English Degree Guide
What is English?
English is the study of the English language, literature, and writing. English degrees use critical thinking skills to analyze the written word and gain skill in all areas of writing. An online degree in English provides strengthening in all areas of English, essential for any profession. Writers, journalists, lawyers, and teachers may benefit from an English degree from a top online college.
What should I look for in an online English school?
The best online English schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online English schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online English programs are available?
The following levels of English degree online programs are available:
- Online English Certificate Programs
- Online Associates in English
- Online Bachelor in English
- Online Masters in English
- Online PhD in English
How long does it take to get an online English degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online English degree depends on the level of English degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online English Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online English Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online English Bachelor Degree – 4 years
- Online English Masters – 2 years
- Online English PhD – 2 to 5 years
What are some examples of online English courses?
Coursework for the most popular online English degree vary in content, subject area, and expectations. Writing, critical thinking, journalism, and author studies are popular courses for English majors, and coursework requires extensive reading and academic papers. The following courses are required in most top online English degree programs:
- The English Language
An essential basic course for any top online English degree, this course is a study of the English language: history, syntax, phonology, morphology, semantics and related topics. - The Short Story
Online English degree programs offer this course to reinforce skills in storytelling, writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. The course is a study of the evolution of the short-story form, from the nineteenth century through post-modernism. - Shakespeare
The central figure in European literature and theater, the study of Shakespeare is crucial to skill and knowledge in the area of English. This course is a study of Shakespeare’s drama in the contexts of Tudor-Stuart culture. - Poetry
The study of different styles of literature includes poetry, and this class examines a wide range of poetic forms and styles, with an emphasis on sharpening students’ interpretative skills. - Creative Writing
For students pursuing a career in writing, creative writing introduces students to writing in various styles, including poetry and short stories.
What areas of English specialization are available?
The best online English degree programs offer students a wide variety of courses to sharpen skills in writing, reading comprehension and author studies. Once required courses are complete, top online colleges offer concentrations in particular areas of the discipline of English. The following specializations are available in accredited online English degree programs:
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- English Education
- Creative Writing
- Authorship
- Shakespeare
- American Literature
- British Literature
- Business Communications
- Poetry
- World Literature
What can I do with an English degree?
The best online English degrees develop students who are excellent readers and writers, who have stellar critical thinking skills, are persuasive in their approach, and who understand the impact of language on society. These skills are beneficial in any career, and open up many job opportunities.
Students with an undergraduate online English degree from an accredited online English school can pursue the following employment opportunities:
- Journalist
- Poet
- Teacher
- Public Relations Writer
- Technical Writer
- Advertiser
- Marketer
- Grant Writer
- Copy Writer
- Lawyer
- Communications Director
- Editorial Writer
- Television Writer
- Screenplay Writer
- Textbook Writer
- Biographer
- Playwright
- Publisher
- Literary Agent
- College Professor
- Novel Writer
- Book Reviewer
- Curriculum Developer
- Teacher
- Editor
- News Analyst
What is a Writer?
A writer uses the English language to create works pertinent to their audience. A writer may work as a journalist, investigating and writing articles for a newspaper, an author writing novels, or an advertiser, writing pieces to sell product. Writers work in a variety of industries, and writing skills are useful in any career. As a profession, writing is very competitive, but strong language skills, patience and practice can develop a rewarding career as a writer.
What does a writer do?
An online degree program in English largely produces writers in many contexts. Writing skills, whether authoring a new book or developing catchy slogans for an advertising campaign, is a career path for those with confidence with the written word, motivation to hone their craft, and a passion for communication. Some careers for writers include:
- Author
Authors develop content, whether a fiction story or a nonfiction educational piece, and communicate their ideas in a form that fits their audience, whether a book, magazine, or internet weblog. Authors are known for developing a specific writing style and preference of subject area, such as detective stories or military history. - Copy Writer
A copy writer develops writing for advertising in order to promote or sell a product. Copy writers typically have a business or marketing background in addition to excellent writing skills. - Editor
Editors review and edit writing submitted to them. Effective editors must have patience and an exceptional command of the written language. - Technical Writer
Technical writers use their skills to explain difficult technical programs or systems to the reader. Technical writers must have a background in the field they are working in, in order to effectively explain content. - Reporter
Reporters work for a newspaper or new show, investigating interesting stories and conveying the content to their audience. Reporters must work under tight deadlines and strict language styles.
How much does a writer earn?
Both the salary and projected employment growth for writers will vary significantly by expertise and industry.
Earnings can depend on many factors, including royalties for authors and screenwriters, or position within a newspaper. Writers earn between $53,030 (newspaper reporters) and $85,420 (screenwriters). Competition is generally very strong.
Growth is projected at an average rate for all areas except for newspaper writers, who expect a significant drop in career potential as the newspaper industry is in a downturn. Examples of expected growth potential over the next decade include authors at 8%, and newspaper editors at 0% growth.
How do I become a writer?
Becoming a writer takes practice, skill, education, and motivation. Higher education to develop skills and study new and exciting writing can be obtained from an accredited online English school. Education for writing comes in many forms and an advanced English degree is an excellent first step on the journey of becoming a writer.