Degrees in English: Now Available Online

A degree in English or Liberal Arts was once one of the most common college degrees. However, the intense specialization during the latter part of the 20th century—with students taking as little English as possible in exchange for courses in computer applications, medical fields, and business, for example, has drawn much of the attention away from the traditional BA degree in English or Liberal Arts.
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Schools that provide Online courses:

Ashford University Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree with a concentration in English/Language Arts.  Students can transfer up to 12 of their approved English/Language Arts credits toward their degree.  In this program, students develop a broad understanding of various societies.  Students examine the implications of social and cultural diversity and the relationship of service to social sciences.

Grand Canyon University has a B.S. in Elementary Education with a specialty in English. With a focus on instructional techniques, this program is designed to enhance communication skills and provide the necessary knowledge to become effective and efficient teachers. Coursework includes a variety of elementary education topics and strategies for teaching those with short attention spans.

Western Governors University offers an English Language Learning (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) degree program.  The program is designed for individuals currently licensed as elementary and secondary school teachers who wish to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings.  Coursework includes Language Production, Theory, Acquisition Culture, Planning, Implementing, Managing Instruction, ELL Assessment, and ELL Professionalism.

UMassOnline offers a Master's in Applied Linguistics degree program online that is designed to provide students with the ability to comprehend the diversity of issues that are inherent in the study of language so they are well prepared to teach and do research in applied linguistics.  With an emphasis on both theory and practice, coursework includes basic theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, ESL/EFL methodologies, and more.

Regent University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English degree program online. This program invites students to reflect on the usage of words and to develop a strong foundation in composition and literature. Coursework includes Communication and Speech, Creative Writing, Multimedia Communications, Organizational Communications, and more.

Ashford University Online offers a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in English/Language Arts.  In this program, students improve communication skills and learn about group behaviors, human resource management, and business ethics.  Coursework includes Adult Development & Life Assessment, Communication in Organizations, Group Behavior in Organizations, Organizational Change, Strategic Planning, and more.

The specialization in other areas, however, does not negate the importance of having a solid background in communication skills. In fact, those with a BA degree in English often find it much easier to change careers or to pursue advanced degrees in other fields. A degree in either English or Liberal arts is so comprehensive that the courses are easily applied to nearly any other field. Furthermore, the need for people with highly developed skills in reading, interpretation, textual analysis, along with writing and speaking is as strong as ever. Nor do you need to spend hours sitting in a traditional classroom. Like many other disciplines, degrees in English are now available entire through online study.

Career possibilities
English Language Learning: ELL is a fairly new but rapidly growing field for teachers who want to participate in a global educational experience. English Language Learning gives you strategies for teaching your current subject—i.e., science, nursing, law, etc., to non-English speakers. This is different from ESL or English as a Second Language which involves actually teaching English to non-English speakers.

Advanced degrees in Applied Linguistics give you the skills for teaching English as a second or subsequent language along with a practical understanding of cross-cultural relationships and global communication. In addition to teaching, a degree here could get you a job in the development and interpretation of business documents that may be created in English by people who do not customarily speak or use English on a daily basis.

A BA degree in English will include a study of words, literature, ideas and how these concepts have been used throughout history. While many people think of English degrees as applicable primarily to teaching English or working as a journalist, a solid understanding of the history of word usage can mean the difference in a legal battle, in obtaining a business contract, or in making an impact as a foreign ambassador who may be responsible for saying exactly the right thing at the right time.

Degrees in English transfer very well into degree programs in the Social Sciences and law fields. In fact, many of the courses taken by an English major are also required for a degree in Social Sciences, thus allowing you to fit additional specialized courses into your study plans.

Organization and Management
In some programs, you can combine an English/Language Arts concentration with an Organizational Management program. You will learn practical applications for your skills in communication and will develop an understanding of how group behavior, decision making, resource management and ethics impact today’s business world.

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