Forbes has named the University of Illinois Springfield’s bachelor’s degree in English a top online program for 2023. According to Forbes, UIS made the list because of its low student-to-faculty ratio, use of the common app and high student retention rate.

“Our program stands out because the same faculty who design and teach our on-campus courses teach our online courses,” said Donna Bussell, professor and chair of the UIS English and Modern Languages Department. “Students in both programs benefit from our high-quality curriculum, small class size and personal attention. We also have the experience and technological support to fully integrate our extra-curricular programming. Our online and on-ground students work together on our literary journal, attend events and conferences, present their work and talk with our alumni and other successful professionals through our professionalization series.”

The online English program allows students to participate actively in dynamic, diverse and interactive online learning communities and to complete their course work in their own time and at their own pace within the same semester time frame as on-ground courses.

Forbes notes that students can analyze British, American, African American, Chinese American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern literature, as well as modern entertainment like movies, TV and video games. Courses also cover linguistics and creative and professional writing.

Students who earn English degrees are often employed as writers, editors, teachers and journalists following graduation. English graduates are also employed in many other sectors, working in non-profit organizations, state government, broadcasting, content and curriculum design, marketing and user-support services in financial and technology companies. UIS English graduates succeed in competitive post-graduate programs in creative writing, library and information sciences, law, education and other specializations.

UIS offers e-tuition, which means online students from in-state and out-of-state pay the same rate for online courses. Financial assistance is available to students who qualify.

Additional information on the Forbes ranking can be found online.

For more information on the UIS English program visit their website or apply online.