Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
Updated November 21, 2023
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Highly transferable skills in communication, editing, and critical thinking allow writers to excel in journalism, advertising, corporate communications, and popular writing, including mediums like novels and screenplays.
Writers and authors earn a median annual salary of $63,200, with top earners working in the performing arts and sport industries. While employment in newspaper, book, and magazine publishing is projected to decline between 2019-2029, writers enjoy growing opportunities in online publications and services.
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This page contains important details for distance learners considering an undergraduate writing program. Read on to learn more about online education formats, curriculum requirements, learning outcomes, and admissions criteria for the 10 best technical and creative writing online degrees.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University enrolls distance learners in 67 programs. The college offers 36 fully online bachelor's degree programs to undergraduate students. The online bachelor's in writing and rhetoric is a wise choice for students seeking competitive, flexible study applicable to a career in writing. The program offers flexible study options, where students can pursue full- or part-time enrollment while modifying classes as they see fit.
During the program, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to the writing field. Learners also fulfill general education requirements. While enrolled, degree-seekers can customize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
Graduates often easily grow their earning potential with a bachelor's degree. Graduates who have completed their degree earn on average a median salary of $41,500 after six years. Undergraduates pay an average of $9,888 yearly in tuition and fees after aid. Students interested in learning more about admission requirements and their eligibility for financial aid should connect with the department.
Florida International University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 39,863
Total Online Programs: 67
Online Bachelor's Programs: 36
Admission Rate: 58%
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With its main campus in Orlando, the University of Central Florida provides competitive bachelor's degree programs to learners from all walks of life. The college supports distance learning across 19 remote bachelor's programs. The bachelor's in creative writing offers flexible, rigorous study.
The program prioritizes flexibility in student learning. Enrollees can choose electives, minors, and other modifications to individualize their studies.
Creative writing enrollees can expect to pay $19,810 in tuition. students gain access to internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid, through the college. Degree-seekers receive a financial aid award package amounting to $9,728 on average.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 41,097
Total Online Programs: 47
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 44%
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
Indiana University East
Richmond, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University East, a public, four-year college in Richmond, supports remote learning across 19 online programs. Undergraduate students can choose from 13 online bachelor's programs. Learners seeking advanced online study in writing can enroll in the school's online bachelor's in technical and professional writing. The program offers flexible study options, allowing learners to pursue full- or part-time enrollment while modifying classes as they see fit.
Throughout the program, students attend industry-relevant lectures while completing writing-specific coursework. This curriculum, which consists of foundational and advanced classes, equips students with relevant skills needed to succeed in the field. Enrollees can customize their degree by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The institution reports a median salary of $32,400 for graduates six years after completing their studies. Undergraduate pay an average of $7,110 in tuition and fees yearly. Before applying, prospective students should connect with the department to learn more about admission requirements and application materials.
Indiana University East at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 2,989
Total Online Programs: 19
Online Bachelor's Programs: 13
Admission Rate: 63%
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
University of Wisconsin Superior
Superior, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin Superior provides flexible study opportunities to distance learners across nine online programs. Online undergraduate students can benefit from studying in one of three online bachelor's programs. For students looking to advance in the writing field, the school's online bachelor's in writing program is a wise choice. Students in the writing program can complete classes at their own pace, with the option for part-time enrollment.
Throughout their coursework, students gain industry-relevant knowledge through general and advanced classes. Enrollees also complete general education classes, gaining a well-rounded education. Enrollees can customize their studies by working with their academic advisor to choose electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
A bachelor's degree often connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. According to the institution, enrollees can earn a median salary of $33,200 six years after finishing their degree. Writing students can expect to pay $12,695 in tuition and fees per year. Students can meet with leaders in the writing department to discuss application materials, admission requirements, and other relevant information.
University of Wisconsin Superior at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,231
Total Online Programs: 9
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 82%
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
University of Colorado
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Campus
The University of Colorado offers competitive bachelor's degree programs. A leader in online education, the institution supports distance learners. Individuals seeking to advance in the writing field will benefit from the bachelor's in English writing, rhetoric, and technology.
Writing students can modify their coursework to suit their interests and accommodate their schedule. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to make these and other adjustments. Students can benefit from electives, minors, and other modifications to the curriculum.
At the accredited institution, students can access external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid.
Online Bachelor's in Writing Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Bachelor's in Writing Degree?
A bachelor's degree in writing helps students develop skills related to the written word. These include technical skills in writing, grammar, and editing as well as related skills like literary analysis. Writing programs often include workshops, where students receive feedback on writing projects from peers and professors.
A bachelor's degree in writing helps students develop skills related to the written word.
While aspiring novelists and authors are the most likely candidates for enrollment, writing degrees often attract diverse groups of students interested in both creative and technical careers. The degree is well suited for those interested in journalism, marketing, technical communication, or public relations. Writing graduates can also go on to law or business school.
By emphasizing a combination of hard and soft skills, online writing degrees turn students into competent verbal and written communicators, critical thinkers, and creative problem-solvers.
Choosing an Online Program
Because online programs allow students to attend college without being limited by their geographic location, distance learners can find it challenging to narrow down a long list of potential schools. Check out the link below for tips on choosing the best online program for your unique needs.
What Else Can I Expect From a Bachelor's in Writing Program?
Curricula for creative writing online degrees typically consist of general education, major core, and elective courses. The major core is made up of lecture courses and peer workshops, focusing primarily on literature study, writing craft, and writing critique. Other courses may cover editing, technical writing, and other genre- or career-specific skills.
Writing Curriculum
- Multicultural Literature: A course on multicultural literature strives to increase understanding of various peoples, typically with a focus on broadening the student's exposure to different experiences, values, and belief systems. Students read, study, and discuss historical and contemporary works of multicultural literature, often with an eye toward historically oppressed groups. Topics include key historical figures and the development of various genres.
- Technical Writing: A technical writing course teaches students how to effectively and professionally communicate technical subjects. Students learn how to research, draft, and edit technical reports, proposals, instructions, and professional correspondence. Coursework typically requires a combination of studying written material and completing practical assignments.
- Creative Writing: Writing degrees often require several creative writing courses, including an introductory course and several workshops. In workshops, students write short pieces of fiction or poetry and then share with their peers and professor, who provide critique and feedback. Coursework strives to develop each student's creative voice and technical ability.
Writing Careers
A bachelor's in writing provides highly transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and analysis. Whether you decide to seek traditional employment or work on a freelance basis, every industry needs talented writers and editors to help reach audiences, communicate effectively, and sell products and services.
The list below highlights three popular occupations for writing degree graduates. In many ways, however, a graduate's career options are limited only by their ingenuity and determination. With additional study, work experience, or professional certification, skilled writers can pursue positions in many creative and technical fields.
Writers
Writers and authors create original written content for media, including books, magazines, advertisements, performing arts, movies and television, and online publications. Writers may be employed with a single organization, such as a marketing agency, or they may work with a variety of clients as a freelance contractor. Tasks commonly include research, writing, and editing.
There is no industry standard entry-level requirement for this career, but employers often prefer writers with a relevant bachelor's degree and prior experience. Writing jobs are highly competitive. Writers need strong creative, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Median Annual Salary: $63,200
Technical Writers
Technical writers create digital and hard-copy materials that communicate complex information to a target audience. These professionals commonly compose instruction manuals, journal articles, assembly instructions, and other support documentation. Tasks include researching products, determining user needs, collaborating with tech professionals, and drafting and editing written materials.
A bachelor's degree is usually required to work as a technical writer. Many employers prefer writers with work experience or knowledge of a related technical field. Optional professional certification is available from organizations like the Society for Technical Communication. Technical writers need excellent critical thinking, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Median Annual Salary: $72,850
Editors
Editors plan, coordinate, and revise written material for publication in books, magazines, newspapers, and websites. Job duties vary depending on the type of media an editor works with or the type of editing they do. Common tasks include reviewing story ideas and submissions, revising errors in text, verifying facts, and approving final versions of content.
Employers typically prefer editors with a bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or English. Relevant work experience may be required for editor positions dealing with specific subjects, like fashion, finance, or technology. Editors must be meticulous and detail-oriented, with strong interpersonal and creative skills.
Median Annual Salary: $61,370
Writing Professional Organizations
Professional organizations are an invaluable resource for personal growth, career development, and community networking. Membership can be especially beneficial for college students looking to expand their professional networks and make connections. Take a look at three of the top professional organizations for writing professionals below.
AWP is a nonprofit literary organization providing support, advocacy, and resources to approximately 50,000 writers and 550 university creative writing programs. Students can apply for membership at a reduced rate. Benefits include access to job listings, current and archived issues of The Writer's Chronicle, and a mentorship program.
NAIWE is a professional association for writers, editors, and other related professionals. The association focuses on helping members build portfolios and create multiple streams of income. Membership benefits include access to a personal NAIWE webpage, an exclusive job board, professional development resources, and writing opportunities.
With a history dating back to 1912, the Authors Guild is the nation's oldest and largest professional organization for writers. The guild advocates for the right of all authors to create without interference and to receive fair compensation. Membership benefits include legal assistance, website services, and career resources. Students can join at a reduced cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Bachelor's in Writing Program?
A bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Students who have transfer credits or enroll in summer classes often finish faster.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Writing?
Baccalaureate writing degrees prepare graduates for career opportunities in fields like marketing, journalism, communications, and publishing.
How Much Do You Make as a Writer?
Income potential varies by occupation, employer, and geographic location. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), writers and authors make a median salary of $63,200 per year.
What Is a Bachelor's in Writing?
A bachelor's in writing is a versatile humanities degree that develops skills in critical and creative thinking, writing and editing, and literature analysis.
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