English

Online Bachelor of Arts Degree

ETSU Online

The Power of Language

A command of the English language is one of the most important assets in any work environment, both domestically and globally.

ETSU's English degree offers a journey into the rich world of literature, language, and critical thinking. Students develop strong communication skills, critical reasoning abilities, and a deeper understanding of human experiences across cultures and time periods. The fully online English major offers a concentration in Literary Studies. Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the English - Literary Studies entry in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

Additional concentration options with on-ground requirements include English Teacher Education and Creative Writing.

A World of Possibilities

Because strong communication and interpretative skills are essential in the workforce, English majors are prepared for a variety of careers, including law, publishing, marketing, creative and technical writing, education, public relations, government service, social work, non-profit organizations, and financial services. English is a top college major (Princeton Review) based on job prospects, alumni salaries, and popularity. Visit the career preparation section on the program webpage for more information about job prospects.

This degree requires a minor. Choose from more than 15 online minors to complement the English degree. Pairs well with: Technical and Professional Writing.

For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the Department of Literature and Language program webpage.

What can I do with an English degree?

English majors are prepared to pursue graduate school or enter into countless careers, including careers in law, journalism, marketing, and more! English majors direct multi-national corporations (Michael Eisner, Disney CEO), lead philanthropic organizations (Kathryn Fuller, Chair of the Ford Foundations and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund), take the bench of the Supreme Court (John Paul Stephens and Clarence Thomas), go into space (Sally Ride, astronaut), and assume important government administrative responsibilities (Carol M. Browner, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and Mario Cuomo, Governor of New York).

Steps to Apply

Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

Step 2 Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

Step 3 Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose English and complete the remainder of the form.

Take me to the application portal

Cost

TN Residents

*GA, KY, NC, SC, VA

*Other USA States

**eRate

All International

$487 per credit hour

$517 per credit hour

$627 per credit hour

$558 per credit hour

$1,265 per credit hour

The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details.

- Tuition discounts are available for border county students.
- Additional fees may be required.
- The **eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. Students may also use theTuition and Fees estimator.
- The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs
- *First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only. Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditations apply to this program?

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
Do I need to have a background in this field?

No background in this field is necessary, and there are no prerequisites other than the freshman English sequence.
Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

The courses for the nonteaching track are offered asynchronously.

The teaching track requires residency courses, as well as one English course that is only offered on-ground.
Does this program require an internship or field work?

There are no internship requirements, but internships relevant to the desired career path can be arranged in the student’s geographical area.
Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

The courses for the literature (nonteaching) track are offered asynchronously to accommodate student schedules and availability, meaning this track can be completed almost anywhere! The English teaching track can be completed mostly asynchronously, but the residency courses and one English course have to be completed on-ground.
Are scholarships available?

There are nine scholarships specific to the English major. Please visit the Department of Literature and Language English and Foreign Languages scholarships page for more information. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships.