Skip to main content

Online English Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA) Programs

Mariel Embry, who earned her degree from SNHU, sitting at an outdoor table using a stylus and writing on a tablet computer.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

Apply Now
Request Information

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
Shawn Espeland, who earned his degree from SNHU, sitting at a wooden table typing on a laptop computer.

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.

Concentrations

BA in English online concentrations

Looking to specialize your degree? SNHU offers 2 concentrations for the BA in English.

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

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

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 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025

Next term starts:
Sept. 02, 2024

Apply Now

Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

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
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

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

It's easy, fast and free.

Apply Now

You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)

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), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

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 programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*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:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

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.

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

Write short copy, such as digital ads, email campaigns and social media marketing, for an advertising or marketing firm or as a freelance 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.

Communicate with internal and external groups by writing press releases and serving as a spokesperson at a PR firm or a private company.

Write instruction manuals and other materials that communicate complicated technical information in plain language for a general reader. 

3%

Projected employment growth in media and communication roles through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3

$66,320

Median annual wage for media and communication roles in 2023, according to the BLS.3

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 do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Ashleigh Coker '21
Ashleigh Coker '21

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

Related Articles

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.