Online English Degree Programs and Majors

Choosing a university and degree program in an English-related field requires extensive research. Prospective students must consider the curriculum, online vs. on-campus options, and future applications in a variety of professions. This guide is designed to make the process easier by providing an in-depth look at traditional and online English schools at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.

By exposing students to works of great literature, English degree programs train them to become better readers, writers and critical thinkers. At the associate level, English majors study types of literature such as novels and drama. Bachelor’s degree programs impart communication and critical thinking skills through the study of English literature. Related courses could encompass grammar, composition and rhetoric. At the graduate level, students delve further into literary genres, authors, time periods and movements, and they may choose a specialization, such as English teaching.

Like the traditional classroom curriculum, online English degrees provide a foundation in critical analysis, writing, communication and literature. There are numerous English degrees offered completely online or in hybrid programs, as this course of study is well-suited to virtual learning. Students can watch lectures, read course material and submit research papers online through a course management system. Professors conduct interactive exams or allow students to download and submit exams electronically. Students interact in online forums or through programs such as Skype or FaceTime. Online English studies offer exposure to remote teamwork and electronic modes of communication, which are useful skills in the modern workplace.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

An English degree is a good starting point in a number professional industries, and it usually begins with a four-year degree. Earning that degree online allows students to continue pursuing personal and professional interests while getting their start in the career of their choice. To help find the right degree program for your needs, we did some research and have our list of the best colleges for English majors based on the student services available, programs offered and other factors.

Students earning a bachelor’s degree from online English schools learn to interpret literature and apply language in ethical, strategic and articulate ways. Additionally, students explore how to apply models of literature to leadership and management in a business environment. Electives could include classes in technical writing or film as literature.

A bachelor’s degree consists of about 120 credit hours. Depending on the school, students may choose 18 hours of electives to specialize in a particular area. Full-time students can usually complete a bachelor’s degree in four to five years. In online English schools, students attend classes virtually through a learning management system, communicating with peers and instructors via email, online chat, phone or other electronic media.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

It takes two years to complete an associate degree in English, depending on a student’s availability. The curriculum typically includes coursework in communication, fine arts and humanities, along with general education courses in math, social sciences and physical sciences. Some programs require a foreign language as well. Associate degrees in English can be useful for graduates interested in teaching at the preschool level, complemented by studies in early childhood education.

The following table describes a few of the courses offered in an associate-level online English degree program:

It takes a full-time student about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in English. Students combine literature courses with expository writing courses, with electives such as creative writing. The major lends itself to Internet-based studies because most of the work required involves reading, researching, composing, revising and editing papers. A bachelor’s degree may qualify graduates to teach English in private schools or in programs focused on adult literacy and high school equivalency (HSE or GED) diplomas.

The curriculum can vary at different colleges, but the following courses are examples of subjects found in online programs.

A master’s degree in English takes approximately two years to complete, although this may vary with graduate opportunities, such as teaching or research assistantships. The degree could qualify graduates for roles as community college English instructors and for various writing careers.

Students explore British and U.S. literature in a variety of genres, authors, time periods and movements. Students explore literary analysis, literary criticism and research methods. Some schools offer concentrations in comparative literature, creative writing, linguistics or English education. Most master’s programs in English require students to complete a thesis project for graduation that they must present before a committee.

The following table presents some of the core courses in a master’s-level online English degree program:

An English doctorate prepares students for many roles in academia, either teaching or conducting research. Most programs take a minimum of five years to complete. The curriculum combines graduate level classes, comprehensive examinations and a dissertation, which requires significant scholarly research presented to a panel of reviewers. Doctoral students may be able to teach introductory courses in composition or literature for undergraduates. In addition to specialized studies in British and American literature, doctoral candidates also study language and composition.

An English degree provides a foundation for several types of careers. Many English majors move on to careers as teachers, editors, authors, technical communicators or copywriters. The skills in research, analysis and communication that English students develop can translate to a variety of other fields, ranging from marketing to law. The list below highlights some potential career paths for those devoted to English studies. Occupations such as teaching may require additional education or professional credentials.

College English and literature teachers instruct postsecondary students on the English language and works of literature. Their focus can range from linguistics to comparative literature. They not only teach, but also conduct research on the subject matter. They can be employed by universities or colleges, on both physical campuses or in the realm of online education.

Median Salary: $60,040
Median Hourly: $NR
Est. Growth: 12.2%
No. Employed: 72,680
Minimum Education: Doctoral/Professional

Editors plan, advise and review content prior to publication. They can work for individuals, publishers, newspapers, magazines, websites or trade publications. They review content for grammar and factual accuracy. In many cases, editors work closely with writers through all stages, from the planning phase all the way to final publication, guiding the course of overall projects. Many editors work in offices, but a growing number work from home.

Median Salary: $53,880
Median Hourly: $25.90
Est. Growth: -2.4%
No. Employed: 99,040
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s

Writers and authors gather and create content for a wide range of media and resources, including manuscripts, books, magazines, trade publications, educational materials, movies and television programs. They can work for publishers, studios, academic institutions or work for themselves as freelancers or independent authors. They may work with a single, specific editor and publisher, or with many different professionals depending on the project.

Median Salary: $55,940
Median Hourly: $26.89
Est. Growth: 3%
No. Employed: 41,990
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s