10 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees in 2025

Creative writing, a skill that combines writing ability and imagination, is showcased in many texts, such as poetry, short stories, screenwriting, and fiction writing. Many higher education programs are available to help students gain the skills to succeed in a creative writing career. You can even find affordable online creative writing degrees at schools nationwide.

Some of the best schools for studying creative writing from home include Southern New Hampshire University and Colorado Christian University. Below, we'll highlight these and other top online bachelor's degrees in creative writing. We'll also explore master's programs and career opportunities for degree holders.

Top Creative Writing Degree Programs Online

Online creative writing degree programs are great alternatives to on-campus programs. Explore the list below to find some of the best online degrees in creative writing.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and English for students who want to strengthen their critical thinking skills and learn key writing techniques. Courses explore publishing, literary theory, popular fiction, and more.

Learners pay $330 per credit hour and can save up to $30,000 when transferring 90 credits. Online student support includes 24/7 library access, tutoring services, and help from academic and career advisors.

2. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University's online Master of Arts in creative writing is a low-residency program offering specializations in nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Enrollees spend three summer days in an on-campus workshop with peers, faculty, and professional writers.

Applicants must submit a writing sample and personal statement for admission. After graduating, students will be ready for professional writing and academic careers.

3. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers an online BA in English-creative writing ranked among the best online programs by U.S. News & World Report. This degree explores fiction, literary structure, and rhetoric at a low rate of $179.19 per credit hour for in-state learners.

Enrollees gain writing and analysis skills with advanced poetry and fiction writing workshops. After completing the program, students will be ready to work as copywriters, publishers, and technical writers.

4. Liberty University

The online Bachelor of Science in English and writing-creative writing at Liberty University teaches effective English language use while strengthening literary analysis and writing skills. Online courses explore American realism, composition, and modern grammar.

Undergraduates attending full-time and part-time pay $390 and $455 per credit hour, respectively. Students can turn this program into an accelerated online creative writing degree by transferring up to 75% of their degree total. Gaining admission requires high school transcripts, GED test scores, or college transcripts.

5. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University's 100% online BA in creative writing shares the latest in book publishing and teaches learners how to pitch works to publishers and agents. Enrollees learn time management, key research techniques, and tips for overcoming writer's block.

The university offers a generous transfer credit policy to help students graduate sooner. Creative writing courses are offered one at a time in five-week blocks to accommodate students' busy schedules.

6. University of Texas at El Paso

The online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing at the University of Texas at El Paso features literature classes, workshops, and a thesis asking students to create a publishable manuscript in fiction or poetry. An optional low-residency opportunity is available in Europe every summer.

This program is designed for students who want writing careers or teaching roles at the university level. The per-credit tuition rate is $490 for in-state learners and $575 for out-of-state students.

7. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online BA in creative writing that explores poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The degree program incorporates workshop intensives designed to enhance students' narrative skills.

This program charges $366 per credit hour, regardless of residency. Enrollees have the option to pursue an honors degree, which includes a thesis experience and co-curricular activities.

8. University of Denver

The online University of Denver's master's in professional creative writing teaches how to offer work to agents and publishers and build a personal brand. Concentrations are available in professional creative nonfiction writing, professional fiction writing, and more.

Students don't need to submit GRE or GMAT scores to gain admission. The program features asynchronous and hybrid courses and can be completed in as few as 18 months.

9. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans offers an online Creative Writing Workshop MFA teaching poetry, nonfiction, and fiction writing. This non-resident degree program is ranked among the best online masters in creative writing.

Learners attending full-time can complete the program in just five semesters. All online learners pay the same in-state rate and aren't required to pay non-resident fees.

10. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University's online MFA in creative writing is a low-residency program with an emphasis on young adult writing. The two-year program includes nonfiction, poetry, and fiction workshops and an optional third-year, second-genre thesis.

EOU Students pay $537 per credit hour for online graduate courses. More than 90% of online learners receive scholarships and financial aid to cover tuition costs.

What To Expect From an Online Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing

Online bachelor's degrees in creative writing are similar to on-campus programs. They're often taught by the same faculty and deliver the same general education, core, and elective courses.

However, they do have some differences. Online creative writing courses are often taught on virtual learning platforms that let students interact on discussion boards, submit assignments, and take exams. Some programs deliver synchronous courses, and others are asynchronous and self-paced.

An online creative writing degree can help strengthen students' writing, editing, research, and communication skills. Coursework commonly explores poetry, creative nonfiction, storytelling, and fiction. Online programs often provide resources like online tutoring, library access, and academic advisors to help learners excel without visiting the campus.

Scholarship Opportunities for Creative Writing Students

Many online creative writing programs offer opportunities to cut tuition costs. When searching for degrees, consider online colleges that accept FAFSA and offer low tuition. If you're looking for creative writing scholarships, explore the following options.

Pen to Paper Scholarship for Storytellers

Award amount: $500

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Pen to Paper Scholarship for Storytellers from Scholarships360 is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating in the class of 2024 or 2025) and undergraduate and graduate college students studying English, literature, or writing. When applying, students must submit proof of enrollment and an essay. Being more active on the Scholarships360 platform earns higher consideration.

James Baldwin Award for Fiction

Award amount: $10,000

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

The James Baldwin Award for Fiction is a creative writing award for public high school seniors. Applicants must submit an original literary composition in English for fiction. They should also be 21 or younger and plan to enroll in an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the fall of 2025.

ServiceScape Scholarship

Award amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: November 29, 2025

The ServiceScape Scholarship pays for books, supplies, or any other educational expenses associated with an awardee's certificate/degree program of choice. When applying, students must submit a 300-word essay discussing the impact of writing on today's world. Applicants must attend or plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school in 2025.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Majors

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects over 15,000 new openings annually for writers and authors from 2023 to 2033. But opportunities don't stop there. Creative writing majors can pursue roles in higher education, public relations, and more. Job options include:

• journalist
• editor
• freelance writer
• web content manager
• professor
• literary agent

Find an Online Creative Writing Program

Are you ready to begin your journey toward a career in creative writing? Explore the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their programs can help you reach your career goal.