diverse industries, including education, journalism, publishing, and business.
English majors commonly pursue careers related to writing and editing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that writers and authors earn an annual median salary of $72,270, while editors earn an annual median salary of $75,260.
This page ranks the best online bachelor's in English programs. It also includes other important information for prospective students, such as typical courses and scholarship opportunities for English majors.
Featured Online Bachelor's in English Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Bachelor's in English Programs
Why Get a Degree in English?
A bachelor's in English builds broad knowledge of American and British literature while teaching students how to interpret and analyze literary texts. Students gain writing, research, communication, and critical thinking skills. They also learn to form, critique, and defend complex arguments about literature.
Graduates can pursue roles in fields such as writing, editing, journalism, and education. An English degree also prepares students for graduate study in many academic fields, including the humanities and business.
Many colleges offer affordable bachelor's in English degrees online, which often give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.
How Much Does an English Degree Cost?
Tuition rates for bachelor's in English programs vary by factors like school, delivery format, and enrollment status. Public schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private schools, and online programs typically offer lower tuition rates than on-campus programs. Accelerated programs enable students to complete their degree faster, potentially saving money on tuition. Conversely, part-time programs take longer to complete and may cost more.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that students at public schools pay an average tuition rate of $17,797 per year. Students at private schools pay an average tuition rate of $46,014 per year.
Pursuing a bachelor's in English online can often save students money. For example, online students save on many of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and commuting costs. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students.
Calculating the Cost of a College Degree
Our college affordability calculator helps students budget for college by factoring in tuition expenses, expected financial aid, cost of living, and other relevant financial details. Prospective students can enter this information to determine how much they can afford to pay for an online bachelor's in English program.
How Much Do English Majors Make?
A highly versatile major, English prepares graduates for a variety of career paths. English majors commonly earn teaching certification and pursue careers as high school teachers, earning a median annual salary of $64,580. Many graduates also work as writers and authors, earning an annual median salary of $72,270. English majors may also pursue jobs as technical writers and make an annual median salary of $91,670.
Earning advanced education can also help English majors advance to higher-paying careers. Some English majors go on to earn a graduate degree, preparing them to teach at the college level. These postsecondary teachers make an annual median salary of $83,980.
Outside of writing and education, English majors can also pursue careers in fields such as public relations and advertising. Public relations specialists earn an annual median salary of $69,780, while advertising managers make a median salary of $159,660 annually.
Courses in English
A bachelor's in English introduces students to the study of writing and literature, emphasizing both literary history and strategies for interpreting literary texts. Most programs focus primarily on British and American literature, though electives frequently cover topics in world literature. Other key courses focus on research, literary criticism, and literary theory.
Some English bachelor's degrees offer concentrations in areas such as creative writing and technical writing. Many English programs require candidates to complete a thesis, which may take the form of a scholarly research paper or a lengthy creative writing project.
Courses vary by program, but this list highlights three courses commonly found in bachelor's in English programs.
American Literature in the 20th Century
The course offers an overview of major literary developments in the 20th century United States. Students may examine regional movements, such as Southern literature and the Harlem Renaissance, along with larger trends, such as modernism and postmodernism.Survey of African American Literature
The class focuses on African American literature from the colonial era through the present. Students explore the unique development of African American fiction and poetry in relation to slavery, the vernacular tradition, and other cultural factors. Coursework commonly covers major authors such as Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison.Introduction to Creative Writing – Fiction
Many English programs offer elective courses in creative writing, typically focusing on either poetry or fiction. The course introduces the basic elements of fiction writing, including character, plot, setting, narration, and style. Students learn to analyze texts from a writerly perspective and create original stories.
TESOL Certification
Bachelor's in English graduates often pursue teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) certification, enabling them to instruct English language learners both in the United States and abroad. Often lasting 1-3 months, TESOL programs usually require at least 120 course hours.
More advanced TESOL certification programs may require candidates to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Many schools offer TESOL certification in both online and on-campus formats.
Scholarships for English
English bachelor's degree candidates can pursue financial aid opportunities to fund their studies, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. This list highlights three scholarship opportunities for English majors.
Beinecke Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: Requiring a nomination from a faculty member, the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship Program offers significant funding to junior and senior students who plan to pursue graduate studies in the humanities, arts, or social sciences.
Amount: $34,000
Creative Black Women to Watch Scholarship
Who Can Apply: User experience design company Wongdoody offers this scholarship to Black women pursuing creative careers related to advertising, marketing, or experience design. Undergraduate applicants must hold at least junior standing.
Amount: $5,000
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Who Can Apply: Open to high school students of all ages, these scholarships award students in various creative writing fields, including fiction, poetry, drama, and memoir. All applicants must submit a sample of creative work.
Amount: Varies
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in English Programs
A bachelor's in English degree prepares graduates to work in fields including writing, publishing, journalism, education, and advertising. Students also commonly pursue graduate study.
