Best Online Bachelor's in Writing Degree Programs

If you want to become a writer, earning a bachelor's degree can give you a great start. A writing degree program helps students strengthen their writing skills as they prepare for careers in the field.

But which college program should you choose? This depends on the type of professional writing career you want to pursue. Are you interested in playwriting? Do you prefer technical writing? Would you like to write short stories?

Some colleges and universities offer online programs for students who want to start their writing careers. Your job is to pick a writing school that matches your academic and career goals.

Ranking of the Best Online Colleges With Writing Degrees

This college ranking list showcases some of the best online professional writing degree programs.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University delivers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in creative writing. This online degree teaches literary analysis as well as:

• Literary form
• Structure
• Style

Students can choose from four concentrations:

• Fiction
• Screenwriting
• Poetry
• Nonfiction

Advanced workshops let enrollees create and present their work to their peers.

The BA in creative writing is an online program with no set class times. Students can access learning materials anytime 24/7. No ACT or SAT scores are required for this program.

2. Indiana University

Students attending Indiana University can enroll in the top-ranked BA in English program with an emphasis in technical and professional writing. The program teaches:

• Argumentative writing
• Science writing
• Advanced technical writing
• Grammar

As a 100% online degree program, students are not required to visit the campus to complete their degrees. All English core, literary elective, language, and general education courses are taken from anywhere with an internet connection.

Graduates of this program are prepared for top writing careers in:

• Technical writing
• Copywriting
• Medical writing
• Engineering writing

Additional Top Colleges With Writing Degrees

The following programs are not available online but are among the top schools for writing degrees.

New York University

New York University offers its creative writing program for graduate and undergraduate students. This program is located in Greenwich Village in New York City.

The undergraduate program offers courses in:

• Creative writing
• Creative nonfiction
• Poetry

Students participate in:

• Workshops
• Seminars
• Internships

Faculty include:

• Award-winning novelists
• Short story writers
• Poets

The graduate program includes the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing and the low-residency MFA in Paris. Graduate students learn through:

• Coursework
• Seminars
• Reading series
• Visiting writers
• Workshops

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers the BA in English and creative writing. This program teaches students to become better writers, readers, and thinkers through literary and cultural texts. Enrollees learn the methods of the Nonfiction Writing Program and Playwrights Workshop.

The university also offers the Writer's Workshop, a creative writing degree program that results in a Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in poetry or fiction. This MFA program requires students' full-time residency in Iowa City.

Enrollees participate in:

• Writing workshops
• Seminars
• Readings
• An engaging creative community

Courses explore:

• Screenwriting
• Literature
• Bookmaking
• Languages

University of Michigan

At the University of Michigan, students can enroll in the creative writing and literature major. This program is designed for individuals interested in:

• Fiction
• Poetry
• Creative nonfiction

The university also offers the Helen Zell Writers' Program. This MFA program, housed in the university's English Department, offers a two-year graduate degree in creative writing.

Students must complete:

• Coursework
• Writing workshops
• A thesis

They must also choose a fiction or poetry concentration. The school selects a small class of six program graduates each year for a one-year post-MFA Zell Fellowship.

FAQs about Earning Your Bachelor's Degree in Writing

Are you interested in learning more about earning an undergrad degree in writing? Explore the following frequently asked questions.

What Is the Best College Major if I Want To Be a Writer?

The best college major to choose if you want to become a writer depends on the type of writing career you desire. Students might consider creative writing or English majors if they're interested in becoming an:

• Author
• Editor
• Publisher

If you want to become a writer, careers in these fields are great choices:

• Public relations
• Journalism
• Communication
• Mass media

Technical writers also generally have degrees in:

• English
• Communication
• Journalism

However, degrees in specialized fields like engineering or information technology are common, too.

How Useful Is a Writing Degree?

A writing degree can be very useful if you're interested in a writing career. While you may not always need a degree to work as a writer, a bachelor's degree is the desired entry-level education for most writing careers.

Writing programs help you fine-tune your writing skills. You can learn how to write according to different style guides and develop valuable editing skills.

Some programs also create writing communities so you can learn from your classmates. Seminars, writing workshops, author lectures, internships, and other program benefits will give you the knowledge and practical experience to succeed in your career.

Should I Go to an In-State University or Out of State for a Writing Degree?

Cost can be a huge factor when deciding between an in-state or out-of-state university. The primary reason is that out-of-state schools often cost more than in-state schools. For public schools, out-of-state tuition can be two or three times costlier than in-state tuition.

But if you live in Chicago and have found a great liberal arts college in Atlanta, you don't have to give up your dream of attending. Look into financial aid options like federal grants. Also, consider applying for scholarships, especially if you have a competitive high school or college GPA.

What Can You Do With a Creative Writing Degree?

The list of careers you can enjoy with a creative writing degree is long. Here is a snapshot of career opportunities to consider:

• Columnist
• Playwright
• Technical writer
• Screenwriter
• Grant writer
• Proofreader
• Instructor
• Writing coach
• Speech writer
• Blogger

Suppose you're not ready to begin your creative writing career and would rather further your education. You can always enroll in a master's program after earning your bachelor's degree. If you've completed your graduate studies and want to teach, consider a Ph.D. in creative writing.

Where Should Aspiring Writers Earn Their Bachelor's Degree?

Plenty of great colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in writing. Some of the best colleges for creative writing include the following:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Oberlin College
• Northwestern University
• Colorado College
• Hamilton College
• Emory University

You can also look into schools with higher acceptance rates like those featured on this list. The key to choosing the right school is finding one offering the best courses, seminars, workshops, and other opportunities to grow as a writer.

Start a Bachelor's Degree in Writing Program Today

Earning a bachelor's degree is a great way to make your dreams of a writing career a reality. Don't wait any longer to get started. Enroll in a top-notch writing degree program and begin your journey today.