Are Online English Degrees Legitimate?

More and more students are opting to receive their degrees online due to the many benefits that come with a flexible education. However, some still have questions about the legitimacy of these degrees.

As long as you earn your degree at an accredited school, online English degrees are as legitimate as ones earned on-campus.

By earning an online English degree, you can prepare for jobs in a wide range of fields. English degree graduates can use the skills gained in their degree programs to excel in fields such as journalism, advertising, marketing, and education.

Do Employers Respect Online English Degrees?

With online colleges becoming more common, employers respect online English bachelor's degrees. The ability to work while completing an online degree means that employers can benefit from their employees gaining new skills that they can use in the workplace.

Online English degrees will equip you with the same skills as an on-campus degree program. Many universities present you with the same diploma that an on-campus student would receive. They often don't even mention that the program was completed online.

What To Look For in an Online English Degree Program

Choosing a school that fits your goals means weighing several factors. Prospective online English degree students should first verify that schools are accredited and reputable, but there are other factors to consider.

Accreditation

When a college or university receives accreditation, it means the institution was reviewed for educational standards. Whether or not a school is accredited determines if you can qualify for financial aid, continue to receive professional certifications after graduation, and if the school is recognized nationwide.

If a school is not accredited, then the degree may not be legitimate. It is a good idea to confirm that your school is accredited before beginning your education.

Reputation

Knowing whether or not a college has a good reputation can assist you in choosing a degree program. A college's reputation can be based on graduation rate, accreditation status, percentage of employed graduates, and the quality of the education.

These factors are important to know because they affect how well students do in the program and how prepared they are after graduation.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Nonprofit universities prioritize quality education and focus on the academic well-being of their students. This differs from for-profit degrees that are known to prioritize profit above other aspects.

Both for-profit and nonprofit degrees can be accredited, but it is important to note that nonprofit universities tend to have better reputations.

Graduation Rates

Looking at the graduation rates of colleges and universities that interest you can give you an idea of how many students are completing the program.

This can help you determine the quality of the education offered by the school and how previous students have benefitted from attending.

Differences Between Online English Degrees and Traditional English Degrees

Online schools differ from traditional schools because they require you to learn more independently. Students in online English degree programs need to be able to stay organized and manage their time.

In traditional degree programs, students meet with their teachers and classmates in person whereas in online programs, communication often takes place via discussion boards and email.

Benefits of Earning Your English Degree at an Online School

Since many students have jobs, families, and other responsibilities, there are benefits to completing a degree remotely. Online colleges allow you to complete work in a way that fits your daily schedule. For those looking to attend a school in another state, online programs make that possible without ever having to leave your hometown.

Students also have the support they need without having to be on campus. During an online degree program, students can take advantage of online office hours to meet with their professors, discussion boards to talk with classmates, and support from academic advisors.

Featured Online English Degree Programs

These online English degrees are accredited and provide students with a quality education that will help them in their future careers.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Students can customize their program experience by choosing courses that interest them from the course catalog.

SNHU offers the following English degrees:

• BA in English: Literature
• BA in English: Professional Writing

2. Maryville University

Maryville University's Bachelor of Arts in English is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. They encourage students to add a career-focused minor to their degree to help them in their careers after graduation. Even though the program is online, students still have the option to complete internships for more experience upon graduation.

3. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English. This accelerated program is comprised of seven-week courses and focuses on writing and research skills, preparing students for careers in many different fields. LSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. University of Central Florida

The BA in english literature at the University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Aside from developing persuasive writing and research skills, students will also focus on linguistics, analyzing literature, and studying the rhetoric and literary theories in contemporary as well as historical literature.

5. Miami University

Miami University has been offering online programs since 1999. Students can earn a BA in English studies through the E-campus.

The program focuses on critical thinking and text analysis and provides students with transferable skills that are useful in careers such as lawyers, public relations specialists, and authors.