Online Writing Degrees
Ask a Question
Though building a career as a professional writer can be difficult, it can be incredibly rewarding for those who love the written word. Writers are hired either as freelancers or as permanent salaried employees, and their duties can include composing an array of content such as books, articles, web content, product packaging, press releases, textbooks, and instructions. Though not absolutely necessary, many writers formally study their craft during undergraduate and/or graduate educations. Sometimes, writers receive valuable hands-on experience while in school, working on school newspapers or literary journals. This can help aspiring writers build a portfolio of writing samples, demonstrating their skills to prospective employers.
Many writers hold bachelor's degrees in majors which emphasize reading, writing and critical thinking. These majors include English, journalism, and communication, but a degree in any liberal arts or humanities major would also help students build composition skills. People interested in careers in creative writing genres such as fiction, poetry, screenplay writing, or memoirs often go on to earn Master of Fine Arts degrees, while those serious about a career in news reporting pursue master's degrees in journalism. Though less common, doctorate degrees in both creative writing and journalism also exist.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Writing Degrees
- All
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Certification
Learn more about Ashford University
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Copywriter: Someone who writes marketing material is copywriter, These individuals may hold salary positions in marketing firms or in the company for whom they write, or they may work on a freelance basis. Their work can include writing slogans, website material, press releases, or text on packages.
- Creative Writer: Creative writers produce literary works such as novels, poems or autobiographical writing; they may also work in the dramatic arts, producing plays or scripts. Generally, creative writers work on a freelance basis, completing manuscripts before sending them out for publication.
- Magazine or Newspaper Reporter: Though most magazines and newspapers have salaried staff writers, they also hire freelance writers to compose specific articles. Many times, freelance writers will "pitch" or suggest article topics to publications.
- Online Media Writer As Internet technology continues to advance, the demand for writers who produce text for publication online is also increasing. Now, companies and publications are hiring writers to create articles for news and information websites, as well as to maintain company blogs.
- Technical Writer Companies that develop and produce technology have a great need for someone who can write clear and easy-to-follow instructions. Though the least creative of the writing specializations, technical writer is a great position for people who excel at organizing information into clear steps.
- Textbook Writer Textbooks are composed by one or more authors. Usually, these people have graduate degrees in the subject or they have developed their expertise through hands-on experience in the field. (BLS)
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree in English, Writing, Journalism, or a Related Field: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree in English, Writing, Journalism, or a Related Field: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree in English, Writing Journalism, or a Related Field: 1-2 years to complete
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: 2-3 years to complete
- Doctorate of Philosophy in English, Journalism, Communications, or a Related Field: 4-7 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
Officially, there are no education requirements to be a professional writer, but degrees in writing or related subjects can help an aspiring writer obtain work and get the skills he/she needs for a successful career. These skills include rhetoric, proofreading, researching, using proper citations (MLA, CSE, Chicago, and APA), and more.
Most professional writers hold at least a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a liberal arts subject. An undergraduate education gives students a great opportunity to gain hands-on publication experience in a low-stress setting. For example, many journalism students work on school newspapers. This experience helps students build a portfolio of "clips," or writing samples that demonstrate their writing skills to prospective employers.
For those serious about careers in journalism or creative writing, graduate degree programs are a great way to further hone writing skills. Master of Fine Arts degrees in literary genres such as poetry or fiction are available online and in universities across the country. Before enrolling in one of these programs, students should check that it is accredited by the national accrediting agency for writing programs, The Association of Writers and Writing Programs.
Master's degrees in journalism are also available online in campus-based programs. These programs offer students the opportunity to focus on a specific branch of journalism such as broadcast journalism or cultural reporting. After master's programs, some writing students go on to earn a doctorate degree. Though not offered as frequently as master's degrees, doctorate degrees help students develop the highest level of expertise in writing, qualifying them to teach writing at the university or graduate school level.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Literature: Expect to take quite a few classes where you primarily focus on reading and analyzing great examples of writing. The essays you compose for these courses will slowly but surely shore up your own skills.
- Writing for the Web: This class helps you fine tune your writing technique for websites, social networks, instant messaging and more. Look for such a course offering as a sign of a sound and well-structured writing degree program.
- News Reporting and Writing: Those who would like to focus primarily on journalistic writing will undoubtedly run into a course like this. Press ethics, AP style, and reportorial fairness are among the subjects covered.
- Editing, Grammar, and Composition: These three concepts are the ABCs of any writing program. This willl be a class that you may take multiple times throughout your program.
- Seminars and Guest Lectures: Writing can be a mysterious process, and these classes focus on acknowledging this truth. Illustrious programs may get famous writers to speak and lend their advice.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
This largely depends on the exact level of degree that you would like to earn. Those looking for associate or bachelors degrees may never have to be physically present in order to complete their programs. However, master's and doctoral students will likely need to present their research, in the form of theses and dissertations, in front of a live panel of professors and experts.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Elementary Education: Students will learn about ways in which to provide education to student in grades K-6.
- Marketing: After graduation, the student will be prepared to use their writing skills and creativity to help market other companies to potential buyers/customers.
- Political Science: Political science degrees require comprehensive analysis and solid writing skills in order to convey ideas and concepts.
- Psychology: Students will learn about what makes humans tick, and how to properly help troubled individuals to receive treatment and improve their mental health.
