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.
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.
| #1 | Florida International University | Miami, FL |
| #2 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
| #3 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH |
| #4 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA |
| #5 | Clayton State University | Morrow, GA |
| #6 | Indiana University-East | Richmond, IN |
| #7 | Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI |
| #8 | University of Wisconsin – Superior | Superior, WI |
| #9 | University of Colorado | Denver, CO |
| #10 | Eastern Oregon University | La Grande, OR |
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
| 2 |
University of Central Florida |
Orlando, FL Apply Now | ||
| 3 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH Apply Now | ||
| 4 |
Nicholls State University |
Thibodaux, LA Apply Now | ||
| 5 |
Clayton State University |
Morrow, GA Apply Now | ||
| 6 |
Indiana University-East |
Richmond, IN Apply Now | ||
| 7 |
Chaminade University of Honolulu |
Honolulu, HI Apply Now | ||
| 8 |
University of Wisconsin – Superior |
Superior, WI Apply Now | ||
| 9 |
University of Colorado |
Denver, CO Apply Now | ||
| 10 |
Eastern Oregon University |
La Grande, OR Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
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.
How to Choose Your Major What to Look for in an Online CollegeWhat 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.
- Association of Writers & Writing Programs 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.
- National Association of Independent Writers & Editors 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.
- Authors Guild 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.
