You can benefit from earning an online writing degree. Whether you plan to be a full-time writer or take a job with a strong writing component, a writing degree is a good idea. Earning an online writing degree is a surefire way to boost your job performance and impress future employers.
Choosing to earn a writing degree online opens up exciting job positions for anyone with an interest in writing. While writing may seem like a basic skill, it is actually one many people forget to focus on. If you have a writing degree, you will impress potential employers. This is particularly the case if the degree comes from one of the schools listed below.
Best Online Writing Degree Programs
Regent University
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, you can enroll in Regent University’s online master of English with a concentration in writing program. With the option to enroll on-campus as well, students can combine the two formats and complete a hybrid program. This program is designed to teach students the writing skills needed for everything from professional to creative writing careers.
Classes taught in this program cover all aspects of writing to help students become the best writers they can be. By the end of the program, students will be well-versed in creative fiction and non-fiction writing, English composition, academic writing, and research-based writing.
Full Sail University
At Full Sail University, students can enroll in either a bachelor or Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The MFA focuses on writing for entertainment while the bachelor focuses on well-rounded creative writing education.
In either of these programs, students will focus on the basics of story development, genres, nonfiction and fiction stories, and poetry. With their general knowledge of these subjects, students will confidently choose an area to concentrate and specialize in.
Liberty University
At Liberty University, you can earn a writing degree at every level. It offers an Associate of Arts in Creative Writing, and a Bachelor of Science in English and Writing. The latter features concentrations in either general or creative writing. The university also has a Master of Arts in Composition or Professional Writing, and a PhD in communications.
While the courses vary based on which degree you pursue, the common theme among them is preparing you for professional and creative writing. Some subjects covered in these degree programs include modern grammar, English composition, and literature.
University of Texas-El Paso
For a more unique degree, students can enroll in a writing program through the University of Texas at El Paso. Its program is an MFA in Creative Writing, taught in English and in a bilingual setting. Learning in a bilingual environment is a great way for students to brush up on a second language without taking additional language courses.
If they choose to, students can take both online and on-campus courses. Many of the courses required for this program focus on a student’s chosen concentration and help them tailor their degree to their career goals.
Lindenwood University
In Saint Charles, Missouri, students can enroll in Lindenwood University’s online MFA in Creative Writing program. Though the program is offered both online and on-campus, the online path is totally online with no required residencies. Both programs are taught by faculty members who have firsthand experience.
Students can focus on courses that aid in the creative process or that seek to develop journalism and editing skills. Lindenwood University encourages students to practice their skills by offering work in the school’s literary journal as an editor.
Florida International University
Florida International University in Miami offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in English program. In this program, students are given the option to specialize their degree in either writing and rhetoric or creative writing. While the writing and rhetoric specialization program is offered entirely online, the creative writing program does require a few on-campus workshops.
Both programs are designed to educate students in all aspects of writing, not just their specialization. Required core courses cover topics like writing studies, business writing, writing and rhetoric theory, and composition.
Indiana University
Richmond, Indiana is home to Indiana University and its online bachelor program in English, technical, and professional writing. The entire program is offered entirely online, no on-campus residencies required. This program is designed for students who plan to go into writing careers within businesses and academic environments.
Some topics covered during this program include grammar concepts, technical editing, studies in American culture, and critical practices. Many of the online courses are taught by the same professors that teach on-campus, giving students a similar education to on-campus learners.
University of Colorado-Denver
In Denver, Colorado, students can enroll in the University of Colorado’s online bachelor’s program in English writing, rhetoric, and technology. This program encompasses many aspects of professional writing, preparing students for any desired career. The degree is meant for those who plan to go into a career in English writing.
The courses required for this degree cover important topics such as non-profit and grant writing, business and advertising, journalism, and publishing. Learning so many aspects of writing prepares students for a wide range of careers. This degree is also one of the most affordable online writing degrees. This makes it a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to break the bank.
Clayton State University
In Morrow, Georgia, you can enroll in an online bachelor of English program at Clayton State University. This isn’t an outright writing degree. However, it is a very versatile degree option for those interested in writing as part of another job. Students can even earn a writing concentration alongside the program if they choose.
Since this degree is so wide and versatile, so are its course topics. Students will take classes in everything from advanced composition and careers in writing to creative writing, professional writing, and technical writing.
Drexel University
Through Drexel University, students can enroll in an online MFA in Creative Writing program. Within this program, there are options to concentrate on fiction writing and screenwriting, or students can opt simply for the MFA in Creative Writing. Regardless of your concentration, you will be able to take courses in both areas.
In this program, students are required to complete three five-day residencies to workshop their writing. Students are given the opportunity to study abroad in Haiti or Equatorial Guinea to study how writing affects grassroots organizations. They can also go to France for a creative writing retreat. One other opportunity offered is to assistant teach on-campus and earn work experience and good pay while earning your degree.
University of Nebraska-Omaha
In Omaha, Nebraska, students can enroll in the University of Nebraska’s online MFA in Creative Writing program. This program allows students to specialize in their desired genre of writing and required courses are tailored to best suit that specialization. Students enrolled in this program will be taught entirely online, but are required to attend five 10-day long residencies to workshop their writing.
Alongside the workshops, students will complete 16 four-week writing seminars online. All of this is designed to complement your core courses and specialization to help you become the best writer you can be.
Emerson College
Boston, Massachusetts is home to Emerson College’s online MFA in Popular Fiction Writing. This program is designed to work best with students who plan to become authors of modern fiction works after graduating. You can choose to specialize in just about any genre, from science fiction and horror to romance.
Students must take courses on the history of their genre specialization. These classes help them better understand how the art and professionalism of creative writing blend together. All the classes required through this program are designed to help students develop their unique voice.
University of Maryland
In Adelphi, Maryland, through the University of Maryland’s Global Campus, students can enroll in an online bachelor program in English. This program puts a heavy emphasis on literature and writing. This makes it a great option for those who love to write and want to learn more about writing culture.
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Courses in this program cover topics ranging from poetry and English literature to creative and fiction writing. All the courses can be completed completely online, and students will also have access to virtual student clubs and organizations. This is a unique option that social butterflies will love.
What Can I Do with a Writing Degree?
The first career that comes to mind is author, but there are quite a few other jobs you can get with a writing degree. Many businesses and organizations hire writers to create technical and professional documents. Companies also need writers to create posts for their websites and social media. Listed below you’ll find some of the most in-demand jobs you can get in 2020 with a writing degree.
Writing Careers with an Associate Degree
- Freelance Writer
- Freelance writers can be hired or contracted out to various organizations to write anything from blog posts to content articles to technical documents. Most freelance writers are self-employed and while it is not always necessary to have a degree, it helps to find jobs.
- Media Relations Specialist
- Sometimes referred to as communications consultants, people working this job are expected to have a good understanding of journalism, writing, and the media. They help write and prepare statements and speeches to maintain a company or organization’s positive public appearance.
- Newspaper Reporter
- While you can be a newspaper reporter with only a high school diploma, you are likely to get better jobs in higher positions with higher pay if you have at least an associate degree. This job involves writing newspaper stories.
Writing Careers with a Bachelor Degree
- Technical Writer
- Technical writers generally write documents such as how-to guides, instructional manuals, and whitepapers for businesses or organizations. They are the ones who create all of the helpful infographics and guides you use to figure out difficult tasks.
- Copyeditor
- Copyeditors are responsible for checking other people’s writing for any mistakes in clarity, grammar, and tone, along with other details as specified by employers.
- Journalist
- Journalists research and write stories about a wide variety of topics. With a bachelor’s degree, you could easily get an internship in journalism, though if you plan to be a journalist in the future you may want to consider a journalism degree.
Writing Careers with a Master Degree
- Senior Editor
- As a senior editor, you would be in charge of other editors. As you can imagine, your job would consist of editing pieces of writing and overseeing the editing others have done to ensure quality work.
- Marketing Writer
- Marketing writers use their writing skills to come up with good marketing pitches and create advertisements like brochures, press releases, and content for web pages.
- Author
- As an author, you would be able to do pretty much whatever type of writing you want. You could write a fictional novel, non-fiction books, poetry, or truly whatever you felt inspired to create.
Conclusion
Writing is a very fun and fulfilling career path for anyone who likes to create and inspire others. You can earn an online writing degree from any of the programs listed above. The quality education you’ll receive will open up many career opportunities. Whether you want to be an author, editor, or business writer, these online degree programs will help get you where you need to be.
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