In this article, we profile the 30 best online bachelor’s in English degrees from some of the nation’s top-ranked institutions.
English majors do more than lose themselves in a good book. While classical and contemporary literature is a main focus, an accredited English program equips students with analytical, communication, and writing skills that are applicable to a variety of careers. Many English majors pursue education, law, or even publishing. Quality online programs are now being offered from some of the top-ranked colleges and universities. Students no longer have to abandon their daytime commitments to attend school.
Methodology
We reviewed approximately 60 accredited colleges and universities that offered online bachelor’s in English degree programs. We selected schools that had received rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. Some of the schools on our list received regional and national rankings, while others earned recognition for having one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country. We then chose the most affordable of these recognized institutions based on the in-state undergraduate tuition/fees listed by NCES College Navigator. Our #1 spot went to the most affordable program.
Here are our 30 best online bachelor’s in English degrees.
#30 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in English Language and Literature
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $30,386
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in English degree program that is designed to prepare students with communication and research skills commonly required by employers. Classes are delivered entirely online and provide 24/7 access to content and coursework. Students may complete their coursework by working at their own pace, over six nine-week terms per year. Online classes include introduction to humanities, literary theory, nonfiction writing workshop, Shakespeare, and the English language. SNHU is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists SNHU as the 131st best regional university in the North.
#29 – Chaminade University of Honolulu
Online Bachelor’s in English
Honolulu, Hawaii
Undergraduate tuition: $21,780
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online English degree program that is designed to nurture the creative, critical, and analytical abilities of students in areas of drama, fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. The program offers an optional specialization in writing or literature and criticism. Classes are delivered online and include backgrounds in American literature, backgrounds in English literature, and a senior seminar in various topics. If a student chooses one of the specialization areas, 15 credit hours in that specialization are required. Chaminade is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 73rd best regional university in the West and the 48th best college for veterans.
#28 – Mercy College
Online Bachelor’s in English
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Undergraduate tuition: $18,076
The online English bachelor’s degree program offered at Mercy College is designed to build a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication that can be applied in education, publication, or other writing career industries. Students begin their studies taking foundational courses in poetics and survey of English literature, and later explore topics in the classics, genres, and historical fiction and nonfiction. Courses may include Caribbean literature, classical literature, medieval literature, modern American fiction, Shakespeare’s tragedies, and the major English romantics. Mercy College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #205 in the nation.
#27 – Judson College
Online Bachelor’s in English
Marion, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $16,868
Judson College offers an accredited online English bachelor degree through its distance-learning program. All classes are conveniently delivered online and taught by the same college instructors who teach on-campus. Online courses include history of the English language, language and culture, modern grammar, survey of British literature, twentieth-century literature, and the Bible as literature. The program emphasizes the development of communication skills, critical thinking, and research skills commonly used in a variety of careers. Judson is a nationally ranked liberal arts college. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as among the best national liberal arts colleges in the country.
#26 – Northeastern University
Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies
Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $16,757
For those interested in the possibility of an online bachelor’s in English, Northeastern University offers a unique option. The online bachelor’s in liberal studies program allows students to pursue an area of interest, like English, that is not pre-defined as a major concentration. General foundation courses include several college writing classes and writing for professional business courses. Students have an open elective choice and may select up to 21 hours of classes in an area of interest. A capstone project in liberal studies is required toward the end of the program. The project is self-designed and must be approved by the associate dean. Northeastern is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 47th best national university and the 6th most innovative school.
#25 – Regent University
Online Bachelor’s in English
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $16,478
Regent University’s accredited online English degree is a versatile program that allows students to choose from ten areas of concentration. Depending on interest and career goals, students may select concentration areas like biblical studies, communication, creative writing, French, government, Hispanic studies, history, professional writing, secondary education, and Spanish. All courses are delivered online and include creative writing, culture and civilization, studies in world literature, and the religious imagination in American literature. Regent is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report lists the school among the best national universities. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #17 in the country.
#24 – University of Massachusetts
Online Bachelor’s in English
Lowell, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $13,427
The University of Massachusetts offers an online English bachelor’s program designed to prepare students for careers in creative or professional writing. The program is offered entirely online and delivers courses taught by the same professors who teach on the Lowell campus. Online courses include British literary traditions, history of the English language, introduction to literary theory, old English language and literature, and theories of rhetoric and composition. There is also a foreign language requirement that includes completing courses that follow two available tracks of study. UMass is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 156th best national university. The online bachelor’s programs rank #38 in the country and the school’s graduate English programs have also received recognition.
#23 – National University
Online Bachelor of Arts in English
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate tuition: $12,744
National University offers an accredited online English bachelor degree program that is designed to provide students with a strong background in English and literature. Through coursework and independent study, students develop their communication, critical thinking, and written skills that are often needed in preparation for careers in advertising, education, publishing, or writing. Online courses include American literature, British literature, fiction writing, poetry writing, screenwriting, and twentieth-century world literature. National University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school’s online bachelor’s programs as #114 in the country.
#22 – Ottawa University
Online Bachelor’s in English
Ottawa, Kansas
Undergraduate tuition: $12,085
Ottawa University’s online English bachelor’s degree program is designed to equip students with essentials in creative writing, communication, and literature. All classes are delivered online and include contemporary literature, creative writing, environmental literature, literary criticism, and seminars in American and British literature. Online students may also choose a 20-credit minor in one of 22 available options. The primary focus of the program is to provide students with the techniques needed to be impactful writers. Ottawa is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 62nd best regional college in the Midwest.
#21 – University of Illinois
Online Bachelor’s in English
Springfield, Illinois
Undergraduate tuition: $11,413
The University of Illinois offers an affordable online English degree designed for busy students who require flexible educational options. The online bachelor’s in English prepares students with the communication and writing techniques needed to successfully pursue a graduate English degree program. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same distinguished professors who teach on-campus. Courses include introduction to the discipline, literary research and theory, women’s literature, and world literature. Several student involvement opportunities are available, including a study abroad program. The institution is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #30.
#20 – Removed by editor
#19 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Online Bachelor’s in English
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $10,190
Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers an accredited online English bachelor’s degree program that is designed for busy students. English majors learn how to express their opinion and voice through the study of literature and the English language. Writing and communication are the skills most emphasized in the online courses. These courses include American literature, English literature, introduction to English literature, literary theory, and world literature. Students also have the opportunity to choose an area of specialization. Specializations include cultural studies, drama, general literature, linguistics, multicultural literature, movie studies, or writing. Clarion has received regional rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs at Clarion rank #120 in the country.
#18 – University of Memphis
Online Bachelor of Arts in English
Memphis, Tennessee
Undergraduate tuition: $8,903
The University of Memphis offers an online English bachelor’s degree program with two available concentrations – African American literature or professional writing. The program is designed for busy and working students who require flexible classes and access to coursework at all hours of the day. The school also offers access to graduate English programs like the master’s in English or MFA degrees. Also, online students have access to professional internships and study abroad opportunities. The University of Memphis is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as among the best national universities. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned recognition.
#17 – University of Colorado
Online Bachelor’s in English Writing
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $8,692
University of Colorado offers an accredited online English bachelor degree program that is designed for busy students who want to acquire marketable writing skills. The online English writing program is taught by the same professors who teach on the Denver campus. Small class sizes and quality curriculum provide a comfortable and valuable learning environment. Online classes include core composition, fiction workshop, introduction to creative writing, multimedia composition, special topics in rhetoric and writing, and technical writing. UC-Denver is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 199th best national university.
#16 – Adams State University
Online Bachelor’s in English/Liberal Arts
Alamosa, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $8,574
The requirements for the online English bachelor’s degree program at Adams State University are the same as those for the on-campus degree. Students are required to complete 37 general education credits, 39 English and liberal arts credits, and 44 hours of general electives. The English and liberal arts core classes make up 21 credits. All classes are delivered online and include American literature, contemporary literary theory, major themes in literature, and Shakespeare. A required senior portfolio is submitted and assessed during the student’s final 30 hours of the program. Adams State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as among the top regional universities in the West.
#15 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in English
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $8,565
Arizona State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Science offers an accredited online English degree designed for busy undergraduates who want the flexibility that a distance-learning program offers. Online students receive the same quality courses and materials as received on-campus while maintaining complete control over their daily schedule. Online courses include classical backgrounds of English literature, critical reading and writing about literature, English in its social setting, first year composition, modern grammar, and writing for the professions. ASU is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 129th best national university. The online bachelor’s programs rank #11 and the graduate English school ranks 59th in the country.
#14 – Columbia College
Online Bachelor’s in English
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $8,240
Columbia College offers an affordable online English degree program that is designed for busy undergraduate students. Successful completion of the program earns a bachelor’s in English degree. All courses are delivered online and include American literature, British literature, ethnic traditions in American literature, major literary figures, readings in fiction, and the history of the English language. Six semester hours of a foreign language are also required. Columbia College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #106 out of approximately 1,200 programs in the country.
#13 – Troy University
Online Bachelor’s in English
Troy, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $7,924
Troy University’s accredited online bachelor’s in English degree program is designed to equip busy students with understanding of English language and world literature. Courses are delivered entirely online to provide flexible learning options for working students. The online courses include American literature before 1875, British literature after 1875, history of the English language, introduction to technical and professional writing, and technical and professional editing. Troy University is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 65th best regional university in the South and the 27th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #100.
#12 – Eastern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s in English/Writing
La Grande, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $7,764
Eastern Oregon University offers an accredited online English literature degree that focuses on the English language and writing. Students acquire the foundation needed to pursue a master’s in fine arts – creative writing program. Classes are delivered online and include American and British literature, approaches to grammar, introduction to fiction writing, professional writing, rhetoric of public culture, and writing in the community. A secondary teaching option is available for students who desire preparation, practice, and national testing so they may teach at the secondary level. Eastern Oregon is a regionally ranked institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #63 in the country.
#11 – Nicholls State University
Online Bachelor’s in English
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Undergraduate tuition: $7,348
The Department of Languages and Literatures at Nicholls State University offers an accredited online English bachelor’s degree program with a concentration in literary studies. Students are required to take courses that explore the English classics like American, British, and world literature, while also exploring topics in literary genres like drama, film, novels, and short fiction. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Nicholls State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the institution as the 87th best regional university in the South and the 42nd top public school.
#10 – University of Maine Presque Isle
Online Bachelor’s in English
Presque Isle, Maine
Undergraduate tuition: $7,300
The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers an online English literature degree program that is designed to equip students with critical reading and professional writing skills that may be used for success in a business or profession. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach live courses on campus. Online classes include contemporary world literature, enlightenment and rise of Anglo-American literatures and cultures, introduction to creative writing, introduction to professional communication and journalism, literary theory, studies in the English language, and writing theory and practice. The University of Maine is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 40th best regional college in the North.
#9 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor’s in English
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $7,257
Granite State College offers an affordable online English literature degree that is designed to build a solid foundation in language, literature, and writing. Students learn valuable critical thinking, research, and writing skills that may be applied to any profession. Online courses cover topics in cultural and socio-historical contexts, literature and language, and vital workplace communications. The program reports that English students have gone on to secure careers in journalism, media relations, teaching, and writing. Granite State College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as having the 79th best online bachelor’s programs in the country.
#8 – University of Houston
Online Bachelor’s in Humanities-English
Victoria, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $7,086
The School of Arts and Sciences offers an accredited online English literature degree that is specifically designed for working students and teachers who want secondary teaching certifications. Successful degree candidates earn a bachelor’s in humanities-English and have the option of completing a teacher certification. All classes are delivered online and include English composition, introduction to cinema, reasoning and critical thinking, and world literature. The University of Houston is a regionally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, the school is ranked as a top regional university in the West. Also, several of the university’s online graduate programs have also received rankings.
#7 – University of Maryland University College
Online Bachelor’s in English
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate tuition: $7,056
The University of Maryland University College offers an affordable online English degree that is designed for working students who want to earn an online bachelor’s in English. The curriculum covers theories and real-world applications in language, literature, and writing. Online courses are taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Courses include critical approaches to literature, history of the English language, modern American literature, renaissance literature, and seminar in Shakespeare studies. The University of Maryland is a nationally ranked institution and the University College campus ranks as a best regional university in the North according to U.S. News and World Report.
#6 – Indiana University East
Online Bachelor’s in English – Technical and Professional Writing
Richmond, Indiana
Undergraduate tuition: $6,930
Indiana University East offers an affordable online English bachelor’s with an emphasis in technical and professional writing. The program is designed for busy individuals who require flexible course schedules and desire a career in various forms of media, such as advertising or public relations. Classes are delivered online and include advanced technical writing, American fiction to 1900, introduction to the English language, literary interpretation, and professional writing skills. No course with a grade below a 2.0 (C average) is accepted in the major or concentration area. Indiana University East is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the best regional colleges in the Midwest.
#5 – American Public University System
Online Bachelor’s in English
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,880
For students interested in pursuing an accredited online English literature degree, American Public University provides an affordable option. The bachelor’s in English program is designed for individuals dedicated to the English discipline who seek preparation for careers in advertising, editing, film, journalism, public relations, and television. Classes are delivered online and include American and British literature, cultural diversity in literature, history of the English language, and professional writing. APU is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs as #58 in the country.
#4 – University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor’s in English
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $6,368
The University of Central Florida’s College of Arts and Humanities offers an accredited online English degree that is designed to prepare students for careers in editing, law, publishing, and teaching. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Online courses include American literature, creative writing for English majors, English literature, research and writing about literature, theory and practice of creative writing, and writing for the technical professional. A total of 120 credits are required for the online bachelor’s degree program. The University of Central Florida is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 168th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #20 in the country.
#3 – Louisiana State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in English
Alexandria, Louisiana
Undergraduate tuition: $6,158
Interested in an accredited online English literature degree? Louisiana State University offers a 100% online bachelor’s in English program that is designed to provide a thorough understanding of English composition, language, literature, and other principles. Students must complete 39 hours of major requirements, and a total of 120 credits online. English courses include American literature, British literature, English grammar, poetry, the novel, and Shakespeare. The same classes that are found on-campus are delivered online, so that students receive the same materials and curriculum that traditional students do. LSA is a ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as among the best national liberal arts colleges in the country.
#2 – Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in English
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate tuition: $6,135
The online bachelor’s in English program at Thomas Edison State University is designed to prepare adults for career advancement, change, or entry into a graduate degree program. English language, literature, and literacy devices are explored in various online courses. All courses are delivered online to provide students with flexible learning options. You won’t have to give up your day job to complete this online English bachelor’s degree. Online English courses include analysis and interpretation of literature, nonwestern literature, and survey of literature. Thomas Edison has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school’s online bachelor’s programs as among the best in the country.
#1 – Western New Mexico University
Online Bachelor’s in English
Silver City, New Mexico
Undergraduate tuition: $5,704
Western New Mexico University’s online bachelor’s in English degree program is designed for working adults who want to prepare for careers that require skills in critical analysis, editing, research, and technical writing. All classes are delivered online and allow students to interact with peers and faculty. Even though coursework is delivered online, students have the opportunity to engage in valuable discussions with classmates and professors. Students must complete 36 hours of English courses. These include American literature, English literature, introduction to literature, and Shakespeare. The university is accredited and various graduate school programs have earned rankings by U.S. News and World Report. Due to the school’s affordability, Western New Mexico University is our #1 pick for best online bachelor’s in English degree programs.
