[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you love the written word and wish to deepen your understanding of the English language, an English degree could be right for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English helps millions of people worldwide communicate each day. In an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-english/”]English degree program[/hen-ui-link], you gain an essential understanding of how the language developed, functions, and continues to change.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An English degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of linguistics, grammar, writing, and literary analysis. Enrollees explore the English language and its applications while learning about the fundamentals of writing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an English Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English degrees focus on the study of English literature, including poetry, prose, and nonfiction. Specialized concentrations in English may explore other topics, like linguistics or technical writing, to focus on how we use language to communicate and create meaning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In an English degree program, you’ll learn how to craft compelling arguments, write creative prose, and critically analyze texts, all skills that can prepare you for a career in publishing, education, or marketing. The next sections detail the most common types of English degrees and focus areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of English Degrees and Concentration Areas[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools offer English degrees with different emphases and levels of study, so you should think about your educational interests and career goals before settling on a program. Some concentrations relate to career paths, such as education or technical writing. Others focus on a specific area of study. Some popular English concentrations include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Creative writing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cultural studies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English teaching[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Film and media studies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Linguistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Literature[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technical writing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Reality Check: Can I Get An English Degree Online?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can get an English degree online. Online English degrees offer the same courses as campus programs, often taught by the same professors. However, online learning gives you more scheduling flexibility, letting you take classes without ever visiting campus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many online programs offer courses asynchronously, meaning you don’t have to log in for class at any specific time. Instead, you’ll complete coursework at your own pace.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]English Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should consider your interests and professional goals before deciding on an English degree. Undergraduate degrees in English build foundational knowledge on reading, writing, literature, and linguistics, whereas graduate degrees tend to focus on specific aspects of the subject, such as creative writing or teaching English as a second language.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree in English[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Teacher’s aide, customer service representative, administrative assistant[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in English typically requires two years of study, during which you’ll complete coursework in English composition, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and public speaking. Many of the country’s [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-community-colleges/”]best community colleges[/hen-ui-link] offer associate degrees in English.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an associate degree in English, you can find employment as a sales representative, administrative assistant, or teacher’s aide. The curriculum also provides a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in English or other related disciplines.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in English[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: K-12 teacher, ESL instructor, publisher, copy editor, technical writer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduate coursework in English builds writing, reading, and communication skills that are essential for careers in many fields. Earning a bachelor’s degree in English can lead to employment as an English teacher, technical writer, content manager, or public relations specialist. English bachelor’s degrees also establish the necessary academic foundation to pursue graduate study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most bachelor’s degrees in English require four years of full-time enrollment. You complete introductory classes before moving into advanced or specialized subjects. Some bachelor’s degrees offer concentrations in literature, technical writing, or English education. Many bachelor’s degrees in English, particularly those that emphasize creative writing, also teach writing workshops.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree in English[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: High school teacher, community college professor, senior editor or writer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in English typically takes 1-2 years to complete and builds advanced skills in writing, research, and critical analysis. You’ll take lecture and seminar courses focused on literature, English theory, and practical applications. Many programs offer concentrations in areas like creative writing, rhetoric, English education, or business communication.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These specializations can prepare you for a career in teaching, editing, technical writing, or public relations, or even for a leadership role in education or communications. If you’re aiming to deepen your expertise or pursue a doctorate, a master’s in English can help get you there.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in English[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4-5 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: College professor, academic researcher or writer, senior publisher, managing editor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in English should take 4-7 years to complete, but it can take even longer depending on the research topic and the amount of funding procured. Upon passing your qualifying exams, you’ll write a thesis and work on advanced research projects in the subject.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most Ph.D. candidates specialize in a certain area of English, such as English in a specific geographic area or time period, literary theory, or media and digital studies. Doctoral graduates often teach at colleges and universities, but this degree can also lead to a career as a managing editor, public relations manager, or media executive.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to an English Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have many factors to consider when researching English degrees, including accreditation, concentration options, and admissions requirements. It’s always a good idea to reach out to different schools and find out what their English programs can offer you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for English Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should always ensure a school’s accreditation status before deciding on a program. Most colleges and universities in the United States hold [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regional or national accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Regionally accredited universities are typically more prestigious than nationally accredited ones.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National and regional accreditation apply to entire colleges and universities, but some degrees and departments may have additional programmatic accreditation that is conferred by independent agencies. The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation [hen-ui-link href=”https://cea-accredit.org/accreditation/” target=”_blank”]accredits English degrees[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ensure Your English Concentration Area Is Offered[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Always look over a school’s English concentration options, especially if you have a specific field of study in mind. Most programs offer a concentration in English literature, but specialized areas like cultural studies or creative writing may be harder to find.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If a school doesn’t offer your concentration of choice, you still may be able to take related classes. Talk to faculty or advisors about potential course options outside of the main curriculum.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To apply to an undergraduate English program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Many schools also require you to submit SAT or ACT scores. More selective programs may require a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a high GPA.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the graduate level, programs usually have more rigorous application requirements. For most programs, you’ll need to submit a writing sample that shows faculty you’re ready for graduate work. Your personal statement also needs to discuss more specifically your professional and research goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With an English Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An English degree can lead to professional opportunities in education, publishing, journalism, and business. If you’re interested in working in the publishing, marketing, or journalism industries, you may benefit from completing an internship or two during your studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many English majors take [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/english-careers/”]traditional career paths[/hen-ui-link], an English degree also prepares you with the communication and writing skills to succeed in research and technology, government service, and public administration. You can also increase your employment opportunities by taking classes or minoring in another discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]English Career Paths and Job Outlooks[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]8 English Major Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm” target=”_blank”]Interpreter and Translator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$59,440[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]Newspaper Publisher[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$59,600[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]-3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm” target=”_blank”]Writer and Author[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$72,270[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm” target=”_blank”]Editor[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$75,260[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]-2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm” target=”_blank”]Technical Writer[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$91,670[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$159,660[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm” target=”_blank”]High School English Teacher[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$64,580[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]-1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s or Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm” target=”_blank”]College English Professor[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 English Major Careers”]$83,980[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]English Degree Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries vary among English majors based on level of education, career path, and work experience. The top-earning roles for students with an English degree are in advertising, promotions, and marketing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teaching English is a common career choice among English majors. Teachers across all grade levels earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of over $64,000[/hen-ui-link] in 2024, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an English Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the chart below demonstrates, online bachelor’s in English degrees cost about $2,500 less, on average, than campus-based programs. At the graduate level, tuition rates at public colleges are similar to undergraduate programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep in mind that tuition rates vary widely among institutions. Private schools typically charge higher tuition than public schools. Community colleges, which may only offer associate degrees, usually charge the lowest tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Annual Tuition Cost of an English Language and Literature Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online English Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Traditional, On-Campus English Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online English Programs”]$1,672[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$9,315[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online English Programs”]$11,980[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About English Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an English degree worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An English degree builds skills in communication and critical thinking, making English graduates desirable to many employers. While salary levels for English majors may lag behind those in some [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/bachelor-degrees/”]higher-paying fields[/hen-ui-link], English degrees can lead to a wider variety of career pathways.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you enjoy reading and writing and want a versatile degree that doesn’t lock you into a specific career path, an English degree could be a practical choice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I be a teacher with an English degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in English degree can [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]prepare you to teach[/hen-ui-link] at the K-12 level, while master’s and doctoral programs can prepare you to teach college students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many bachelor’s degrees in English offer concentration options in education, and these programs typically lead to teacher certification. You can also pursue teacher certification after you complete your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best degree to teach English in Japan?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You don’t have to be an English major to teach English in a foreign country, and if you’re a native English speaker, any degree lets you teach English in Japan. However, a concentration in English education builds specialized skills that can help prepare you for a teaching career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-abroad/teach-english-in-japan/” target=”_blank”]Teaching English as a Foreign Language[/hen-ui-link] (TEFL) certificate can also help you find teaching jobs in Japan more easily.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can I do with an English degree besides teach​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aside from teaching, an English degree can prepare you for a job in publishing, journalism, and writing. You may also find [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/business-jobs/”]work in fields such as business[/hen-ui-link], advertising, or the nonprofit sector. A degree in English builds skills in critical thinking, communication, and writing, making it useful for many career paths.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What jobs can I get with a bachelor’s degree in English?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular jobs for bachelor’s in English graduates include K-12 teacher, writer, and editor. Other common career fields for English majors include publishing and journalism. The broad skills gained in an English program can also prepare you for a job in marketing, public relations, or advertising.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,8990″][/hen-ui-article-row]