Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
Are you ready to discover your college program?
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.
Featured Online Schools
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
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled69,402
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University East
- Richmond, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,895
- Out-of-state$19,346
- In-State$7,264
- Out-of-state$17,113
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled3,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin Superior
- Superior, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$14,108
- In-State$7,640
- Out-of-state$16,771
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled2,614
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
University of Colorado
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationNo
Best Online Programs
Bachelors in Writing
2022
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.
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.
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.
