Online BA in English

The BA in English requires 120 total credits. Full-time students entering as freshmen with no transfer credits typically finish in 4 years; part-time students with existing credits often take 3–4 years. Because all coursework is asynchronous, you can adjust your course load semester to semester based on your schedule.

Yes. All courses are delivered asynchronously — no required live sessions — so you complete work on your own schedule. You can also adjust how many courses you take each term, making it practical to balance the degree with full-time work, caregiving, or other commitments.

English graduates work across a wide range of industries: publishing, creative writing, corporate communications, content marketing, UX writing, nonprofit development, education, and government agencies. The program’s portfolio-based approach means you graduate with tangible writing samples alongside your credential, which matters in fields where employers want to see your work.

Both emphases are 15 credit hours and culminate in a capstone project: a writing portfolio for Creative Writing students and an independent literature study for Literature students. Creative Writing centers on workshop-based craft development with published faculty, covering poetry, fiction, screenwriting, and techniques in craft. Literature builds critical reading and cultural awareness through American, British, and world literature courses, including Critical Approaches to Literature, British Literature Survey, and Native American Literature. If you want to write and publish, Creative Writing is the clearer fit; if you’re drawn to criticism, research, or editorial work, Literature aligns better.

Yes. Portfolio creation is built into the program for all students. For Creative Writing students, it showcases original work developed through workshops and the capstone. For Literature students, it reflects critical analysis and research completed throughout the degree. Faculty mentors guide the capstone process to help you curate work that demonstrates growth and readiness for employers or publication.

Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, and a minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 recommended). There are no English or writing prerequisites. The $20 application fee is waivable — ask a Student Engagement Specialist when you reach out. International students may have additional requirements and should contact the enrollment team directly

Yes. SMSU accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions, and each credit is individually evaluated for how it applies toward the 120-credit degree. The more credits you bring in, the fewer you complete at SMSU — directly reducing your total tuition.

SMSU processes applications on a rolling basis, so applying early gives the enrollment team more time to help you get transcripts, FAFSA, and any transfer credit questions sorted before your start date.

Tuition is $349.62 per credit hour — $41,954.40 for the full 120-credit program before financial aid or transfer credits. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all online students regardless of where you live. Textbooks, supplies, and additional fees are not included in that estimate. Use the tuition calculator to build a personalized estimate.

Yes. SMSU accepts the GI Bill and VA education benefits for active military and veteran students. Visit the SMSU military benefits page or call 1-800-201-2944 to learn how to coordinate your benefits with enrollment.

The BA in English is a strong fit for aspiring writers, professionals looking to strengthen their communication and critical thinking skills, and anyone drawn to publishing, editing, content strategy, or nonprofit communications. It’s also well-suited for returning students — the flexible online format and transfer credit acceptance make re-entry practical.

Apply online through the Minnesota State application portal. You’ll need official transcripts from your high school and any previously attended colleges. The $20 fee is waivable — contact a Student Engagement Specialist at 1-800-201-2944 with any questions.

After you submit, a Student Engagement Specialist will review your file and reach out to confirm your transcripts are complete and answer any questions about your degree plan. They’ll help you coordinate FAFSA completion and course registration as your start date approaches. If anything is missing, the team will contact you proactively so nothing holds up your enrollment.

MSU provides academic support through online tutoring, writing center resources, and library access — all available remotely. Faculty are accessible via email and office hours, and the program’s community of writers creates a collaborative peer network throughout your degree. Career services can also help you position your portfolio and skills for employment after graduation.

All courses are 100% online and asynchronous — no required live sessions. You access lectures, readings, discussion boards, and assignments on your own schedule each week. Creative Writing students participate in workshops where peers and faculty critique and refine work collaboratively. Literature courses focus on critical reading and analytical writing, with discussion boards as the primary space for engaging with texts and classmates.

SMSU offers federal financial aid through FAFSA (school code: 002375), institutional scholarships for qualifying students, and military benefits including the GI Bill and VA education benefits. To explore your federal aid eligibility, complete the FAFSA. Scholarships are available on both merit and need bases. Explore all tuition and aid options.