An English degree is often described as a
versatile starting point not only for careers in journalism, publishing
and writing, but also for various jobs in business, government, law and
the arts. Online bachelor's programs in English can provide a foundation
in critical analysis, literature, writing and communication. Online
master's degree programs offer specializations like teaching, publishing
and technical communication.
Online English Bachelor's Degree Overview
Degrees in the arts and sciences are often characterized as well-rounded, helping graduates learn about the world in general and enhancing their capacity to learn. English majors are prepared to read attentively, write efficiently and communicate effectively. There are several fully online bachelor's degree programs in English and many hybrid programs. Areas of specialization include communications, speech, journalism and creative writing. Graduates may find entry-level positions in a variety of fields, particularly those that require critical thinking and good communications skills.Program Information and Delivery
Most English programs offered completely online are designed for students with an associate degree or two completed years of college. As such, many popular higher-level courses are available online. Students who cannot transfer as many as 60 semester credits, or who are interested in less common subject areas, may need to attend some courses in person. Other programs may offer a majority of courses online but still require attendance for some classes or summer seminars. Some students may arrange face-to-face classes at schools nearer their homes and transfer the credits to the degree-granting institution.Schools look for online candidates who are self-directed, disciplined and able to work independently. Students typically view lectures, read course material and submit assignments online, using applications like Blackboard or Bookshelf. Exams are often conducted interactively. They may also be downloaded, completed independently and delivered to the instructor electronically.
Sample Course Information
Students gain an appreciation for the structure and history of different forms of writing. They learn to analyze and criticize style, composition and content. Courses typically require significant reading and writing assignments. Live lectures may include classroom participation; prerecorded lectures can be streamed or downloaded to suit students' schedules.English Literature Course
The course examines the rich history and genres of British literary history, exposing students to a wide range of authors and their works. Some universities offer a sequence of British literature courses, each one discussing contemporary authors who lived at similar times in history.Composition Course
Students practice writing for different audiences, with emphasis on grammar, punctuation, editing and stylistic considerations. Writings are typically shared online, for classmates to critique.Grammar and Syntax Course
The course thoroughly examines the rules of syntax (word order within sentences), grammar, punctuation and citation for a variety of written forms. Students compare standard style guides, and they review editing and proofreading procedures for all stages of document preparation.Career Prospects for English Majors
A primary career path for English majors is writing and editing for entities engaged in publishing, journalism, communications and research. However, a college graduate with an English degree may possess conceptual and organizational skills useful for careers in many fields.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of positions for writers, editors and authors is expected to grow eight percent from 2008-2018, on par with the average rate of job growth in the nation, although the number of applicants may outstrip the number of available positions (www.bls.gov). Writers and editors with computer and technical experience may have a competitive advantage, so computer skills obtained pursuing an online degree could benefit distance learning graduates.
Certification Information
There is no industry-wide certification process for writers and editors, although professional associations such as the American Medical Writers Association (www.amwa.org) or the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (www.bels.org) offer paths to certification in specialty writing and editing markets. On-the-job training is generally available for writing and editing jobs. Junior writers who demonstrate proficiency at their tasks can aspire to increasingly more complex responsibilities.Online English Master's Degree Overview
Several schools offer fully online programs leading to a master's degree in English. All are designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree program in the humanities, and most can be completed in 1-3 years. Areas of concentration include teaching, technical communications, teaching English as a second language and publishing. Some schools offer thesis or non-thesis options.Program Information and Delivery
Schools may not offer all their English courses online. Students wishing to take courses outside the most popular degree paths might need to attend face-to-face classes or make other arrangements.Online environments vary from school to school, but most are available to Windows and Mac users with relatively up-to-date equipment and a high-speed Internet connection. A school's distance education department can provide specific recommendations for students who are considering the purchase of new computer equipment or software.
Sample Course Information
Master's degree programs in English allow students to specialize in a particular area of literary study, writing or education. Therefore, one student might not take all of the courses listed below within a single degree program.Literary Criticism Course
This class reviews the historical approaches to literary theory, from the Greeks to contemporary analysts. It includes critical movements like structuralism, deconstruction, feminism and new historicism. Students learn to think critically and present coherent arguments to support their observations.Mythology Course
Students of mythology study the archetypal fiction created by ancient cultures and its impact upon subsequent civilizations. Coursework may focus on Greek and Roman mythology. It can also include legends from Norse, Asian, African or North American civilizations.Creative Writing Course
Students explore the structure of various forms of creative writing, and they write their own examples of poetry, short stories, nonfiction articles or plays. At the graduate level, students may work in their chosen genre and on manuscripts they intend to publish. Peers are frequently invited to read selections and offer criticism via online review and post functions.Teaching Children's Literature Course
Literary genres like historical fiction, biography and fables are examined. The course reviews major authors and themes, and it offers strategies to encourage kids' interest in reading. This course would suit students whose English degree carries a teaching concentration.Technical Editing Course
The course examines the role of the editor in today's digital publishing world. Students follow the stages of development in several types of documents, to see how the editor coordinates with the writer, proofreader, designer and publisher to mediate text and layout changes. Students are exposed to different tools and applications useful to the editing and communications process.Career Prospects for Graduates
With a master's degree in English, graduates are qualified for higher-level writing, editing, publishing and communications jobs. Creative writing specialists may pursue work as freelance writers, poets or novelists.Another possibility is technical writing. The median annual wage for a technical writer in 2008 was $61,620, according to the BLS. Jobs for technical writers are projected to grow 18% from 2008 to 2018, faster than the national job average. Writers and editors familiar with current publishing technology and trained in the special requirements of technical documentation are likely to have an edge in the job market.
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