Associate's Degree in English A degree in English is good preparation for a job in writing or teaching, but also could benefit those pursuing careers in advertising, law, library science, ministry or publishing. Associate of Arts in English programs are primarily intended for students who plan to further their studies at 4-year colleges or universities. Most associate's degree programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Program Coursework Associate's degree programs in English typically can be completed in four semesters. In addition to core courses in basic composition and American literature, associate's degree candidates might encounter the following classes: * Fiction writing fundamentals * Introduction to journalism * Women's literature * Children's literature * Storytelling Popular Career Options The majority of graduates with an associate's degree in English transfer to bachelor's degree programs. However, they also might find entry-level jobs such as the following: * Freelance writer * Proofreader * Research assistant Bachelor's Degree in English Through a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English program, students learn about speech and composition and develop their research and critical thinking skills. They also study an array of literature, examining its historical and cultural origins. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in English should be able to collect, analyze, combine and communicate information, thus qualifying them for a range of careers. Educational Prerequisites Applicants to Bachelor of Arts in English programs must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Additionally, some colleges and universities have requirements regarding a student's grade point average or SAT or ACT scores. Once admitted, students might have to complete certain undergraduate courses, including composition and college writing, before formally applying to the English program. Program Coursework Coursework in a Bachelor of Arts in English program involves in-depth study of different genres of literature, as well as classes in research and analysis. Typical courses in an undergraduate English program include: * Creative writing * Technical writing * Introduction to Shakespeare * American literature * Prose Popular Career Options Career choices for graduates with a bachelor's degree in English might include: * Teacher * Advertising copywriter * Journalist Master's Degree in English A Master of Arts (M.A.) in English affords graduate students interested in writing, publishing or teaching the opportunity to take more tailored courses. Students can focus on fiction, poetry, screenwriting, technical writing or teaching literature and writing. Many universities also have courses dedicated to specific genres of literature or film. Educational Prerequisites Prospective graduate students in English must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Desirable undergraduate majors for applicants include English, education, communications, creative writing or liberal studies. Program Coursework Master of Arts in English curricula offer courses on more specific components of the field, allowing students to specialize in areas in which they're most interested. Some schools may also require students to complete a graduate-level internship. Coursework might include: * Literary theory * Literary criticism * Creative writing * Linguistics * Poetry Popular Career Options Job opportunities for master's degree graduates in English are varied and might include the following: * Professor * Public relations executive * Editor Ph.D. in English Earning a Ph.D. in English allows students to become experts in areas such as literary criticism, poetry or creative writing. This might be especially beneficial for those pursuing careers in teaching. Educational Prerequisites Applicants to a Ph.D. program in English must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, with extensive coursework in English and writing. Most English Ph.D. programs also require a writing sample ranging from 10-30 pages, as well as multiple letters of recommendation. Program Coursework A Ph.D. in English curriculum may include courses and seminars on the following: * Rhetoric * Critique * Religious literature * Classics in literature * Textual analysis Popular Career Options Most Ph.D. in English graduates go on to careers as the following: * Professor * Publisher * Author (To be updated) State Requirements for a GED http://education-portal.com/article_directory/Articles_about_the_GED_%28by_State%29.html http://www.ged-i.org/instruction/createAccount.jsp