What is Creative Writing?
Liberal Arts | 8min Read
Online English Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA) Programs
Program Overview Why get an online bachelor’s degree in English?
In nearly every industry, the ability to harness the power of the written word has emerged as one of the 21st century’s most critical career skills. With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll gain a vital skill set that’s highly sought after and crucial to long-term career growth in virtually any field.
Skills you'll learn:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Cultural fluency
- Literary analysis
- Debate construction
- Collaboration
Courses & Curriculum Online English courses that go beyond reading and writing
The BA in English curriculum focuses on many of the skills most valued by employers. In a wide-ranging study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 95.9% of employers consider oral and written communication skills essential in a prospective employee.1
Plus, you'll have 33 free electives, so you can minor in an area – like project management or professional writing – that enhances your marketability.
BA in English online concentrations
Looking to specialize your degree? SNHU offers 2 concentrations for the BA in English.
Literature
Analyze a wide range of literature to help advance your career with a BA in English with a concentration in Literature at SNHU.
This concentration is designed for those interested in literary study, as well as those planning to pursue an MA in English. In this concentration, you’ll immerse yourself and become well-versed in literature from multiple time periods and genres.
As a student of the program, you'll develop higher cultural literacy – diving deep into period and place, assessing cultural categories of race, class, gender and orientation, and viewing texts through a historical lens. You'll also practice literary analysis, particularly as it relates to form, genre, structure and style.
By blending your expertise in canonical literature with skills in digital media and professional writing, you’ll get the foundation you need to grow your career (and follow your passion).
Career Outlook
Graduates of the BA in English with a concentration in Literature online program may consider roles in content creation, editing, publishing or advertising.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that media and communication occupations will grow 3% through 2032 (as fast as the average).3 The median annual wage for this group was reportedly $66,320 in May 2023.3
Courses may include:
- Shakespeare
- Popular and Contemporary Fiction
- Studies in Drama
- Profession of Writing
- Writing with Digital Media
Professional Writing
This concentration is designed for students interested in technical writing, editing, publishing and web-based careers such as social media editing, copy editing and web development. During a time when branding is on the rise and companies are looking for talented writers to tell their stories, the ability to reach diverse audiences is a highly valuable skill.
As a student in the program, you'll analyze texts to develop logical, organized arguments based in critical thinking and cultural knowledge. You'll also practice collaboration – building your oral and written communication skills to ensure your message is received by a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
If you’re looking to refine your writing chops – and apply them to a successful career – this concentration provides a perfect pathway to help you get there.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the BA in English with a concentration in Professional Writing will be prepared to write in a variety of industries and media.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that technical writer occupations will grow 7% (faster than average) through 2032.3 The median annual wage for this group was reportedly $80,050 in May 2023.3
Courses may include:
- Business Communication
- Writing for Public Relations
- Writing for New Media
- Technical Writing Communication
BA in English online courses
As an English major, your courses go far beyond just reading and writing. You might be asked to interpret implied meaning in a text or support an idea with a logical, organized argument. You might need to proofread a paper or research and document sources, make an oral presentation or team up with classmates. In each case, you’ll be constantly improving your marketable skills through your coursework.
Courses may include:
The English Language
Course ID:
ENG 350
This course is an introduction to the following topics in English linguistics: history of English, etymology, vocabulary (morphology), phonology, dictionaries, syntax, semantics, dialects, discourse analysis, and child language acquisition. The course is designed for students who want to learn about the English language as preparation for teaching, or for becoming better writers, or for studying literature. Students will have the opportunity to research, write about, and present on a linguistic topic of individual interest such as the language of advertising or propaganda.
Profession of Writing
Course ID:
ENG 401
This course provides students with guidance in their professionalization, including topics such as career paths, resumes, and internships. The course will utilize Career Center resources and will include networking opportunities, interview practice, internship application experience, and job application guidance. Students will come out of the class with a sense of how to leverage their strengths as readers and writers on the job market.
Literary Theory
Course ID:
LIT 300
This course is an introduction to the major schools of contemporary critical theory, and an examination of principal exponents of these theories. The student will become familiar with the most important features of psychoanalytic criticism, Marxism and feminism and examine the meaning of structuralism and post-structuralism. In addition, the course affords an opportunity to practice applying the theories to specific literary texts.
Shakespeare
Course ID:
LIT 319
Students in LIT 319 study selected Shakespearian comedies, tragedies and chronicle plays. The course also provides the students with a general overview of the Elizabethan era and the world in which Shakespeare lived and worked.
Literature in the Digital Age
Course ID:
LIT 399
This course is an introduction to the digital humanities and gives students project-based experience with tools and methodologies for digital editing, publishing, data visualization, or archival work with literary and cultural texts. No prior knowledge of coding or digital tools is required. Projects will be determined by student interests and will develop collaboratively. Recommended for students in their final year of study.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in English curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: October 27, 2025 | January 5, 2026
Next term starts:
September 1, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with real-world experience
Our online English degree courses are taught by accomplished instructors with deep industry insights and a passion for literary pursuits. Many are published authors. Some specialize in genres such as medieval literature or young adult fiction.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Christopher Lee
Dr. Christopher Lee's academic interests include the Medieval and Early Modern periods as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly the role of technology and learning science in effective college teaching today. In his spare time, Lee enjoys exploring the history of male fashion and writes articles on menswear.
Position
Associate Dean of Liberal Arts
Joined SNHU
2003
Education
- PhD in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University
What our instructors have to say
“I think people don’t think as widely as they might about areas they can go into with an English degree. Every professional career wants you to read something and have a comprehensive understanding of the material. Those are all the things that are learned studying English.”
Dr. Christopher Lee, associate dean
Read more about Dr. Christopher Lee and other online faculty at SNHU.
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can you do with an English degree?
A 2019 study by the Strada Institute for the Future of Work found liberal arts majors commonly working in marketing, advertising and public relations.2 But, like all liberal arts majors, your English degree will help you develop enduring skills that apply to nearly every profession. From advertising and marketing to human resources and management, you'll have a diverse range of career choices. An English degree is also an excellent springboard for graduate studies, like our online MFA in creative writing. With additional training and certification, you could also explore teaching as a career path.+
Occupations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a bachelor's degree in English may carve out career paths in many areas, including:3
Copywriter
Write short copy, such as digital ads, email campaigns and social media marketing, for an advertising or marketing firm or as a freelance writer.
Content Writer
Write longer pieces of copy, such as blog posts, ebooks and white papers, for an advertising or marketing firm or as a freelance writer.
Public Relations Specialist
Communicate with internal and external groups by writing press releases and serving as a spokesperson at a PR firm or a private company.
Technical Writer
Write instruction manuals and other materials that communicate complicated technical information in plain language for a general reader.
3%
Projected employment growth nationally in media and communication roles through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
$66,320
Median annual wage nationally for media and communication roles in 2023, according to the BLS.3 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I believe that my degree from SNHU makes me stand out more than some of my colleagues who went to different universities. I see myself standing tall and I believe in the education I received.
Ashleigh Coker '21
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an English degree online?
Absolutely! In many ways, earning an English degree online resembles the traditional campus experience very closely. Compare curricula at any given school, and you’ll likely find both the on campus and online versions involve plenty of reading and writing along with lively discussions and peer reviews.
But there are clear advantages to pursuing your English degree online — affordability and accessibility primary among them. Tuition rates for Southern New Hampshire University’s online programs, for example, are among the lowest in the nation.
Your 100% online English degree also gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule. Instead of specific class times, you’ll participate through weekly online assignments and discussion boards. This enables you to fit in each week’s assignments around work, family and other obligations as needed.
For Ashleigh Coker '21, the flexibility of earning her degree online is exactly what drew her to the program in the first place.
"I needed a school that would work with me in terms of understanding I had a full-time teaching job and I needed to have flexible hours to complete my coursework," Coker said.
Finally, you’ll be part of a vibrant literary community that features a monthly online student journal, an annual fiction contest and regular livestream reading events.
What can you do with an English degree?
Lots of things! There are a wide array of roles available to professionals who hold a bachelor's degree in English.
According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, prospective hires with strong oral and written communication skills are in high demand across all sorts of industries. The same study notes that employers are only seeing about 41.6% of their employees demonstrating these skills proficiently.1 Earning your degree in English could help you develop the skills employers are looking for and set you apart from other job candidates.
Today, most English majors go into advertising, marketing and public relations, fields where demonstrated proficiency in organization, communication and writing are critical. Those also happen to be the skills employers request most often.
But many graduates with English degrees find their skills translate equally well to educational product design, human resources, nonprofit administration or sales.2 Solid writing skills are particularly prized in sales, where closing deals depends on strong proposals and compelling pitches. Students interested in writing careers may benefit from our concentration in Professional Writing.
What are the subjects in BA English literature?
Generally, you can expect a third of your coursework to fall into the general education category, which includes foundation courses in English composition as well as requirements in math, science and the humanities. Arts and sciences courses, major courses and free electives make up the balance.
Major courses in SNHU’s online English degree feature coursework in theory and practice, including:
- World Mythology
- Nature Writers
- Multi-Ethnic Literature
- Gender and Text
- The Black Literary Tradition
Your English program also gives you a choice of creative writing workshops:
- Playwriting
- Poetry writing
- Fiction writing
- Nonfiction writing
The program also offers up to 6 credits in experiential learning or internship and 33 free electives in subjects like digital advertising or public relations, which let you focus your studies on highly marketable areas. You can also specialize your degree with one of our two concentrations: Professional Writing or Literature.
How many years is an English degree?
Generally speaking, it takes 4 years to complete an undergraduate English degree. But the answer to this question often comes down to the individual, plus 3 common factors in everyone's life – time, cost and work/family obligations.
At SNHU, many students complete the 120-credit online English degree in 4 years, although it’s not unusual for students to finish faster. Many of those students have credits from previous coursework, and have taken full advantage of Southern New Hampshire University's generous transfer policy. We accept up to 90 transfer credits, or the equivalent of 30 courses. And with 33 free electives, our online English degree offers significant flexibility to apply credits earned elsewhere.
Just taking that first step toward your bachelor’s degree? You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to start. Mary Wroten ’18 had just turned 40 when she enrolled in SNHU’s online creative writing degree program. A year later, she won our 4th Annual Fall Fiction Contest. And Amy Craton ’16 holds the record for being our eldest graduate. She earned her online English degree at the age of 94 with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Is an English degree worth it?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand is steady and wages are higher than average for media and communication professionals, a category in which many graduates with a bachelor's degree in English find employment.3 Typical entry-level roles include:
- Advertising and promotions specialists
- Content writers and editors
- Fundraisers
- Interpreters and translators
- Public relations specialists
- Technical writers
The BLS projects 3% overall job growth through 2032.3 At $66,320, median annual wages for media and communication occupations remain higher than the median wage for all occupations as of May 2023.3 Public relations specialists and technical writers command the highest pay, with median annual wages of $66,750 and $80,505, respectively.3
Is a BA in English tough?
Studying English at the college level can be demanding, but it offers a significant upside. BA in English majors gain one of the professional world’s most valuable skill sets: critical thinking and strong written and oral communication skills. They also gain vital life skills.
Michelle Shreeve ’15G ’16G, who earned an MA in Creative Writing and a master's in English at SNHU and published her first book in 2018, testifies to the rigors of the writing life.
“I will admit, getting rejected a lot can take a negative toll on you,” she said. “It took me a while to grow a thick skin, but now I welcome rejection as a way to try and turn my writing up a notch.”
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Sources & Citations
1 National Association of Colleges and Employers, “Employers Rate Career Competencies, New Hire Proficiency,” on the internet, at https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/employers-rate-career-competencies-new-hire-proficiency/ (viewed April 14, 2023).
2 Strada Institute for the Future of Work, “The Real, Long-term Career Outcomes of Liberal Arts Grads,” on the internet, at https://www.economicmodeling.com/2019/01/15/the-real-long-term-labor-market-outcomes-of-liberal-arts-grads/ (viewed April 14, 2023).
3Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm (viewed May 9, 2024).
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm (viewed May 9, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm (viewed May 9, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.