Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR TECHNICAL WRITERS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 7%
Companies, brands, and organizations rely on technical writers to synthesize complex information and simplify technical language for the general public.
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PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGERS EARN $116,180 PER YEAR
PR managers help direct and maintain the public image of companies and individuals. The top 10% of public relations managers earn $208,000, which is more than four times the $39,810 median salary for all U.S. occupations.
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128,200 WRITERS AND AUTHORS BY 2029
While there is expected to be a slight decline in job growth as publishing houses and news outlets consolidate, the demand for writers who have command of online and social media communication will remain high.
Our Research
We examined online bachelor’s programs that award students either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in English. The undergraduate programs on our list allow students to complete coursework either online or in a blended format.
Schools that uphold a high academic standard are given accreditation by regional and national accreditors. These programs teach verbal and written communication skills and prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries. Credits from regionally accredited schools are also easier to transfer to other institutions. Accreditation for the schools on this list has been given by the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- 79 hours to write this article
- 92 universities and colleges we assessed
- 143 education programs we compared
In-state: $10,710 Out-of-state: $28,800 In-state: $11,720 Out-of-state: $11,720 SAT: 1100-1320 ACT: 21-28 Resident: $400.60 per credit Non-Resident: $584.60 per credit Online, On-campus North Central Association Higher Learning Commission 120 credits In-state: $4,922 Out-of-state: $6,015 In-state: $5,686 Out-of-state: $5,686 SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 19-24 $1,045.58 per credit Online, On-campus Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 120 credits In-state: $49,046 Out-of-state: $51,013 In-state: $39,917 Out-of-state: $39,917 SAT: 868 and 1052 ACT: 18 and 30 $496 per credit Online, On-campus Higher Learning Commission 120 credits In-state: $9,815 Out-of-state: $36,194 In-state: $9,786 Out-of-state: $9,786 SAT: 1120-1350 ACT: 24-31 In-State: $235.59 per credit Out-of-State: $340.92 per credit Online Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools 120 credits In-state: $6,475 Out-of-state: $22,551 In-state: $9,822 Out-of-state: $9,822 SAT: 930-1150 ACT: 17-24 Resident: $410.45 per credit Non-Resident: $1,481.20 per credit Online, On-campus Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 180 quarter credits In-state: $4,721 Out-of-state: $16,529 In-state: $8,912 Out-of-state: $8,912 SAT: 1110-1260 ACT: 23-29 In-State: $228.81 per credit Out-of-State: $345.87 per credit Online, On-Campus Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 120 credits In-state: $20,496 Out-of-state: $20,496 In-state: $10,710 Out-of-state: $10,710 SAT: 900-1120 ACT: 16-22 $499 per credit Online, On-Campus Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 120 credits In-state: $8,683 Out-of-state: $20,953 In-state: $6,788 Out-of-state: $6,788 SAT: 1070-1240 ACT: 22-27 $311 per credit Online, On-Campus Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 120 credits In-state: $33,930 Out-of-state: $33,930 In-state: $13,410 Out-of-state: $13,410 SAT: 960-1150 ACT: 18-25 $613 per unit Online Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission 49 units In-state: $4,478 Out-of-state: $19,810 In-state: $6,916 Out-of-state: $6,916 SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 25-30 In-State: $212.28 per credit Out-of-State: $748.89 per credit Online Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 120 credits In-state: $8,208 Out-of-state: $12,048 In-state: $9,216 Out-of-state: $9,216 SAT: 990-1200 ACT: 19-26 $414 per credit Online, On-Campus Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 120 credits In-state: $14,317 Out-of-state: $33,824 In-state: $15,016 Out-of-state: $15,016 SAT: 1200-1460 ACT: 27-33 $307.50 per credit Online, On-Campus Higher Learning Commission 68-71 credits In-state: $7,800 Out-of-state: $15,600 In-state: $7,650 Out-of-state: $7,650 SAT: 935-1105 ACT: 18-25 $338 per credit Online Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 120 credits In-state: $9,600 Out-of-state: $9,600 In-state: $18,810 Out-of-state: $18,810 SAT: N/A ACT: N/A $320 per credit Online New England Commission of Higher Education 120 credits In-state: $11,190 Out-of-state: $16,302 In-state: $24,924 Out-of-state: $24,924 SAT: 940-1130 ACT: 17-23 Resident: $546.05 per credit Non-Resident: $617.11 per credit Online Middle States Commission on Higher Education 120 credits In-state: $8,824 Out-of-state: $34,936 In-state: $13,158 Out-of-state: $13,158 SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 30-34 In-State: $300 per credit Out-of-State: $499 per credit Online Middle States Commission on Higher Education 120 credits In-state: $15,791 Out-of-state: $35,779 In-state: $14,014 Out-of-state: $14,014 SAT: 1200-1390 ACT: 27-32 $380 per credit Online New England Commission of Higher Education 120 credits In-state: $24,766 Out-of-state: $24,766 In-state: $14,346 Out-of-state: $14,346 SAT: N/A ACT: N/A $500 per credit Online Higher Learning Commission 128 creditsThe Top 44 Online English Degree Programs
Filters
Institution Type
Status
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 99.11 
Nicholls State University
Intelligent Score: 99.07 
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Intelligent Score: 98.61 
Indiana University East
Intelligent Score: 97.36 
Central Washington University
Intelligent Score: 96.45 
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 95.52 
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Intelligent Score: 94.81 
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 93.25 
California Baptist University Online
Intelligent Score: 91.73 
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 91.44 
The University of Memphis
Intelligent Score: 90.57 
University of Illinois Springfield
Intelligent Score: 90.49 
Troy University
Intelligent Score: 89.9 
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 89.34 
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Intelligent Score: 89.28 
University of Maryland Global Campus
Intelligent Score: 88.77 
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Intelligent Score: 88.14 
Maryville University
Intelligent Score: 88.13
What You Should Know About This Degree
When pursuing an online bachelor’s program in English, also consider undergraduate programs in communication. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher or studying literature, an English degree may be the right fit. However, if you’re interested in how people communicate with each other or gaining an understanding of internet marketing and broadcast media, you should consider a degree in communication. Both degree programs require four years of full-time study.
The job outlook for English majors remains strong, and graduates who are able to apply their skills to different industries will stand out in this competitive field.
Graduates who wish to become teachers will need to meet specific state requirements and obtain certifications to be eligible for these positions. English majors who wish to work in the communication sector should look into obtaining professional certifications from the Global Communication Certification Council and the Public Relations Society of America.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in English programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Prospective students who have a high school diploma are eligible for the bachelor’s programs on this list. Schools may have additional requirements, such as a minimum GPA and standardized test scores, and you may be required to submit writing samples.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? A minimum of 68 credits and a maximum of 180 credits are required to graduate from the schools on this list. It takes most students four years of full-time study to finish all coursework needed to receive their degree.
Research application due dates and academic prerequisites to gain a better understanding of what information is needed to be accepted into the program that you would like to attend. Some programs have low acceptance rates, so be sure to apply to multiple programs.
While higher education can be expensive, there are grants and scholarships available to help cover the financial costs associated with your academic study. Research available funding opportunities and be sure to turn in applications on time.