Posted at 3:51 AM Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Khan
Online English Degree Program

Going to college can be a stressful and expensive process, especially for students who are not fresh out of high school. Busy professionals, parents, and those simply looking to avoid the costs of a traditional four year higher education have the option of pursuing a degree online. There are several online programs for obtaining an English degree from accredited schools. This path allows the student to set their own pace and work around their schedule, often for much less money. Also, online degrees offer students the opportunity to finish quickly without losing the quality of their education. Students can move forward as fast as they want to, leaving the completion time dependent upon motivation and work ethic.

Why Study English?

A degree in English allows you to focus on any number of aspects of communication. You will learn to properly read and understand literature. Creative writing classes will teach you to interpret your imaginative ideas into the written word. An English degree teaches students to communicate effectively both through the their writing and in conversation. You will learn correct grammar, spelling, and in depth researching skills based upon technological literacy. Students develop critical thinking skills as they read and analyze different texts. You will learn how to ask the right questions in any situation.

Where Can I Get an Accredited English Degree Online?

University of Maryland University College

This is the largest online educational community. Headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, UMUC offers award-winning education worldwide. This school has a Bachelor of the Arts degree in English program. The degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours, with focuses on literature and writing. The tuition for UMUC is $230 per semester hour for Maryland residents or active duty military and spouses, and $499 per semester hour for those out of state. The phone number is (800) 888-UMUC. The website is http://umuc.edu/index.shtml. The address for UMUC is 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783.

Grand Canyon University

GCU is a Phoenix, Arizona based private Christian (non- denominational) university with online and campus classes. They offer an online Bachelor of the Arts degree in English Literature, with a focus on preparing the student for a teaching position. The class requirements do include some religion- centered coursework. GCU requires 120 credit hours, and the tuition is $250 per credit for active duty military and reservists, and $415 per credit for regular undergraduate students. Request information at http://www.gcu.edu/ or call 1-877-860-3951.

Mercy College

This New York based school offers both Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in English online.

Southern New Hampshire University: SNHU offers a Bachelor of the Arts degree in English Language and Literature. This program focuses on Western literature, with a survey of world literature. The degree also requires work in linguistics, grammar, and advanced nonfiction writing. The program is designed to prepare the student for graduate work or teaching. SNHU charges tuition per course instead of per credit hour. The cost is $675 per course for active duty military, and $906 per course for regular students. For more information, visit http://www.snhu.edu/index.asp, call (800) 668-1249, or mail a request to 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, NH, 03106.

University of Illinois at Springfield

UIS offers a Bachelor of the Arts in English degree in a 61 hour program completed entirely online. The program focuses on preparing the student for graduate studies. The undergraduate work is centered around developing complex communication skills appropriate for any audience. UIS also focuses on developing editing skills and oral communication abilities through their online English degree program. The tuition is $235.25 per credit hour, regardless of whether you live in Illinois. Contact the University of Illinois about this program at http://www.uis.edu/english/curriculum/online/index.html or call (800) 323-9243.

Morehead State University

MSU, a Kentucky based university, is one of the few accredited schools to offer online graduate work in English. Their program gives students a Master of Arts in English degree upon completion, and requires 33 hours of coursework. It does offer a thesis option, which fulfills 6 credits of English elective classes for students who wish to complete and defend a critical thesis. All M.A. online students must pass a written exit exam in order to graduate. The cost is $456 per credit hour for graduate work. For more information, visit http://www.moreheadstate.edu/ or call (800) 585-6781. You can also mail a request to 150 University Blvd. Morehead, KY 40351.

Mercy College

This New York based school offers online programs for both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in English. The Bachelor's program offers courses in international literature, grammar, linguistics, business writing, and oral interpretation. Mercy College also offers a professional certificate program, wherein students earn a B.A. in English, as well as certificates in English and Education along with an M.S. in Education. The M.A. in English program focuses on literary criticism as well as preparing students to teach high school or college level English. For more information, visit https://www.mercy.edu/, call 1-877-MERCY-GO or write to 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry NY 10522.

Bowling Green State University

BGSU, located in Ohio, offers a Master of the Arts degree in English with a non-thesis track. The degree has a heavy focus on preparing students for teaching in public school or community colleges, or on furthering the careers of those who already practice these professions. BGSU's M.A. program offers electives in Scientific and Technical Communication, for students seeking an M.A. in English which is relevant to the business community. Go to http://www.bgsu.edu/ for information.

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor's degree in English provides almost endless career opportunities. A graduate could pursue creative writing, teaching, or editing. You could also pursue a career in business. Jobs such as grant writing, sales and marketing, management training, and technical writing are all available for successful English majors. Pay for these careers generally varies according to location. A public school teacher will make between $27,000- $45,000. Management training programs usually start low paying (around 12$ an hour), with a significant increase in pay once completed. Retail managers, for example, make between $35,000 and $60,000 depending on the company. English graduates starting a new corporate career in grant writing or sales should expect a salary around $45,000.

Master's degree holders have several options available, as well. Law schools are always accepting english majors because of their in depth research and critical thinking skills. Public school teachers who earn M.A. degrees can expect a raise of several thousand dollars. Teaching at community colleges is an option, as well. Most Master's degree holders do develop careers in education, or continue their learning through the pursuit of a Ph.D. in an area of English particularly interesting to them.

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