Best Online Bachelor’s of English Degree Programs for 2024

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Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in english degree programs to help students earn fulfilling careers, such as editors, writers, grant administrators, teachers, public relations managers, and journalists.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in English Degree Programs

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  1. University of Missouri
  2. Texas Tech University
  3. University of Memphis
  4. University of Central Florida
  5. Marshall University
  6. Liberty University
  7. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  8. Southern New Hampshire University
  9. King University
  10. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  1. University of Missouri
  2. Texas Tech University
  3. University of Central Florida
  4. University of Memphis
  5. Marshall University
  6. Liberty University
  7. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  8. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
  10. West Virginia State University
  1. University of Maine at Presque Isle 100%
  2. Liberty University 99%
  3. Central Methodist University 99%
  4. Marshall University 98%
  5. West Virginia State University 97%
  6. West Texas A&M University 97%
  7. University of Memphis 95%
  8. Troy University 95%
  9. Southern New Hampshire University 92%
  10. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 92%
  1. University of Central Florida 31 to 1
  2. Columbia College 23 to 1
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
  4. University of Houston–Victoria 20 to 1
  5. Texas Tech University 19 to 1
  6. California Baptist University 19 to 1
  7. University of Massachusetts Lowell 19 to 1
  8. Regent University 19 to 1
  9. Rogers State University 19 to 1
  10. University of Missouri 18 to 1
  1. California Baptist University $37,018
  2. King University $32,838
  3. Maryville University $27,166
  4. Central Methodist University $26,470
  5. Midway University $24,850
  6. Columbia College $23,840
  7. Liberty University $22,713
  8. Mercy College $20,734
  9. Regent University $18,820
  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,404
  1. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  2. Mercy College $16,974
  3. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  4. Regent University $15,590
  5. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,590
  6. Maryville University $14,346
  7. King University $14,207
  8. California Baptist University $13,590
  9. University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
  10. University of Missouri $9,950
  1. Rogers State University
  2. Columbia College
  3. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  4. University of Houston–Victoria
  5. Maryville University
  6. West Texas A&M University
  7. West Virginia State University
  8. Midway University
  9. Regent University
  10. Central Methodist University
  1. University of Houston–Victoria
  2. Midway University
  3. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  4. Rogers State University
  5. Columbia College
  6. Fayetteville State University
  7. Maryville University
  8. West Texas A&M University
  9. King University
  10. California Baptist University
  1. University of Central Florida 36%
  2. Regent University 41%
  3. University of Houston–Victoria 53%
  4. California Baptist University 64%
  5. King University 66%
  6. Texas Tech University 68%
  7. University of Missouri 77%
  8. Midway University 78%
  9. Fayetteville State University 82%
  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 85%
  1. King University 11 to 1
  2. Central Methodist University 12 to 1
  3. West Virginia State University 12 to 1
  4. Maryville University 13 to 1
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 15 to 1
  6. Midway University 15 to 1
  7. West Texas A&M University 15 to 1
  8. University of Memphis 16 to 1
  9. Mercy College 16 to 1
  10. Fayetteville State University 17 to 1
  1. Fayetteville State University $2,982
  2. University of Central Florida $4,478
  3. Rogers State University $4,710
  4. University of Houston–Victoria $5,111
  5. West Texas A&M University $6,211
  6. Marshall University $7,190
  7. University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
  8. West Virginia State University $8,308
  9. University of Memphis $8,352
  10. Texas Tech University $8,935
  1. Fayetteville State University $3,438
  2. Rogers State University $4,980
  3. West Texas A&M University $5,086
  4. University of Houston–Victoria $6,618
  5. University of Central Florida $6,916
  6. Texas Tech University $6,956
  7. Midway University $7,314
  8. Marshall University $7,520
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $7,650
  10. Liberty University $7,847

Key Takeaways

  • The value of an online bachelor’s in English degree lies in its flexibility—you can apply the skills learned in diverse career paths. Your top-notch writing skills will become your edge in whatever career path you choose.
  • Because of their skills in research and writing, English majors can be very successful in fields like business and marketing, media and communications, and public relations. Graduates can pursue careers as editors, writers, grant administrators, teachers, public relations managers, and journalists.
  • But a bachelor’s degree is only a stepping stone in your professional journey! You should consider earning a master’s degree for personal and professional development.
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Featured Programs

Exploring the English Online Bachelor’s Program

Professionals with online bachelor’s in English degrees will find an abundance of job opportunities in diverse industries!

The Value of an English Degree

Many believe that there is little value in earning an English degree in contemporary society. The assumptions are that there is an absence of technical skills, a low demand for writers, and a lack of the specificity needed in the job market.

Fortunately, these are incorrect assumptions about the bachelor’s in English degree! The bachelor’s degree has immense value for these reasons:

  • English majors have in-demand specialized knowledge and skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries! Professionals with topnotch technical writing and creative writing skills are sought after in industries like mass communications, media and public relations, and education.
  • English majors have an adaptation mindset. They are both willing to learn new things and willing to adapt their existing skills to diverse situations.

Indeed, there’s value in an English degree, despite the fact that it is often overlooked with society’s emphasis on technical and trade skills! You should start looking closer at the merits of online English degree programs today.

Diverse Challenges English Majors Face

Yet another misconception is that students of online English degree programs have it easy. This cannot be further from the truth since online students have to meet the high academic standards of the best English degree programs.

Their writing skills must be consistently developed—in fact, their work will be critiqued down to the last word—even after earning an English degree.

English majors must also read voluminous works of authors from diverse genres, from the classics to contemporary works. This is in addition to the lessons, lectures, and assignments that must be completed on time. Time management is critical to success among online students, too, even with asynchronous courses.

Digital journalism is one of the best new college majors. Find out more about the courses for this major and the career outlook for this popular field.

Core Courses in an English Program

English majors usually tackle major and concentration courses in their sophomore year with the freshman year spent on general education courses. The major and concentration courses challenge the intellect, writing skills, and oral communication skills of students.

Examples courses include:

  • Reading and Writing for English Composition (Students develop their critical thinking, expository writing, and argumentative skills)
  • Introduction to Creative Writing (Students develop their written and oral communication skills during presentations)
  • Introduction to Linguistics (Students explore the origins and development of modern languages including the English language)
  • Survey of British and American Literature (Students explore the literature of the United Kingdom and United States during different periods)
  • Shakespeare (Students learn the art of appreciation of Shakespeare’s works)

Every course is designed to improve the students’ skill sets, whether it’s in professional writing, technical writing, or creative writing.

Skills Sets Developed by English Majors

Prospective students must have strong writing skills even before being admitted to an online English degree program. Once admitted, students are expected to develop these skill sets:

  • Reading, interpreting, and communicating the contents of diverse books and other materials
  • Editing existing works
  • Storytelling in different styles
  • Critical thinking, creativity, and analytical thinking

English majors must also have a passion for lifelong learning! The English language is alive, meaning it’s in constant flux and, thus, there’s always something new to learn.

Admission Requirements into English Degree Programs

Online English degree programs require prospective students to have a high school diploma or an associate degree. Demonstration of writing skills via personal statements is common. Letters of recommendation, official transcripts from schools attended, current resume, and portfolio of works may also be required.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Degrees

If you have strong written and verbal communication skills and enjoy reading a variety of texts, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English could be a good fit for you.

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This 120-credit degree usually takes about four years to complete, and is available both online and in person. Students who have already earned an associate degree in English may have the option to complete this degree at an accelerated pace.

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Most bachelor’s in English programs offer several concentrations, including film studies, creative writing, linguistics, ethnic studies, and American literature.

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This degree can also lead to many fulfilling careers and roles, such as editing, writing, grant administrating, teaching, public relations managing, or working for a news agency as a journalist. Copywriters and technical writers, who create clear guides and manuals for products and services, and also in high demand currently. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, editors and technical writers make about $73,080 and $79,960, respectively. For those wishing to have a career in the world of academia, teaching, academic advising, or developing curriculum could be a great career path.

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Learn more about how to major in English.

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How We Picked the Best Online Bachelor’s in English

The best online English degree programs featured on our list were chosen because of their emphasis on academic excellence. Students were not only expected to meet minimum grade requirements, both at the course level and cumulative GPA, but also to demonstrate excellent communication skills in the English language.

The skills demonstration comes in many forms, such as writing assignments, class recitations, and capstone projects. Presentations in seminars and workshops are also common evaluation tools. Students must meet academic requirements on time and based on standards, too.

These online English degree programs were also chosen for the convenience and flexibility of schedules, usually via asynchronous courses. While synchronous courses are also present, students are able to achieve a work-life-studies balance.

Students also benefited from the exceptional student support services, as well as the ease of access to on-campus services, if necessary. Academic advising, one-on-one and group tutoring, writing center services, and career services, as well as an IT help desk are available.

All the online English degree programs also offered financial aid options for online students. Federal financial aid is the first option but scholarships and grants are also available for eligible students.

The colleges and universities that offered these online bachelor’s in English programs are also regionally accredited. Accreditation means that the online programs meet the academic standards of the U.S. Department of Education and, thus, quality instruction is assured. Accreditation is also essential for students to apply for federal financial aid.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in English Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $11,981
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $33,446
    Salary after 4 years: $47,360
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Career Outlook for English degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $11,852
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $36,400
    Salary after 4 years: $51,544
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,056
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $25,528
    Salary after 4 years: $36,148
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English

    Concentrations

    • African American Literature
    • Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    84K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $30,255
    Salary after 4 years: $42,842
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English

    Concentrations

    • Literature
    • Technical Communication
    • Creative Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1042/22

    Career Outlook for English degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $8,604
    Expenses: $15,340
    Starting Salary: $24,641
    Salary after 4 years: $34,893
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    129K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Career Outlook for English degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $24,013
    Salary after 4 years: $35,651
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in English And Writing

    Concentrations

    • Journalism
    • Creative Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,182
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    Salary after 4 years: $47,862
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English Literature and Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    199K

    Career Outlook for English degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $15,380
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $29,118
    Salary after 4 years: $43,229
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English Language and Literature
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Creative Writing and English

    Concentrations

    • Fiction
    • Non-Fiction
    • Poetry
    • Screenwriting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    King University

    Bristol , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/22

    Career Outlook for English degree at King University

    Cost of Degree: $33,784
    Expenses: $15,026
    Starting Salary: $29,176
    Salary after 4 years: $43,315
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Arts

    Concentrations

    • English
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 16 months
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $14,854
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $30,432
    Salary after 4 years: $43,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  11. #11

    Mercy College

    Dobbs Ferry , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/22

    Career Outlook for English degree at Mercy College

    Cost of Degree: $21,358
    Expenses: $19,354
    Starting Salary: $25,870
    Salary after 4 years: $38,406
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/21

    Career Outlook for English degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $9,312
    Expenses: $13,665
    Starting Salary: $24,287
    Salary after 4 years: $34,391
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for English degree at California Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $38,058
    Expenses: $15,414
    Starting Salary: $27,552
    Salary after 4 years: $40,904
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  14. #14

    Fayetteville State University

    Fayetteville , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/18

    Career Outlook for English degree at Fayetteville State University

    Cost of Degree: $3,906
    Expenses: $13,330
    Starting Salary: $20,446
    Salary after 4 years: $28,952
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English Language and Literature
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #17

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/25

    Career Outlook for English degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $19,680
    Expenses: $11,182
    Starting Salary: $26,450
    Salary after 4 years: $39,268
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English

    Concentrations

    • Writing
    • Self Designed
    • Biblical Studies
    • Government
    • History
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  16. #18

    Midway University

    Midway , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/21

    Career Outlook for English degree at Midway University

    Cost of Degree: $25,050
    Expenses: $17,000
    Starting Salary: $21,693
    Salary after 4 years: $32,206
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    980/19

    Career Outlook for English degree at West Virginia State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,431
    Expenses: $16,615
    Starting Salary: $19,973
    Salary after 4 years: $28,282
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #21

    Maryville University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for English degree at Maryville University

    Cost of Degree: $27,166
    Starting Salary: $29,640
    Salary after 4 years: $44,004

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Houston–Victoria

    Cost of Degree: $7,499
    Expenses: $15,252
    Starting Salary: $27,300
    Salary after 4 years: $38,658
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for English degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle

    Cost of Degree: $8,750
    Expenses: $13,300
    Starting Salary: $20,859
    Salary after 4 years: $29,538
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English

    Concentrations

    • Professional Communication and Journalism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
  21. #24

    Columbia College

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for English degree at Columbia College

    Cost of Degree: $12,140
    Expenses: $13,982
    Starting Salary: $24,941
    Salary after 4 years: $37,029
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #25

    Rogers State University

    Claremore , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for English degree at Rogers State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,252
    Expenses: $16,792
    Starting Salary: $23,223
    Salary after 4 years: $32,885
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Liberal Arts

    Concentrations

    • English
    • Global Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with English Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

English Language And Literature

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $28,223
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $39,964
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary1.14%$69,035
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education1.03%$61,619
Proofreaders and Copy Markers-4.17%$45,885

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$42,191$61,170$92,879

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$80,873
#3 Oregon11% higher than average$85,325
#4 Utah4% higher than average$69,470
#5 Connecticut18% higher than average$84,385
#6 Vermont13% higher than average$79,130

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$69,035
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$61,619
Proofreaders and Copy Markers$45,885

Interested in not only a bachelor’s in English but a master’s or PhD? Check out our rankings of the best accelerated online English master’s programs, fastest PhD’s in English, or most affordable PhD’s in English.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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Student Submitted Questions on the Best Online Bachelor’s of English Degree Programs

Annalise asks, “How does the curriculum in these programs support the development of both creative and technical writing skills?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Developing writing skills is one of the most important aspects of a college degree in general and an English degree in particular. Courses on creative writing and technical writing will teach students the core principles of both styles of writing. Advanced workshops, literature and analysis courses, writing across media, research and theory courses, and capstone projects will work together to ensure a student is proficient at writing.

Harper asks, “How accessible are faculty members to online students for mentorship and academic support?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: This can vary significantly depending on the program and institution. With that being said, online education is now much more accessible for students, and programs have placed an emphasis on their faculty members being reachable. Many online professors will have virtual office hours and be available for one-on-one meetings. Students should make full use of email, discussion forums, and any feedback they receive on assignments to make sure they are engaging with professors and other students.

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