Online Bachelor's Degree in English Education - Best of 2024

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Overview of a Bachelor’s in English Education

If you’re interested in teaching English to middle or high school students, you'll first need to complete a bachelor’s degree program in English education. After completing this teacher education program and obtaining any necessary state certification, you can teach English or language arts from the sixth- to twelfth-grade level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teaching jobs are expected to grow by 8% over the next decade.

The actual name of the degree varies according to the college or university you attend. Some schools offer a double major in an English program and an education degree, while others may provide an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program that can be completed in five years, after which your graduation will earn you your English language education degree. A degree in English education is either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science, depending on whether the lead agency bestowing the honor is the English or Education department; some colleges even have a School of Education that offers these English language education degree programs. These degrees also go by various names, including English and Secondary Education, while some schools offer a bachelors of science degree in education with a specialization in English. After their general education, education students will take each core course required for your degree program. These may include some of the following; this is true of on-campus and online degrees.

Creative Writing
Technical Writing
Literature - Shakespeare, British, American, etc.
Science Writing or Business Writing
Student Teaching
And More

Prospective teachers may learn their craft with the career objectives of teaching in high school or college, but those who complete an English education program may also find themselves working as writers of many kinds (including in technical and professional writing, science writing, business writing, etc.), as public relations experts, as professional education administrators, and more. their subject matter competency gives them experience that prepares them for more than just teaching.

Compare Popular Online English Education Programs

PROS

A bachelor’s degree from an English education program is an excellent degree to earn if you know you want to teach English or Language Arts. These classes are part of the standard curriculum, and demand should remain steady. English teacher salaries vary by state and region, but the job provides good benefits and summer vacations. English majors and teachers usually like to write, and the degree does transfer to other positions requiring good grammar, writing, and editing as mentioned before. These include technical writer and public relations specialist.

CONS

The primary con regarding this degree is that it’s somewhat limiting. The student may have to take additional classes or certifications to teach other subjects or at a different level if the degree focus is English and not education. While many people with this degree go on to earn graduate degrees for career enhancement, there are not a lot of jobs outside of teaching for someone who does not want to pursue further education, especially if you did not complete a full degree program in English.

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Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in English Education Programs

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Score: 84.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,488
- Out-of-State: $36,402
Net Price: $16,018
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 84%
Total Enrollment: 54,955
Undergrad Students: 39,248
Graduate Students: 15,707
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of Central Florida

Score: 79.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State: $22,467
Net Price: $13,108
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 68,346
Undergrad Students: 58,662
Graduate Students: 9,684
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 29:1

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Score: 78.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,570
- Out-of-State: $35,396
Net Price: $17,240
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 17,153
Undergrad Students: 12,389
Graduate Students: 4,764
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Florida International University

Score: 78.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Arizona State University

Score: 76.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State: $32,193
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Louisiana Tech University

Score: 75.76

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,125
- Out-of-State: $16,866
Net Price: $12,243
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 10,839
Undergrad Students: 9,924
Graduate Students: 915
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

Washington State University

Score: 75.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,997
- Out-of-State: $29,073
Net Price: $17,911
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 27,539
Undergrad Students: 22,612
Graduate Students: 4,927
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Missouri-Columbia

Score: 75.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,130
- Out-of-State: $34,338
Net Price: $19,889
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 75%
Total Enrollment: 31,304
Undergrad Students: 23,745
Graduate Students: 7,559
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Score: 74.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,688
- Out-of-State: $34,934
Net Price: $22,427
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 35,653
Undergrad Students: 27,343
Graduate Students: 8,310
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Texas Tech University

Score: 74.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,852
- Out-of-State: $24,451
Net Price: $17,896
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 40,378
Undergrad Students: 32,579
Graduate Students: 7,799
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

American Public University System

Score: 74.15

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

University of Illinois Springfield

Score: 74.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,252
- Out-of-State: $22,017
Net Price: $11,733
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 4,198
Undergrad Students: 2,393
Graduate Students: 1,805
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Score: 74.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,026
- Out-of-State: $22,626
Net Price: $13,025
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 11,306
Undergrad Students: 7,383
Graduate Students: 3,923
Grads Salary: $91,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

University of Minnesota-Crookston

Score: 73.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,120
- Out-of-State: $13,120
Net Price: $12,894
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 2,303
Undergrad Students: 2,303
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Score: 72.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,166
- Out-of-State: $27,166
Net Price: $26,757
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 9,959
Undergrad Students: 5,809
Graduate Students: 4,150
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Louisiana State University

Score: 72.54

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,954
- Out-of-State: $28,631
Net Price: $21,296
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 70%
Total Enrollment: 37,348
Undergrad Students: 30,952
Graduate Students: 6,396
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Central Washington University

Score: 70.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,192
- Out-of-State: $26,771
Net Price: $15,864
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 9,257
Undergrad Students: 8,743
Graduate Students: 514
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Indiana University-East

Score: 69.57

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
Net Price: $8,837
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 3,039
Undergrad Students: 2,786
Graduate Students: 253
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Texas State University

Score: 69.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,450
- Out-of-State: $23,210
Net Price: $14,120
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 38,171
Undergrad Students: 33,834
Graduate Students: 4,337
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Score: 69.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,208
- Out-of-State: $31,750
Net Price: $19,700
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 7,457
Undergrad Students: 5,517
Graduate Students: 1,940
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Heritage University

Score: 69.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,920
- Out-of-State: $19,920
Net Price: $7,841
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 853
Undergrad Students: 796
Graduate Students: 57
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

East Tennessee State University

Score: 68.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,950
- Out-of-State: $13,790
Net Price: $14,350
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 13,483
Undergrad Students: 10,554
Graduate Students: 2,929
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of Colorado Denver

Score: 68.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,017
- Out-of-State: $28,209
Net Price: $16,079
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 23,744
Undergrad Students: 14,055
Graduate Students: 9,689
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Bowling Green State University

Score: 68.79

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,081
- Out-of-State: $22,070
Net Price: $20,485
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 16,920
Undergrad Students: 13,853
Graduate Students: 3,067
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

St. Mary's University

Score: 68.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,242
- Out-of-State: $36,242
Net Price: $21,379
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 3,253
Undergrad Students: 2,001
Graduate Students: 1,252
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Associate/Certificate vs. Bachelor's

What English Education Bachelor’s Degrees are Available Online?

English education bachelor’s degrees, or their equivalent, are found under a variety of names. The difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is not always the subject matter. A BS is more focused on a specific subject than a BA, and generally more credits are required to earn a BS. The person earning a BA usually has more opportunities to take electives than the BS student, who must take more classes in their major.

Some versions of the English education bachelor’s degrees include:

Bachelor of Science in English Education: This degree is often awarded by the Education Department, not the English department.
Bachelor of Arts in English Education: This degree is usually awarded by the English Department, although some schools award the degree in conjunction with the Education Department.
Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education: Similar to BA in English education.
Bachelor of Science in Education Specializing in English Education: Similar to a BS in English Education
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education: English–This degree allows a graduate to teach English at the middle and high school level.
Bachelors of Arts in Middle Grades Education, English specialization: This degree is solely for those planning to teach middle school English or Language Arts who do not want the option of teaching at the high school level.

English Bachelors Admission Requirements

While requirements may vary by school, most online colleges or universities require students considering an English education degree program to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and either a high school diploma or English associate degree. Student should possess strong reading and writing ability, good communication skills, and must feel comfortable speaking in public.

How long does it take to earn a English Education Bachelor's?

If going to school full-time, most people can earn an online bachelor’s degree in English education within four years. Those going to school part-time, whether online or on campus, can expect to earn their degree within six or so years. Some universities offer a five-year dual online degree program, in which the student earns an online bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in education.

Potential Careers in English Education with a Bachelor’s

Educational Publisher:
Working for a publishing company in the educational market is a good career option for a person with a degree in English education. These companies require researchers, writers, and editors to prepare materials for the classroom, from the primary school to university level.
The average educational publisher editor earns $59,000.
Educational Training Developer:
This job entails developing training programs for teachers and other education professionals. Many of these programs revolve around professional or curriculum development.
The average educational training developer earns $59,000 per year.
Middle School English Teacher:
Also known as a language arts teacher, middle school English teachers focus on grammar and expanding student vocabulary. During these years, the curriculum may include essays and poetry, as well as creative and expository writing.
The average middle school teacher earns $47,000 annually.
High School English Teacher:
In high school, English teachers may teach different classes. Along with basic writing and reading courses, they may teach specific courses in American or English literature. Often, high school English teachers may teach other courses related to English, such as journalism.
The average high school teacher earns $49,000 annually.
Textbook Editor:
It is the job of the textbook editor to read and edit the textbooks used in schools across the nation. A textbook editor needs not only good editing skills, but a superior knowledge of the field in which they are editing, so errors are less likely. While most textbook editors work in offices, it is a job increasingly performed remotely.
The average textbook editor earns $51,000 annually.

Salary by Occupation

Occupation	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Late Career
Writer	$40,900	$54,200	$65,200
Composition	$38,900	$51,000	$66,800
Journalist	$30,900	$44,800	$57,900
Rhetoric	$46,000	$58,000	$70,000
Film/TV	$50,500	$72,100	$106,500
Digital Strategist	$55,600	$69,700	$124,800

English Education Options to Advance

If a teacher wants to instruct beyond high school, he or she must earn a master’s degree to teach at the college level, although many institutions of higher learning require an English education masters or PhD. For those interested in moving from teaching to educational administration, additional degrees are needed. Many principals, superintendents, and other administrators began their careers in the classroom. Pursuing a master’s degree in education can help a teacher transition to administrative roles, such as assistant principal and eventually principal. Some states do not require a principal to hold a master’s degree in education per se, but may consider candidates with master’s degrees in related fields. The role of superintendent may require a master’s degree or a doctorate in education, depending on the school district’s standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might you want to choose English education as a major?

There are many reasons why college students choose majors. Even within that framework, there are a huge number of reasons that students choose education as their major. Maybe they love to work with children or teens, or maybe they like that moment when something clicks for someone and they are born teachers. However, if you wish to teach English, you might need something more: a love for language and literature. By choosing to teach English, you will have the opportunity to share this love with your students every year. You can introduce them to the beauty of language and the books that moved you when you were in school, or you can introduce new books that will let them see how things have changed over the last 100 years. No matter what you choose to do with your English education degree, it’s important that you start from a place of passion for the English language and for literature if you are going to succeed.

Will I complete a single degree in English education or do I need to double major?

For most education students who wish to focus on teaching a specific subject, degrees are set up to allow them to earn a double major. This can change depending on what school you attend and how their education department works, but this is the accepted way to ensure that not only is a student well-versed in English, literature, and any specialties they need to know within those fields, but also that they are prepared to teach children with a knowledge of pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum creation, and everything else they need to produce well-taught students. However, you needn’t worry that this will increase the time you must spend in school. Schools know what they are doing and they set up these programs so that you can fit everything into the usually time frame, as long as you are able to attend your program full-time and devote as much time as necessary to ensure that you don’t need to retake any courses.

Best Online Bachelors in English Education Degrees for 2024