In our high-tech world, the English language continues to evolve right before our eyes. An entire vocabulary of abbreviations and acronyms has sprung up, built upon the rich language that marks our speech and correspondence. As new forms of communication emerge, and as English becomes an ever-more-common global language, employers' need for professionals who can concisely and eloquently share ideas has never been greater. Online English programs can help students develop time-tested skills that may be used across a variety of industries throughout the country and around the world.
With so many scholastic options out there, choosing the best school can be difficult; that's one of the reasons rankings can be so helpful for potential college students. Those seeking out the best online colleges for English can begin with this: our list of the 10 best online colleges for English degrees. We reviewed pages of data from the National Center for Education Statistics' Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), using our proprietary methodology to separate the wheat from the chaff. The results are in, and these 10 colleges came out on top.
Visit our methodologies page to learn more about how we use official data to evaluate schools.
Founded in 1915, Citrus College is the oldest community college in Los Angeles County. The Associate of Arts in Language Arts aims to prepare students to use logical thought, clear expression and critical evaluation in communications. Students who want to strengthen their communication skills even further should consider earning the Writing Competency Certificate as well.
In our comprehensive list of schools, Citrus College ranks second for tuition and third for prominence. Prospective students can look forward to its open admissions policy and a respectable graduation rate. Put it all together and this excellent program deserves its first place rank on our list of the best online colleges for English.
Please note that currently, only students who reside in California or who are members of the military can register for online courses at Citrus College.
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100 W Foothill BlvdRanked as one of the top Online Bachelor's Programs for 2017 by U.S. News & World Report, the online bachelor's degree in English at University of Massachusetts - Lowell is offered entirely online. Coursework looks at:
Students who choose to expand their horizons after earning their bachelor's degree can look into the online master's degree in reading and language.
University of Massachusetts - Lowell ranked third on our list for favorable tuition rates, as well as taking the No. 7 spot for graduation rate.
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1 University AveLSU of Alexandria's Bachelor of Arts in English can be taken entirely online, preparing students for potential careers in communications, editing, writing or teaching. Courses focus on English principles, composition and literature, as well as poetry, literary history, drama and foreign language. Students who have already earned a substantial amount of college credit will be pleased to learn that this program accepts a large number of transfer credits.
The English department at LSU of Alexandria is sizable, which may be why it awards a sizable enough percentage of English degrees to rank second in prominence on our list. The school is highly competitive; even so, over 65% of students gain admission every year. Since the program is entirely online, the programs have numerous start dates throughout the year, which makes earning a degree easier for those with busy schedules.
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8100 Hwy 71 SouthFounded in 1948, the degree programs at Nicholls State University are well-established and respected. The Bachelor of Arts in English is available in fully online format and offers three distinctly different areas of concentration: literary studies, professional writing and creative writing. The program begins with two gateway programs, then moves into general education and a wealth of electives tailored to support the student's chosen concentration. The capstone course helps students find their way in a sea of employment possibilities.
Nicholls State University has an impressive admissions rate of over 90 percent. The school ranks at 17 for graduation rate as well as prominence, and ranks in the top half for tuition rates. As an added bonus, their accelerated scheduling format means the possibility of finishing the bachelor's degree in only three years.
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University Station La Hwy 1Founded in 1932, the former New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science has expanded to include numerous educational options, including the online bachelor's degree in English. The Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature provides students with the in-depth research skills and communications savvy they will need to enter the competitive workforce. This private school takes a great deal of pride in affordable tuition rates, expert instruction and a transfer-friendly environment.
The favorable graduation rate for the English program at SNHU boosted its ranking on our list, as did the admissions rate of over 91 percent. The school really shines on our prominence metrics, coming in at number one. Students who have a great experience with the online English program might want to consider going further with the online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing.
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2500 North River RoadFounded in 1955, Chaminade University is the only Catholic university in Hawaii. Students who opt for the Bachelor of Arts in English online can choose from one of two concentrations: writing or literature and criticism. Either way, a curriculum that focuses on helping student become adept at a range of writing formats, such as nonfiction, fiction, poetry, drama and more, endeavors to prepare students for different kinds of work environments. Students complete work through the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), which offers accelerated courses and four start terms per year.
Chaminade University came in at number 12 on our list for graduation rate, and offers a solid admissions rate of over 82 percent. The school also awarded quite a few English degrees in 2014-2015, enough to come in at an admirable number six ranking in our prominence metrics.
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3140 Waialae AveAt the Springfield campus of University of Illinois, students can earn an online bachelor's degree in English through the Department of English and Modern Languages after earning their associate degree or completing the required general education courses. Once accepted, students will pursue the Bachelor of Arts in English, where they can choose to explore the Literary Studies concentration. Admission is quite competitive, so aspiring students are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.
Our analysis of the English program at University of Illinois at Springfield led to a few impressive rankings: The school ranked 10th on graduation rate and 11th on our prominence metrics. Out of 56 rankings, that's no mean feat!
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One University PlazaThose seeking to earn the University of Memphis' Bachelor of Arts in English can do so through UofM Global, a system that provides advisory assistance and seasoned faculty. Offered entirely online, students can choose from two concentrations: Professional Writing, which focuses strongly on communication skills, and African American Literature, which focuses on analytical reading and critical thinking.
University of Memphis looks great on our metrics, coming in 5th in prominence and 15th in graduation rates. The school has a very selective admissions process, one that ensures only the most-qualified students enter the program. Accessibility of online options is improved by the fact that University of Memphis charges a special "eRate" for online students, rather than the more expensive out-of-state tuition.
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Southern AvenueClarion University, a Pennsylvania school serving students since 1867, goes out of its way to foster analytical writing, critical thinking and creative thinking skills through the study of literature and the nuances of the English language. Students who prefer to earn a degree in Liberal Studies but still want to have a strong background in English could opt for the B.S. in Literal Studies: English Concentration, which is also offered fully online.
Clarion University has a high admissions rate — over 96 percent — but it also has a great graduation rate, ranking at number nine on our list. Prospective students will be happy to learn that the university has numerous programs dedicated to English and the art of writing, which generally indicates a strong department, plenty of advisory help and learned faculty.
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840 Wood StStudents have been fulfilling their educational goals at National University since 1971. The Bachelor of Arts in English, offered as a hybrid program, allows students the flexibility they need to earn their degree - a factor that can be very helpful to working adults or those who have family responsibilities. The rigorous program focuses on literature, language and linguistics, communication studies and composition to provide a well-rounded preparation. Those more interested in the creative fields can choose the Creative Writing concentration.
National University has a large English department and offers numerous degree options, which boosts it to 13th on our prominence metric. With an open admissions policy, education at National University is available to anyone; however, hard work is required to earn a place among graduates.
Please note that of the 180 quarter units required for the B.A. in English, 45 of them must be completed in residence at National University.
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11255 North Torrey Pines RoadOnline colleges for English are designed to give students an understanding of literature and writing mechanics that can be used in a number of careers. This section of this page discusses the skills students may focus on during an English program's diverse coursework, as well as what that coursework might entail.
English classes can concentrate on many different aspects of English literature. Different genres, authors, time periods, critical theories or even specific texts can all provide the focal point for a course in this field of study. Below are examples of coursework that may be found in these programs.
As students complete an English degree, they are given multiple opportunities to cultivate skills that will help them in their careers after graduation. This section explores some of the skills online education for English may provide.
With new and larger generations going to school and baby boomers in education considering retirement, an English major can feel secure in their prospects for a job in teaching. Other English-related jobs can be harder to break into, but can still be well worth looking into.
Are you passionate about great literature, either classic greats like Charles Dickens or modern geniuses like Toni Morrison? Eliciting critical thinking about these books in students is the job of the high school English teacher, as is teaching correct usage of grammar, building student vocabulary and helping students to formulate stellar essays.
While high school teachers generally specialize in one particular subject, i.e. English or math, they are still required to teach multiple areas within that subject. An English teacher may be asked to teach classes in literature, creative writing, poetry and more throughout their day, to multiple different grade levels of students. A bachelor's degree in English and a teaching license are necessary for the position, but a master's degree could lead to increased pay or act as leverage for better instructional opportunities.
Whether it's penning a book or writing for a daily "rag" as a journalist, writers and author careers can be challenging and pressure-packed, but highly rewarding. Not every person gets to piece together plots; develop unique characters and societies; present their views through the lives of individuals real or imaginary; or fly to Europe or China just to do research for context and credibility.
You can break into the world of writing as an untrained individual of fifteen or fifty, but a degree in English, journalism or communications can help polish your skills, or lend extra legitimacy to your first book. A love of learning, a healthy curiosity and a constant desire to improve are all valuable skills for the job. Writers also need to be able to make deadlines and have a thick skin (or at least a close relationship with their editor) when it comes to revisions and edits.
Is it "who" or "whom," or "lay" or "lie?" Editors are the people who spot grammar confusion in articles, books and stories, as well as ensure that ideas flow, paragraph structures are correct, and words are not missing or accidentally added in. An eye for detail is just one not-to-be-overlooked quality of those interested in editor careers. A love of words, a passion for accuracy, and a knack for management and tact are also valuable in the field.
Editors can work online, should become familiar with software and editing programs, and are often close friends with their dictionary and thesaurus. Skilled editors can oversee different sections of a newspaper or a magazine or become the executive editor of a publication or a publishing house.