Searching online degree programs can be an overwhelming process. There are so many variables to consider, and innumerable options to weigh. Maybe you’ve thought about English as a possible degree path, but aren’t sure it’s the best educational investment. If you’re considering an online degree in English, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you passionate about novels?
- Do you enjoy exploring themes with your book club, or starting a great political debate over dinner?
- Do you like to discuss what you read in magazines and newspapers?
- Do you love to write poetry?
- Do you keep a diary?
- Are you the person your family and friends count on to relay news via email, cards and letters?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you’re obviously someone who appreciates the art of communication. Even though all of these examples are fun activities, it’s important to recognize that reading, writing and discussing your thoughts aren’t just simple pastimes. In fact, most employers are clamoring to find these exact abilities in prospective hires. The best way to demonstrate and build on these natural strengths, particularly for those who need to juggle work and family life, is through an online English degree.
In the last twenty years, opportunities for English majors have grown to include a variety of careers. Online English degree programs can prepare students for any number of fields, including journalism, law, business, teaching, politics, grant writing, freelance writing, editing or publishing. More and more students are discovering that a BA or MA in English – sometimes mistakenly pegged as a “traditional” degree, without modern day applicability – is the most versatile and marketable tool they can carry in confronting a tight job market. Why is that?
Most careers are going to require some element of job-specific training. For example, a project manager who transfers from one company to another is still going to need some orientation and detailed direction. Employers know this, and anticipate the standard learning curve. What they don’t expect (although they often encounter it), is having to tackle fundamental deficiencies in critical thinking and analysis. Businesses don’t have the time or the inclination to remediate employees’ reading/writing comprehension skills – the kind of basic, question and answer functionality that is required every day, in every field. English majors are already fluent in these respects. They’re armed with the high level processing skills that are needed for challenges that can’t be anticipated.
If you need more incentive to select the online college route, consider the fact that the English major, more than most, readily lends itself to the framework of online education. Online English degrees are an apt extension of traditional classroom studies because the nature of online courses – usually conducted via programs like Blackboard – is implicitly dialogic and dialectic. That means that students are directly challenging each other, composing organized arguments that address specific points. Group work and individual research build students’ knowledge; their postings and presentations ensure they can convey that knowledge. Through class “discussion,” students exchange points and opinions freely, while simultaneously learning to translate their thoughts into coherent, written form. However fundamental all of this may sound, a surprising percentage of the workforce struggles with communicatory tasks, resulting in muddy project reports, misunderstood memos, and overall inefficiency.
Keep in mind that natural strengths are what solid careers are built on. Don’t dismiss your talents just because they’re things that you enjoy. You can make money doing what you love. With an online degree in English, you will get the attention of supervisors and hiring managers while leveraging your most powerful asset – genuine enthusiasm.
Top Online College Degree Programs
Kaplan University -
Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Considered a top online college, Kaplan University offers students affordable and convenient online classes. Kaplan University is an accredited university that provides students the education to become successful professionals upon graduation.
Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University offers degrees in high growth technology based careers with convenient scheduling offered for its various degree plans. Everest University offers campus and online classes for students looking for a school that offers excellence in education.
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. At Saint Leo University, students have the opportunity to achieve their lifelong and educational goals. The university provides students with academic and industry professionals who are highly educated in their field of expertise and are willing to share that knowledge with the students at Saint Leo.
American InterContinental University -
Associate's , Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. With campuses located around the world, American InterContinental University has been educating students for over 35 years. AIU offers flexible and interactive programs that assist the students in graduating at their own pace.
University of Phoenix-
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. Students looking for careers in health & human services, business, and technology will want to attend University of Phoenix for its degree plans in high growth careers. Phoenix is an accredited university that allows students to earn a degree entirely from home.
Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctorate Degrees. Liberty University offers undergraduate and graduate level education at affordable prices. Assisting students with diverse learning styles, Liberty offers unmatched quality degree programs.
Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University provides working adults an excellent place to pursue a secondary or uncompleted degree. Affordable and flexible programs are available to all students looking to obtain a degree from a well known accredited university.
Walden University - Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctorate Degrees. Walden University is dedicated in ensuring students receive the education they need to advance in their careers. Their programs are convenient and effective, providing working students with the flexibility they need.
Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. By designing their programs to meet the changing needs of today's world, Colorado Technical University prepares students for a career in the most competitive industries. Additionally, they offer accelerated and flexible programs to allow students to enter the professional world sooner than traditional programs.
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College prepares students for their professional lives by providing them with the appropriate skills and knowledge for their area of concentration. The college's career-oriented programs will prepare students for the real-world in no time.
DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. DeVry University has a tradition of providing academic excellence, affordable pricing, and a well respected faculty. DeVry University gives each student personalized attention so that they have the best opportunity to succeed.
Post University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Post University is a premiere destination for students in obtaining their college degree online. Post University offers a dynamic curriculum to every student and are taught by the very best professors in their field of study.
Florida Tech University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Ranked among America's best universities, Florida Tech University offers a dynamic e-learning experience that will give students the opportunity to pursue a quality degree on their own time. Students from Florida Tech will continue to carry the pursuit of excellence even after they graduate.
