Is an Online English Literature Degree Right for You?
Discover how to hone your skills and turn your passion for reading and writing into a career with an online English literature degree at Southern New Hampshire University.
With our BA in English Language and Literature degree, you will gain the communication and research skills that are prized by employers. Learn to think critically and write effectively in any career you choose.
The online English literature degree opens up many career possibilities, including writing and teaching. Graduates with an English literature degree also go on to become lawyers, politicians, marketing communications professionals, historians, museum curators, nonprofit directors and more.
Why an Online English Literature Degree at SNHU?
As a private, nonprofit, accredited university, we focus on ensuring you obtain the skills you need to succeed. Whether you enroll in the English literature degree online or on campus, you will benefit from all SNHU has to offer:
- Small classes, which allow for lively and interactive learning.
- Quality education at one of the most affordable tuition rates available.
- High quality instruction from our English Department Faculty.
- SNHU's main campus is located in the heart of New England, the birthplace of American literature.
- Professors and instructors who are actively involved in their students' success.
- Accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
- Sigma Tau Delta: The International English Honors Society
Online English Literature Degree - Outcomes
The English literature degree program is designed to provide you with a broad set of skills that translates into virtually any field. This includes:
- Effective written and oral communication skills: Learn how to develop, craft and present ideas and stories that help you convince, persuade and educate.
- The ability to think critically and creatively: Discover how to uncover and dissect various viewpoints in order to create new concepts and stories.
- Knowledge of literary classics: Gain a unique perspective and understanding of the world by reading, evaluating and discussing literature that's influenced society.
- Proficiency in research strategies: Learn proven techniques for pinpointing and analyzing information that helps you build support for your ideas and opinions.
Online English Literature Degree - Careers
The English literature degree's emphasis on writing, research and critical analysis opens up a world of options after graduation. Graduates may go on to become teachers, lawyers, corporate communications executives, consultants, historians, advertising and public relations specialists, and more.
The Write Jobs
Journalism, Media, Publishing, Technical and Medical Writing Jobs
Occupational Outlook Handbook
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics – Writers and Editors
Nation Job
Advertising and Media Jobs
Visit our Career Development Center online to learn more about career opportunities in English Language and Literature.
Detailed information about the English Language and Literature Program
Transfer of Credit
If you are a student who wants to transfer to SNHU or simply want to finish what you’ve started, we try to make transferring as easy as possible. We will accept up to 90 transferred academic credits and we automatically complete an official credit evaluation as part of the application review process.
Online English Literature Degree - Curriculum
The English literature degree program includes an extensive overview of American and British literature and a sampling of world literature. You'll also take courses in linguistics, grammar, advanced nonfiction writing and the works of Shakespeare. Optional courses include Greco-Roman and medieval literature and writing workshops in poetry, fiction, journalism and drama.
Required Core Courses
BA/BS Core (Required courses may differ based on program)
School of Arts and Science Course Requirements:
FAS 201 Introduction to Humanities I: Greece through the Renaissance
FAS 202 Introduction to Humanities II: Baroque through Modern
Select one of the following:
HIS 100-Level
HIS 200-Level
ENG 350 The English Language
LIT 300 Literary Theory
LIT 319 Shakespeare
LIT ELE One 200 level LIT elective
LIT ELE Three 300 level LIT electives
LIT ELE One 400 level LIT elective
Choose either:
LIT 485 Senior Thesis in Literature (6 credits)
Or
Two 300- or 400-Level LIT Electives (6 credits)
Choose One:
ENG 327 Playwriting Workshop
ENG 328 Poetry Writing Workshop
ENG 329 Fiction Writing Workshop
ENG 330 Nonfiction Writing Workshop
SNHU's Online degree programs meet the needs of today's students while ensuring educational quality and real-world applicability. Contact us to learn more about the SNHU difference.