An online English degree gives you the flexibility to earn a legitimate bachelor’s credential while managing work, family, and other commitments. Unlike certificates or standalone courses, these are full B.A. or B.S. programs from accredited institutions, recognized by employers and graduate schools alike.
The best programs let you specialize. You might focus on creative writing, rhetoric, literature, or composition, depending on your career goals. Whether you’re aiming for teaching, publishing, communications, nonprofit work, or content strategy, an online English degree opens doors without forcing you into a classroom seat.
The challenge: not all online English programs are created equal. Some offer richer course selection, better faculty support, or more flexible scheduling than others. College Scholarships helps you cut through the noise and find programs that actually fit your life and ambitions.
Before we rank the top options, here’s what matters most when comparing online English degrees:
Once you’ve narrowed your choice, use College Scholarships’ student loan calculator to estimate your borrowing costs and monthly repayment. Understanding the full financial picture before you enroll prevents surprises down the road.
| Program | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| College Scholarships Recommendation Hub | Finding accredited programs + financial aid guidance | ★★★★★ |
| University of Arkansas B.A. in English (Online) | Creative writing or rhetoric specialization | ★★★★★ |
| Middle Tennessee State University Online B.A. | Flexible, affordable online learning | ★★★★ |
| Penn State World Campus B.A. in English | Strong reputation and robust course offerings | ★★★★ |
| University of Florida Online B.A. in English | Established program with multiple focus areas | ★★★★ |
| Liberty University Online B.A. in English | Large selection, evening and weekend options | ★★★★ |
Why we ranked it #1. College Scholarships isn’t a degree-granting institution, but it’s the single best tool for finding and vetting accredited online English programs. Here’s why it tops our list.
First, College Scholarships curates verified lists of accredited colleges and their degree offerings. You get real program details, not hype. You can filter by accreditation, location, program type, and cost factors, all in one place.
Second, it’s educator-built. The team behind College Scholarships knows what matters in online education because they’ve worked in it. You’re getting guidance from people who understand the landscape, not salespeople.
Third, they offer free planning tools like the student loan calculator, which helps you understand the true cost of your degree before you apply. Transparency upfront prevents regret later.
Pros: Free, comprehensive, trustworthy, includes financial aid guidance, no sales pressure, educator-led, serves students of all ages and backgrounds.
Cons: Not a degree program itself (you’ll still need to enroll directly with a university).
University of Arkansas offers a full B.A. in English entirely online with concentration options in creative writing and rhetoric. This program is ideal if you want specialization and a strong institutional reputation backing your degree.
Pros: Specialized concentration options let you tailor your education to your goals. Regionally accredited. Established institution with name recognition. Real faculty expertise in your chosen concentration area.
Cons: Program-specific details (tuition, exact course availability, application deadlines) change annually. You’ll need to confirm current details directly with the school.
MTSU provides an online major in English as part of their broader online bachelor’s degree pathway. It’s a solid choice if you want flexibility and affordability without sacrificing accreditation.
Pros: Flexible asynchronous courses work around your schedule. Regionally accredited public university. Multiple degree pathways available. Supports non-traditional learners.
Cons: May have fewer specialized concentration options than larger programs. Check with the school to confirm current program features.
Penn State’s World Campus program carries the weight of a major research university. If brand reputation and robust course selection matter to you, this program is worth exploring.
Pros: Prestigious institution recognized nationally. Wide array of electives and depth in literary studies. Strong student support infrastructure.
Cons: Larger programs can sometimes feel less personal. Confirm tuition and all current program details with the school.
University of Florida’s online English degree combines the prestige of a major public research university with genuine online flexibility. Multiple focus areas let you pursue your specific interests.
Pros: Regionally accredited major university. Multiple focus areas within the English major. Established online program with mature student support systems.
Cons: Focus areas and course availability can change. Always verify current offerings directly with UF.
Liberty University’s online English program offers evening and weekend options, making it accessible for working adults. The program is large, which means course variety but sometimes less individualized attention.
Pros: Evening and weekend scheduling options. Extensive course catalog. Regionally accredited. Accommodates working professionals and military students.
Cons: Larger cohorts can mean less direct faculty interaction. Verify program details and specialization options with the school.
Start with College Scholarships to explore accredited programs and compare them side by side. Then, narrow your list to 2-3 schools and reach out directly.
Ask each school these questions:
Once you’ve chosen, use College Scholarships’ tools to estimate your borrowing and repayment. Knowing the full cost upfront keeps you grounded in reality and helps you make a choice you won’t regret.
Yes. Many accredited U.S. universities now offer fully online B.A. or B.S. degrees in English. University of Arkansas, Penn State World Campus, University of Florida, Middle Tennessee State University, and Liberty University are all examples. Make sure the program you choose is part of an established degree pathway (a full B.A. or B.S.), not just a certificate, and that it’s regionally accredited.
Most online English bachelor’s degrees take 4 years of full-time study, just like traditional programs. Some schools offer accelerated options or allow you to transfer credits, which can shorten your timeline. Part-time study will extend it. Check with the school for exact program length based on how many credits per term you plan to take.
Yes, as long as the degree comes from a regionally accredited institution. Employers and graduate schools care about the quality of your education and your skills, not whether you sat in a classroom. An online B.A. in English from an accredited university is treated the same as an on-campus degree.
Many online programs do offer concentration or focus options, including creative writing, rhetoric, literature, and composition. However, not all programs offer specializations, so check directly with the schools you’re considering. University of Arkansas specifically mentions creative writing and rhetoric concentrations in their online program.
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