Words have power. Teach younger generations to use them well.
Do you want to inspire young minds with through teaching English? Do you wish to share the wonder of words with students? University of the Cumberlands’ bachelor’s degree program in English education provides you with the skills and certification that allows you to pursue this passion. The English education program will strengthen your writing, grammar, and critical thinking skills while you explore various works of literature, deepening your appreciation for iconic writers and their stories. Equipped with this knowledge, you will be prepared to pass on the wonder and power of the English language. Who knows? You might become the teacher of the next Robert Frost, Jane Austin, or J.K. Rowling. Turn your passion into a vocation that impacts society with a degree in English education at Cumberlands.
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Bachelor's in English Education (Secondary Certification)
The English education program at University of the Cumberlands provides students with the proper skills and the fundamental understanding to successfully teach English to young learners. This program consists of classes that will cover writing, descriptive linguistics, literature, communications, and classes that will give basis on how to integrate technology into teaching along with classes about teaching practices. Not only will students in this program learn English skills, but they will also learn basic teaching skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, supervision strategy, and executing classroom activities.
Course Requirements
ENGL 430 Literary Criticism
ENGL 438 Advanced Writing
ENGL 439 Descriptive Linguistics
Choose four of the following (12 hours):
ENGL 331 English Literature through 1660
ENGL 332 English Literature 1660-1830
ENGL 333 English Literature since 1830
ENGL 334 American Literature through 1865
ENGL 335 American Literature since 1865
Choose three of the following (9 hours):
ENGL 431 Studies in British Literature
ENGL 432 Studies in Modern Literature
ENGL 433 Women in Literature
ENGL 437 Studies in British and American Authors
Two electives of 300- or 400-level courses in writing or literature.
Two courses in either Spanish or French language are required.
The following three courses are required:
COMM 230
THTR 130
ENGL 337 or EDUC 338
In addition, 42 hours in professional education courses are also required as defined by the Education Department. View our course catalog for more details.
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
The mission of University of the Cumberlands’ School of Education is to transform entry-level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable, and caring teachers capable of educating younger generations about English.
English Education Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
English Teacher: $61,820
English Teacher: $61,820
Teaching young students English-related skills such as writing, grammar, literature, and comprehension.
Writer/Author: $69,510
Writer/Author: $69,510
Develop written content for various types of media such as books, news outlets, blogs, etc.
Editor: $63,350
Editor: $63,350
Plan, review, and revise content to be published.
Public Relations Specialist: $62,800
Public Relations Specialist: $62,800
Helps create a positive public image for their clients.
Technical Writer: $78,060
Technical Writer: $78,060
Writes technical information such as instruction manuals, how-to-guides, journal articles, etc.
Translator: $49,110
Translator: $49,110
Converts information from one language to another.
Common Questions
An English education degree prepares aspiring teachers to create engaging and effective literary and grammatical lessons for students. The program enhances skills in writing, grammar, and critical thinking, while also exploring literature, helping future teachers to inspire their students with the power of language.
At University of the Cumberlands, the Bachelor of Science in English Education requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, which typically takes four years to complete. This includes general education requirements alongside English and education-specific coursework.
The content provided highlights the English education program as being on-campus. While some institutions offer online English education degrees, it is best to check with University of the Cumberlands directly to see if they provide any online options.
An English education degree is valuable for those passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation. Graduates not only develop critical communication and literary skills but can also pursue careers with an average salary of $61,820 as English teachers, along with other roles like editors or writers.
With an English education degree, you can become a teacher in schools, focusing on subjects like literature, grammar, and writing. Other career options include working as a writer, editor, public relations specialist, or even a technical writer, with diverse opportunities across media and communications.
To get an English education degree, you need to complete a bachelor’s program that combines coursework in English and teaching methodologies. At University of the Cumberlands, students also engage in student teaching or observation hours to meet certification requirements, which prepares them for a career in education.
The best degree for those interested in teaching English is a bachelor’s degree in English education, which blends literature studies with pedagogical training. If your focus is not teaching, a general English degree could lead to careers in writing, editing, and communications.
Faculty Experts in English
Get to know more about your future English professors!

Dr. Andrew Alexson

Ashton Leach

Madison Watts
Request Information
Ask us anything; we can take it. And we'll do our best to get back to you quickly!