Do you love books and writing, but fear facing a lack of job options if you pursue your passions? Your fears may be unfounded, because recent studies have shown that employers value written communication skills above all else, opening the job market for English majors far beyond just teaching. An online English degree will prepare you for exciting careers in communications management, web content and marketing, book publishing, journalism, writing, advertising, education, and a multitude of other paths.Enrollment numbers in English degree programs are dropping at some universities, partly because the job market is still recovering from the recession. Students are selecting fewer careers in the arts, like English programs, believing they need programs with more specific training. But an online bachelor's in English will give you highly desired skills that can help you grow professionally, whether in your career or in your graduate studies.English majors generally have strong writing skills, and can also organize thoughts logically, communicate clearly, and analyze and make observations about all forms of information. Once you complete your bachelor's in English online and have developed a wide array skills that can be applied to many industries, you will stand out to employers for your flexibility, superb writing and research skills, and proficiency in deep critical analysis.
Meet Our Expert: Joshua Welsh
Assistant Professor, Central Washington University
LinkedInOnline English Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $8,485 | 19.9% | 2 years | $23,400 | $43,600 | 8.8% |
| Bachelor's | $15,698 | 10.3% | 4 years | $32,000 | $59,000 | 6.3% |
| Master's | $16,850 | 8.8% | 1+ years | $51,000 | $73,000 | 3.4% |
After you earn your associate in English through an online English program, most jobs in the field will require you to use it as a jumping off point for getting your bachelor's in English degree. Once you earn an online bachelor's in English, you will find many internships and career options will open up. Further education beyond your bachelor's in English online will only be required if you decide to become a teacher, which requires state licensure certifications, or if you decide to become a college professor, which requires a PhD (although some community colleges allow just a master's degree).
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Online English Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School English Teacher | $57,200 | 6% | 961600 |
| Editor | $56,010 | -5% | 117200 |
| Advertising Copywriter | $60,250 | 2% | 136500 |
| Journalist | $37,720 | -9% | 54400 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $56,770 | 6% | 240700 |
Online English Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Joshua Welsh
Assistant Professor, Central Washington UniversityJoshua Welsh is an Assistant Professor in the Professional and Creative Writing major at Central Washington University. He has been teaching online since 2011, beginning as a technical writing online as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota.
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