Unlock Your Career Potential
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See Courses & Program Info
View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and degree-level requirements, and more.
This program requires a total of 120 credits.
- 33 Required Major Credits: Review the required major courses outlined below or view the recommended course sequence to progress through this program.
- 41 General Education Credits: Review the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework requirements for bachelor's degrees.
- 46 Minor & Elective Credits: Review a list of available academic minors or see the course catalog or Schedule of Classes to help you select elective courses.
Required Major Courses
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Vertical Pathway
Through a vertical pathway, students who complete this program may be eligible to reduce their total coursework for a Master of Arts in Teaching.
Not ready to get started on an online bachelor’s degree in English? You can pair a 15-credit minor in English with another major at UMGC.
Develop Career-Ready Skills in English Language & Literature
Employers highly value the knowledge and skills you will develop in UMGC’s English degree curriculum. These skills can also easily translate to almost any modern industry. Our English degree graduates develop crucial skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, communication, and more. You will also gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty. Our program directors refresh and update the UMGC curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping English majors achieve the following:
1.8M
English Jobs
There are more than 1.8 million people employed in an English-related career in the United States as of 2021.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Occupational Outlook Handbook: Field of Degree: English | Last Reviewed: April 1, 2024
17%+
English Majors in Teaching
More than 17 percent of English graduates go on to work as elementary, middle, secondary, or postsecondary school teachers.
Source: Data USA | English | Last Reviewed: April 1, 2024
Practice Real-World Skills in Your English Courses
Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on, project-based coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and high-quality experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete assignments crafted to help build well-rounded skills that are highly transferable to research-oriented professions in journalism, marketing, public relations, and education. Examples of past assignments include the following:
- Assemble a portfolio to showcase your academic journey that demonstrates your ability to synthesize information; critically engage with literature; argue, persuade, and inform effectively; write and communicate clearly; and articulate the relevance of English studies in various contexts.
- Analyze literary texts to explain stylistic, historical, sociocultural, and ethical significance.
- Write a brief critical introduction to 18th Century British literature for high school students that showcases your ability to apply critical theory to literary texts to enhance interpretation and analysis; use the elements of formalism to closely read poetry; and adapt complex concepts for different audiences.
- Conduct effective research across a range of media, create an effective presentation in PowerPoint, and construct an annotated bibliography.
Explore UMGC Insights
Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including effective writing tips, transfer credit opportunities, and accelerated pathways to a master’s degree for English majors.
FAQs
Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program admission, credibility, student organizations, and more.
UMGC’s English degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program that covers topics like journalism, public relations, publishing, literary criticism, communication skills, and more. Through electives, you can also take courses in linguistics, creative writing, and more. This online program helps students prepare to work in a wide range of industries, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations and in the education sector.
UMGC's English degree is a 120-credit program that offers courses year-round. The time it will take you to complete your degree will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.
UMGC’s English online bachelor’s degree’s tuition rates are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children. We also offer scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education even more affordable.
You do not need any background or experience in composition, literature, or creative writing to enroll in our online English degree. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.
You do not need any prior certifications to enroll in or complete this online English degree.
Sigma Tau Delta (English)
Sigma Tau Delta provides opportunities to associate with students, alumni, and faculty members who have a common interest in writing and English language and literature. It is available to undergraduate students. To be eligible, you must have earned at least 45 credits toward a bachelor's degree, with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher. At least 30 credits must have been earned at UMGC and must include 12 credits of English beyond ENGL 101 and 6 upper-level credits. Students must also have earned a GPA of 3.6 in English coursework at UMGC. For more information, please email englishdept@umgc.edu.