Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. Emily Carter
Explore your passion for writing from anywhere! An Online Creative Writing Degree offers personalized mentorship, diverse genres, and flexible schedules. Start your story today!
An online creative writing degree helps students develop strong English language efficiency to create captivating stories, adapt writing to different styles, and tailor their writing to specific markets and audiences. They gauge a deep understanding of fiction, non-fiction, prose, and poetry. Undergraduates also stretch their imagination to hone their craft skills, learn about constructing poignant arguments, and develop and critically think about original creative content for nonfictional and fictional genres. After graduating from the creative writing degree online English program, students can apply to various job opportunities in multiple settings, including journalism, virtual education, tech companies, education organizations, English education, and more.
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Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
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Find the Best Online Creative Writing Degree Programs
Choosing the best online bachelor’s programs in creative writing requires considering factors like faculty expertise, curriculum depth, and flexibility. Thorough research is essential to align goals and learning preferences with available options. From faculty credentials to course offerings, comprehensive evaluation ensures an informed decision in selecting the ideal program. Based on several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of the best online associate programs in creative writing:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106 | $19,467 | 45% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online in Creative Writing
Students pursuing creative writing degrees online typically complete up to 120 credits over an average of four years. They practice different writing styles through the coursework, such as poems, short stories, plays, non-fiction pieces, novels, film scripts, etc. They also gain insights into rhetoric, literary structures, and communication within various texts. Most colleges offer a flexible curriculum, allowing students to choose online, offline, or hybrid courses. In addition to regular classes, students may have opportunities for credit-bearing internships in publishing, television, journalism, and other fields. This degree fosters narrative understanding and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for diverse roles, including journalists, novelists, television writers, technical writers, editors, producers, agents, etc.
Curriculum and Coursework
An online creative writing degree program curriculum is designed to provide students with experiential learning to refine their skills and prepare them for the industry. The curriculum emphasizes building critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills while fostering cultural literacy across diverse contexts.
Students analyze literary genres, structures, styles, and forms, construct coherent arguments, and collaborate on group projects with peers. The curriculum combines writing and literature courses with varying approaches across different colleges. In most programs, students can select literature courses that align with their interests, such as world mythology, romance, revolution, nature writing, popular and contemporary fiction, gender and text studies, and more. Some standard courses commonly found in bachelor’s programs across multiple institutions include:
Creative Genres
This course teaches the basics of creative writing, understanding how to disseminate information, and incorporating the right emotions and intricate details. Some forms and genres of literature students learn include autobiography, memoir, creative nonfiction, children’s books, drama, etc.
Digital Writing
This course teaches about digital writing and how it can help individuals engage with real-world problems and larger audiences. It can help students develop critical thinking skills and support learning across different areas of literature. Students explore digital writing tools like Grammarly, Google Docs, Hemingway Editor, RankMath, Headline Analyzer, etc.
English Grammar and Syntax
This course teaches about linguistics and syntactical rules needed to write. Students understand syntax issues and learn to rectify them when forming phrases and sentences. They examine grammar rules, subject-verb agreement, word order, complex sentences, constituency, and sentence diagramming.
Literary Criticism
This course teaches about linguistics and syntactical rules needed to write. Students understand syntax issues and learn to rectify them when forming phrases and sentences. They examine grammar rules, subject-verb agreement, word order, complex sentences, constituency, and sentence diagramming.
Writing Fictions
Students use this course to understand non-factual prose texts meant to convey points of view. It can take various forms like novels, novellas, dramas, screenplays, or short stories. They also explore fictional writing and its structures and the elements of characters, settings, plots, and themes. Undergraduates also understand effective techniques, like writing simple sentences, avoiding unnecessary data, and telling.
Some other standard courses in online creative writing degree programs that students can explore are:
- World view
- Art Appreciation
- Photography
- Classic Films and Literature
- Introduction to College Writing
- Oral Communication
- Western Civilization
- Survey of the Publishing Industry
- Fiction Seminar
- Introduction to Self-Publishing
- Copy Editing
- Author and Book Marketing
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
The program integrates theories from real-world analysis and practical skills approved by industry standards. They learn how to develop in-demand skills in writing and research, which will give them huge benefits when applying for different kinds of jobs. It benefits students who want to learn courses like Introduction to Fiction, poetry, Drama, Critical Approaches to Literature, Renaissance Literature, and more. The degree in creative writing online curriculum helps students understand employers’ expectations and the skills they need to develop to work effectively. Some skills they will demonstrate by the end of the program include the ability to:
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of literary texts, genres, and terms in English-language;
- demonstrate creative ways to show effective argumentation, persuasion, information, and illumination and engage the reader throughout;
- demonstrate good leadership skills in different settings and professionality related to efficacy and efficiency in work-related tasks;
- demonstrate hands-on experience and collaborative skills and be able to accomplish tasks with the group in a time-bound manner;
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts of literature, language acquisition and structure, modern American Literature, literary theory and criticism, and more;
- demonstrate an understanding beyond just language and literature in the traditional form and showcase knowledge of an expansive range of styles, subjects, and authors;
- demonstrate transferable skills like writing, reading, researching, and more;
- demonstrate a strong communication and critical thinking foundation, which can be applied to various pathways like publication, education, and other writing-related industries.
Types of Degrees Creative Writing Students Can Obtain
The online bachelor’s degree in creative writing program is designed to equip students with the tools to meet the different needs of creative writing, utilize different classroom strategies, and get in-field experiences. They learn about various subjects in world literature, modern grammar, expository essays, and more. Two common types of creative writing degrees are a Bachelor of Arts or BA in creative writing and a Bachelor of Science or BS in creative writing.
Bachelor of Science or BS in Creative Writing
Students learn various concepts and skills through the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Writing, which can benefit them in diverse fields such as media, business, and education. This degree equips them for proofreading, editing, publishing, and more careers, which demand problem-solving, research, analysis, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Course offerings may include introductions to world literature, 18th-century to contemporary world literature, and English grammar and usage.
Bachelor of Arts or BA in Creative Writing
The Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing will help students learn about writing and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed with help from industry experts so that students can integrate the theories learned in the program with real-world applications and practical skills. Throughout this program, students learn about skills that are in demand in writing and research and can have wide applications in the market.
Areas of Specialization for Creative Writing Students
Specialization enables students to explore deeply into areas of interest, fostering expertise and innovation. By concentrating on specific subjects, they cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills tailored to their chosen field. Specialization lays a solid foundation for future careers, allowing students to contribute meaningfully to their professions and society, driving progress and advancement. Here are some concentrations that students in creative writing online degree programs could consider: Some concentrations available in the creative writing online degree program are:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Cinema and Media studies | The specialization of cinema and media studies helps students seek expertise in research and critical analysis for emerging careers in professional and public fields. They would also look at text and context in intermedia age and historiography. | Public relations careers, communication specialist, production assistant, and more |
| Literature, Journalism, and Print Culture | This concentration will allow students to study literature, literary history, language, and theories of literary production. They will also learn about the foundational approaches to students’ academic interests. | Careers in editing, fact-checking, graphic design, and more. |
| Drama | In this specialization, students better understand drama, which can support language learning concerning particular attention. | Professions related to writing, acting, producing, directing, and more. |
| Fiction | This specialization provides insight into aspiring storytellers and authors looking for a way to foster and gain inspiration for creative writing. They will learn to find the perfect balance of craft and critical analysis. | Various roles in publishing, content writing, editing, communications, copywriting, and more. |
| Non-fiction | This course helps students combine reflection and research with intriguing storytelling. They can also gain insights into developing creative boundaries and a unique voice. | Carious roles as a nonfiction writer in newspapers, literary journals, magazines, digital content writing, copywriting, and more. |
| Poetry | This specialization enables students to hone their craft and create imagery in verse. They can learn to write and prepare themselves for writing poetry as a professional path. | Various careers in advertising, creative writing, publishing, copywriting, etc. |
| Screenwriting | This concentration helps students emphasize visual storytelling. It is designed by distinguished and experienced faculty, and they get a robust understanding of how character, theme, visuals, action, and dialogues intertwine and create a compelling moment in time. | Various roles as a screenwriter for blockbuster movies, shorts and independent films, television dramas, commercials, sitcoms, and more. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Creative Writing Programs
It may take approximately 4 to 5 years to complete an online creative writing bachelor degree.
The program’s duration is also affected by the mode of instruction, which can be online, offline, or hybrid. Students favor online classes for their flexibility, enabling them to balance work, personal commitments, and studies. Opting for an accelerated format can shorten the time needed to finish the program. Additionally, the number of credits completed per semester impacts the program’s duration. Here is a brief overview of the program’s duration:
- Time to complete full-time creative writing bachelor’s degree: 4 years
- Time to complete part-time creative writing bachelor’s degree: 4-6 years
Accelerated Creative Writing Programs
Choosing an accelerated online bachelor’s degree will help students complete the program faster. They could take up an average of 30 credits through credit by exam and check if the necessary classes can be completed in hours instead of over a few months. Individuals could also transfer their existing college credits. Here are a few universities that provide accelerated online creative writing degree programs:
Requirements for Getting into an Online Creative Writing Degree Program
Most colleges have a list of admission criteria that students must meet to be able to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in creative writing. The admission procedure for programs in creative writing is competitive as there is much demand for these programs. Various institutions have slightly different criteria for admissions; however, the most common online creative writing degree admission requirements are listed here:
- Application form
- General education development diplomat results
- Previous official transcripts from high school or college-level
- An undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- ACT and SAT scores (ACT scores of an average of 22 or SAT reasoning score of an average of 1120)
- Personal essay (differs with institution requirement)
- Some colleges require PSAT scores
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
How to Ensure an Online Creative Writing Degree Is Accredited
Accreditation is the process of evaluating educational institutions to ensure they meet certain quality standards. It assures students of a reputable education and validates the credibility and value of their degrees or certifications in the job market. Accredited schools offer programs that have been recognized for academic rigor and relevance. This guarantees that students receive a quality education and increases their opportunities for success after graduation. Most Creative Writing Programs are accredited at a programmatic level by an independent body such as the AWP – Association of Writers & Writing Programs3.
Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Courses for Online Creative Writing Degree Students
Free online courses offer students access to various educational opportunities without financial barriers. These courses provide flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and schedule. They enhance skills, expand knowledge, and even lead to certifications or improved career prospects, making education more accessible. Here are a few free creative writing courses that students can explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing 4 | This free course helps students understand story elements like plot, setting, characters, and more. They also examine storytellers’ choices to devise characters, imagine a fictional world, outline and structure plots, discuss narratives, pacing and reversals, and more. | Coursera |
| Novel Writing 5 | This course helps students create characters, choose their points of view, and build structures to draft their manuscripts. They can develop their unique writing voice and world-building techniques and keep track of their fictional ideas. | Reedsy |
| Learn English: Personal Traits and Future Perfect Tense6 | This free offers vocabulary on role models and their traits. It incorporates phrases into grammar lessons on future continuous and perfect tense and phrasal verbs to boost language skills. Ideal for English learners seeking confidence in speaking and writing. | Alison |
Ways to Pay for an Online Creative Writing Degree
With tuition costs rising and student debts increasing, finding ways to pay for an online creative writing degree is crucial. Various strategies exist to alleviate financial strain, ensuring access to education without overwhelming debt. Students can pursue their academic aspirations without sacrificing financial stability by exploring alternative funding sources and financial aid options. Here are a few ways how students can fund their programs:
Scholarships provide financial assistance for students, making education more accessible and affordable. They open doors to opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach, empowering individuals to pursue their academic and career goals.
Grants offer valuable financial support to help cover education costs, including tuition, books, and living expenses. These awards do not need to be repaid, making them a great way to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
Graduate assistantship
A graduate assistantship is a valuable opportunity for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study while receiving financial support. These positions typically involve working on research projects, teaching undergraduate courses, or assisting with administrative tasks in exchange for a stipend or tuition waiver. Graduate assistantships allow students to enhance their skills and resume while pursuing advanced degrees.
Student Loans
Student loans offer financial assistance for higher education, providing funds for tuition, books, and living expenses. While helpful, it’s crucial to understand the terms and repayment obligations to make informed decisions. Exploring alternative funding sources like scholarships and grants is recommended.
Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing federal aid like grants, scholarships, and loans for college. It’s a key step in securing financial assistance for higher education.
Students can refer to the financial aid guide to understand other funding options and how to pay for college.
Scholarships for Online Creative Writing Degree Students
Scholarships for Online Creative Writing Degree Students ease financial constraints, making quality education accessible regardless of location. They promote diversity and inclusivity in the literary realm, empowering aspiring writers to pursue their passions. By providing financial assistance, these scholarships enable talented individuals to follow their creative dreams and achieve academic success. Here are some online creative writing degree scholarships that students can look into:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Gove Scholarships 7 | The National Speakers Association sponsors the Bill Gove Scholarship. This scholarship is provided annually or full-time to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in communications, journalism, English, and more. | $5,000 | April annually |
| Journalism Foundation of Metropolitan St. Louis Scholarships8 | The Journalism Foundation of Metropolitan St. Louis offers different annual scholarships from accredited institutions for local students pursuing degrees in print and broadcast journalism programs. | $1,000-$2,500 | May annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With an Online Creative Writing Degree
After graduating with a bachelor’s in creative writing, individuals explore diverse paths where their skills flourish. Opportunities span industries like publishing, marketing, and content creation. While salaries vary, creative writers often find fulfillment beyond monetary compensation, embracing the chance to share their narratives and impact audiences. Students who have completed an online creative writing degree would be working in various job settings, allowing them to explore the fields of reading, writing, editing, publishing, and much more. Some of the potential career options for graduates from this degree include:
- Author
- Editor
- Copywriter
- Journalist
- Screenwriter
- Speechwriter
- Technical writer
- Publisher
Some of these occupations are elaborated below:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writers and Authors9 | Creative thinking, Writing skills, Critical thinking skills, and Verbal skills. | $73,690 | 4% (as fast as average) | Writers and authors develop written content that can be used for various media types. They can typically work from anywhere if they have access to computers. Most students gain experience through internships and other courses that help them improve their skills, like blogging, which is beneficial in this field. |
| High School Teachers10 | Planning and instruction, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. | $65,220 | 1% (little or no change) | High school teachers usually teach various skills and academic lessons to students attending college and entering multiple professions. Professionals would work in different school settings, prepare lessons, and grade papers. High school teachers would typically be required to have a bachelor’s degree. |
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers11 | Analytical skills, organizational skills, and planning and instruction skills. | $60,560 | -13% (decline) | Adult primary and secondary education and English as a Second Language or ESL teachers instruct students in skills fundamental to the English language, like speaking and reading. Community-based organizations, public schools, and community colleges employ them. |
| Career and Technical Education Teachers12 | Analytical skills, instructional skills, and organizational skills. | $63,580 | 0% (little or no change) | Career and technical education teachers would instruct students in different vocational and technical subjects like healthcare, auto repair, and culinary arts. Most teachers work in high, middle, and postsecondary schools, like 2-year colleges. |
| Public Relations Specialists13 | Communication skills, critical thinking skills, decision-making skills, and analytical skills. | $66,750 | 6% (faster than average) | Public relations specialists maintain and create a likable and positive public image for their clients. They can work in various organizations, including media buyers, professional associations, and schools. |
| Technical Writers14 | Writing, critical thinking, detail-oriented, imagination, teamwork, and technical skills. | $80,050 | 7% (faster than average) | Technical Writers incorporate animation, illustrations, photographs, or graphs to increase their understanding of various materials. They also create diagrams to show how users interact with a product and standardize different content across media and platforms. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Creative Writing Degree Graduates
Certifications validate expertise, enhancing graduates’ employability and credibility in competitive job markets. They signify specialized knowledge and skills, elevating resumes and attracting employers seeking qualified candidates. With certifications, graduates demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, staying abreast of industry trends, and mastering specific disciplines. Certifications equip graduates to excel in their chosen fields, opening doors to rewarding career opportunities. Some professional certifications that students pursuing an online degree in creative writing can consider include:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language15
The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL showcases a student’s listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. Students can complete this certification in both online and in-person mode. It could be taken up in multiple-choice format, and an online committee is designated to score the writing sections of the students.
The International English Language Testing System16
The International English Language Testing System grades students on a scale of 1-9. It helps students get opportunities to study, work, migrate, and more to countries where English is a native language, like Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., the USA, and more.
The Test of English for International Communication17
The Test of English for International Communication, or TOEIC, is beneficial for students who want to showcase their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. An average score that a student might get through this test could be in the range of 500. These scores are also valid for a period of two years.
ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages18
ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages or AAPPL has four components on which the individual is tested and takes up to approximately two hours. It assesses students on presentational writing, interpretive reading, interpretive language, and interpersonal speaking or listening, which National Standards prescribe for Foreign Language Learning.
Additional Resources for Online Creative Writing Degree Graduates
Bachelor’s students in creative writing can benefit from additional resources like writing workshops, literary magazines, and author readings, enhancing their craft and networking opportunities. Joining associations can provide ongoing support, professional development, and job opportunities post-graduation, fostering connections within the writing community and advancing their careers. Those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in creative writing online can join or refer to the following associations:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Linguistic Society of America | The Linguistic Society of America provides students with many resources, including meetings and institutes, publications, advocacy, public education, and professional recognition and resources. Students develop a better understanding of the field by networking with other members. |
| American English | On the website of American English, students will find new ways to practice English and learn about the language and culture. It provides many resources for learning and using English in professional and academic settings. |
| Modern Language Association | The Modern Language Association will help students work on their strengths and study and teach literature and language. They have 23,000 members in over 145 countries and have a global presence. They mainly aim to serve teachers in English and Foreign languages. This organization is regarded as the principal professional association for scholars of literature and language in the United States. |
| National Council of Teachers of English | The National Council of Teachers of English works with its members to produce journals, resources, and publications. They voice their concerns and show their expertise as educators and advocates for their respective students at the federal and local levels. |
| Shakespeare Association of America | The Shakespeare Association of America was founded in 1972. They hold annual conferences in different locations to exchange strategies and ideas, which will facilitate their reading, researching, writing, teaching, and more about topics of interest shared amongst members. |
FAQs About Online Creative Writing Degree Programs
What does a student learn in the creative writing program?
In a creative writing program, students learn the fundamentals of storytelling, including character development, plot structure, and narrative techniques. They hone their writing skills through workshops, and receiving feedback from peers and instructors. Additionally, they explore various genres and styles while developing their unique voice and literary sensibilities.
Can you get an online creative writing degree?
What can you do with an online creative writing degree?
Is an online degree in creative writing worth it?
How long does completing an online bachelor’s degree in creative writing take?
Are companies concerned if students have an online degree?
Citations:
Southern New Hampshire University
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
Learn English: Personal Traits and Future Perfect Tense- Alison
Journalism Foundation of Metropolitan St. Louis Scholarships
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Writers and Authors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for High School Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Career and Technical Education Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Public Relations Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Technical Writers
The Test of English as a Foreign Language
The International English Language Testing System
The Test of English for International Communication
ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages