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18 Best Online Bachelor’s in English/Writing Degree Colleges

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 8, 2024, Reading time: 28 minutes

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Bachelor's in English/Writing

English majors work in different fields. From PR to journalism, entertainment, fundraising, literary history to critical theory, and creative writing, this degree is one of the best choices for students who do not want to limit themselves to a particular career. 

An English degree can help students develop their valuable skills further than most employers in different industries value.

This includes competencies in oral and written communication, leadership, problem-solving, analytical interpretation, and research. 

An English major develops critical writing and close reading skills while studying how literature connects to culture, history, and other related fields.

Apart from studying renowned works, you will also have time to build your voice when you major in English.

To complete this degree, you have to think about significant ideas as you analyze poems, novels, films, and the like from across the world. 

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College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is a Bachelor’s in English?

Bachelor's in English/Writing

If you want a degree that can give you a handful of opportunities to explore various expression methods, then an English major is your perfect choice.

When you have an English undergraduate background, it gives you an edge for graduate and professional programs in different fields like business, law, or journalism.

Students taking up an English major begin their studies in a class designed to train them as writers and readers thoroughly. For the higher-level courses, topics include critical theory, creative writing, and literary history.

An English major provides both creative and academic opportunities, thus allowing you to learn key figures while simultaneously improving yourself as a poet, a playwright, or a novelist if you want to. 

What Coursework Should English Majors Expect?

As you start to gain exposure to poetry, plays, film, and more, you can become more flexible in your course selection. Most schools today advise incoming English major students to enroll in one introductory class to understand how they can be effective writers and critical readers. 

From there, some requirements may include courses that focus on specific geographic areas or those that cover certain periods or even help you develop your research skills.

Some schools require English majors to choose a specific concentration area like gender and sexuality, British poetry, or another genre, theme, or historical period.

English literature and language programs can also include research work or mandatory language. Sometimes, you can focus more on creative writing, especially if you take courses in literary forms like poetry, graphic novels, and scriptwriting. 

Bachelor's in English/Writing

Is a Bachelor’s in English a Good Fit for You?

If you often find yourself spending your free time reading, if you believe clear communication is valuable, or if you simply want to become an author, then a Bachelor’s in English is the right choice.

Although being an English major means you need to be prepared to write and read most of the time, students should also not dismiss this degree if they are not interested in having a career in writing. 

Valuable skills like meeting deadlines, critical thinking, and grammar and spelling can still be applied in various fields ranging from medicine to publishing.

Thus, whether you are a budding writer, a prospective professional in the academe, or a preprofessional student, you will likely find a spot in the English department of the school of your choice. 

What is the Career Outlook of an English Major?

According to the BLS, writers earn a median annual salary of $73,150. However, earnings vary depending on the writer’s experience and field. The chart below depicts the salary potential for a variety of popular careers that require an English degree. Some positions may necessitate additional training.

The BLS predicts an increase in employment for authors and writers through 2032. Job seekers should expect stiff competition for positions, with on-the-job training, experience, and education all impacting career opportunities.

Job opportunities can also be influenced by where you live. The states with the most writers are California and New York. On the other hand, technology allows successful writers to work from anywhere they have a computer and internet access.

According to the BLS, 62% of writers and authors work for themselves, juggling multiple freelance projects for various clients.

What are the Skills Gained With an English Degree?

English majors gain valuable skills that can be applied to various career paths, such as communication, critical thinking, organization, research, and writing. Discussions, essays, and research papers are used to help students hone these skills.

Graduates continue to hone their skills by completing additional training and earning certifications throughout their careers. The following list goes into greater detail about these skills and their significance to English professionals.

Communication
English majors work hard to improve their reading, writing, and speaking abilities. Graduates with strong communication skills can successfully market themselves to potential employers who might not have considered hiring them otherwise.

Writing
Many employers stop reading resumes if they find spelling and grammatical errors. As a result, English majors who improve their writing and grammar skills have a competitive advantage over other applicants.

Critical Thinking
Employers place a premium on applicants who have honed their critical thinking skills. English majors hone these skills by analyzing literature. These candidates can look at a problem from various perspectives and propose appropriate solutions.

Organization
Employers in various industries value organized employees who stay on task, meet deadlines, and manage projects successfully. English majors can improve their organizational skills by keeping a professional calendar, investing in administrative materials or apps, and volunteering to lead peers’ in-class projects.

Research
English majors produce a large number of research papers. As a result, they understand how to conduct research and turn it into written reports. Some major English jobs may require applicants to provide an example of their research ability. Once hired, employees can put their skills to use by writing whitepapers and website copy.

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Majoring in English or Writing is ideal for individuals with a knack for all things literature, writing, or communication in the English language. If you picture yourself successfully pursuing a career in any of these fields, finding the best online college for a bachelor’s degree in English or Writing is one of the most critical steps you can take!

Our Best Online Bachelor’s in English/Writing Degree Colleges presents the country’s outstanding programs offered by some of the country’s most prestigious schools. These undergraduate programs made it to our list because they provide students with the best training and education, making them well-prepared for the careers they wish to pursue.

In particular, these online English/Writing Degree programs provide flexibility and convenience, affordability, and high-quality, up-to-date education. The programs exhibit a high-quality delivery of coursework from a well-credentialed faculty–essential to ensuring that students learn valuable skills as they embark as professionals after graduation.

Need more information on our process of selecting these standout English/Writing degree programs? Please see our Methodology page.

18 Best Online Bachelor’s in English/Writing Degree Colleges

Some English programs are offered in large research universities and within small liberal arts colleges. However, these programs have one common denominator: they provide the best online bachelor’s degree in the country. 

Western New Mexico University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The online bachelor’s degree in English program at Western New Mexico University is designed specifically for working adults who wish to prepare for careers requiring skills in editing, critical analysis, research, editing, and technical writing.

All of the classes are done online, making it easier for them to interact with faculty and peers. Although the coursework is online, students will still have the chance to engage in critical discussions with their professors and classmates. 

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Silver City, New Mexico

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Thomas Edison State University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

Thomas Edison State University’s online bachelor’s in English program is geared towards preparing adults for a career change, advancement, or entry into a graduate degree program. Literature, the English language, and other literary devices are explored in several online courses.

All these courses are delivered online so that students can have flexible learning options. Courses in this online bachelor’s program include Nonwestern Literature, Interpretation and Analysis of Literature, and the Literature Survey. 

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Trenton, New Jersey

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University of Central Florida

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The College of Arts and Humanities of the University of Central Florida offers an online English degree designed to gear students for law, publishing, editing, and teaching careers. All the classes are conducted online and are delivered by the same instructors who teach on campus.

This online degree includes American literature courses, English literature, creative writing for English majors, writing and research on literature, practice and theory of creative writing, and technical writing. 

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Orlando, Florida

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American Public University System

Bachelor's in English/Writing

For those who wish to pursue an English Literature degree online, the American Public University System offers an affordable option!

Its English program is specifically designed for people who dedicate themselves to the discipline and wish to prepare for better careers in editing, advertising, film, public relations, journalism, and television.

All the classes are delivered online. Courses include Cultural Diversity in Literature, British Literature, American Literature, Professional Writing, and English Language History. 

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Charles Town, West Virginia

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Indiana University East

Bachelor's in English/Writing

Indiana University East is an affordable option if you plan to enroll online for a bachelor’s degree in English.

This discipline emphasizes professional and technical writing and is suitable for busy people who need flexible course schedules. It is also a good option for pursuing a career in different media forms like Public Relations or Advertising.

All the classes are done online. Aside from its advanced technical writing, the program also includes American Fiction to 1900, Literary Interpretation, Introduction to the English Language, and Professional Writing. 

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Richmond, Indiana

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University of Maryland Global Campus

Bachelor's in English/Writing

Formerly the University of Maryland University College, UMGC offers an affordable online English bachelor’s degree for those who wish to earn this degree online.

The program covers theories and real-world applications in writing, literature, and language. The professors who teach on campus are also the ones who handle the online classes. 

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Adelphi, Maryland

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University of Houston

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The University of Houston’s School of Arts and Sciences has an accredited online English literature degree specifically designed for working students and even teachers who wish to have secondary teaching certifications.

A successful candidate for this program can earn a degree in humanities-English and has the choice of completing a teacher certification. 

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Victoria, Texas

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Granite State College

Bachelor's in English/Writing

Granite State College’s online English Language Arts Degree is a program that gives its students the right path to a career in education and teacher certification eligibility (for General Special Education and Elementary Education) of the NH Department of Education.

This program is aligned with the New Hampshire Department of Education’s standard for teacher credentialing. As a student, you will learn important research, critical thinking, and writing skills for any profession. 

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Concorde, New Hampshire

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University of Maine at Presque Isle

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The University of Maine at Presque Isle takes pride in its online degree program for English literature, designed to equip its students with professional writing and critical reading skills that they can use to become successful in their profession or business.

The same instructors teach the online programs in on-campus live courses. And since the program offers different courses, it’s easy for you to choose the one you think best suits your needs. 

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Presque Isle, Maine

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Nicholls State University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The English Program at Nicholls State University Online features a core course that starts with English 220, where you are introduced to the discipline, along with the different areas of concentration and the jobs you may expect to secure after completing the course. 

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 Thibodaux, Louisiana

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Eastern Oregon University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

Eastern Oregon University has an accredited online English degree that focuses mainly on writing and the English language. Once you complete the program, you are guaranteed to have the necessary foundation to pursue your plans—be it a master’s in fine arts or a creative writing program. 

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La Grande, Oregon

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Troy University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The online bachelor’s in English program of Troy University is perfect for those busy students who wish to learn more about world literature and the English language.

Courses include British literature, American literature before 1875, history of the English language, professional writing, professional and technical editing, and introduction to technical writing. 

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Troy, Alabama

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Arizona State University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

The College of Arts and Sciences of Arizona State University has accredited online English degree offerings perfect for busy undergraduates who opt to have a flexible study schedule. Online majors will still receive the same quality of materials and courses as on-campus students receive. 

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Tempe, Arizona

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Florida International University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

This fully online Bachelor of Arts in English offered at Florida International University will enthrall those who love the written word. A degree in Writing and Rhetoric can be found that fits the student’s interests and career goals.

In the Writing and Rhetoric Track, students interested in improving their communication, argumentation, and writing skills thrive. 

The coursework that students take in this program draws on current writing and rhetorical studies research, as well as the diverse resources of South Florida, enabling them to develop rhetorically sophisticated reading and writing skills that enable them to thrive in multicultural, multilingual, digital environments in the 21st century.

Employers are particularly interested in our graduates because of their cutting-edge writing, rhetoric, and communication approaches.

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Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

By majoring in English at Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll gain valuable skills that are highly sought after. Almost any career path requires the same skill set.

As an English major, you may have to interpret implied meanings or support ideas logically and effectively. In this program, you should prepare to conduct research, proofread, and document. 

Also, you may give an oral presentation or work in a group. There are many career options available with this online English degree. Traditionally, you can pursue an advertising, marketing, or public relations career.

Alternatively, you can pursue careers in management, marketing, human resources, or even sales. A career in teaching could also be pursued with additional training and certification.

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Ottawa University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

During the accelerated, online Bachelor of English program, you will explore the power of language, understand how creative writing can convey the essence of the human condition, and discover the techniques and impacts of successful writers.

Once you have developed your voice and expressive abilities through written expression, you’ll be able to tackle any related job in diverse industries.

You will study authors, characters, themes, plots, styles, and themes in the world and English Literature as you complete your Bachelor’s degree in English. Language and multiculturalism are two of the key focuses of this English major.

Students prepare intentionally for graduate school and professional careers by taking upper-level courses in research and criticism.

Through written discourse, students discover their voices, styles, and techniques by analyzing the techniques and impact of successful writers. They also identify important issues in their lives, develop empathy for others, and identify important personal issues.

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National University

Bachelor's in English/Writing

An English BA can lead to careers in teaching, media, advertising, writing, and publishing, as well as graduate or professional studies in English, communication, or the law.

A rigorous curriculum of Literature, composition, linguistics, and communication studies is offered in the Bachelor of Arts in English at the National University.

Students looking for a flexible way to earn their degree will find NU’s curriculum appealing. With a four-week online class schedule, you can finish the program at a faster pace under the guidance of a supportive and dedicated faculty.

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University of Missouri

Bachelor's in English/Writing

You can develop your analytical, sometimes abstract thinking skills by enrolling in the online BA in English program at the University of Missouri.

By deepening your knowledge of Literature, composition, and language evolution, Mizzou’s English Department strives to achieve this goal. Studying Literature and cultural works from across history will broaden your understanding of Literature and culture.

Learn about the media’s composition and broader effects when enrolling in this English major program. You will also get to read and write literary works across various topics and periods while developing analytical skills.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cost of an online Bachelor's degree in English/Writing?

What’s the cost of an online Bachelor’s degree in English/Writing?

According to US News and World Report, an online bachelor’s degree in English typically costs between $22,000 to $73,000. An online degree’s cost is not always determined solely by tuition.

In addition to admissions and technology fees, you will also need to consider course material fees and placement assessments for an online bachelor’s degree in English.

Bachelor’s degree tuition can also be lowered in several ways, just like traditional programs. Those who come from regionally accredited institutions may be able to transfer some of their previous credits. This can reduce the degree’s overall cost and shorten completion time.

Financial aid programs are also available to online students at some universities. For online students, grants, loans, and scholarships may be available depending on the institution.

What is the future of English Degree holders?

Most English majors in the workforce prove that online English degrees are valuable in the job market. Many English majors can find work in unexpected business, finance, and IT fields. You’ll be surprised to see how diverse your job opportunities are in diverse industries.

To recruit employees with a good command of the language and skills in written and oral communication, many companies worldwide require English as one of their primary languages. Thus, English majors have many career options, including writing, public relations, journalism, and advertising.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in English online can give you all the employment opportunities and financial rewards you desire.

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