Creative writing is a complex yet highly personal process. Channeling talent into an authentic and original voice requires both diligent study and extensive practice. And you can engage with both by pursuing a creative writing degree online.
This program guide introduces online creative writing degrees. It explores their key features and the opportunities they support. Connect with study opportunities — and with ways to save money while pursuing your passion.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: Four years (bachelor's degree)
Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; creative portfolio submissions and/or admission interview requirements may apply
Top Skills Gained: Original literary composition, literary and critical analysis, writing process development, workshopping
Popular Concentrations: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting; creative writing may also be its own concentration track within English programs
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Creative Writing Programs
Price Check
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), schools offering online creative writing programs award financial aid to first-time undergraduates at rates of up to 100%.
Why Choose Creative Writing?
Online creative writing programs often use collaborative formats, with students workshopping original compositions with peers and instructors.
The insights you gain from these sessions can accelerate your development as a writer, helping you find your voice and develop an end-to-end process for outlining, drafting, and revising your work.
Many aspiring writers also find the structured nature of creative writing programs helpful in conquering the blank page, building professional networks, and connecting with communities of like-minded people.
Career Outlook for Creative Writing Graduates
Online creative writing degrees can help you develop valuable process-based insights that can translate well to multiple career paths. You may decide to pursue advancement-oriented roles or use paid writing jobs to make ends meet while you create your own works in your off-hours.
The following table profiles some of the jobs you can pursue with a creative writing degree.
| Job | Annual Median Wage, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Editors | $75,260 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $60,280 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $69,780 |
| Technical Writers | $91,670 |
| Writers and Authors | $72,270 |
Ways to Save on a Creative Writing Degree
Trimming costs will help you extract more value from your online creative writing degree, especially considering the time it can take to establish yourself as a professional writer. These strategies can help:
Study at an In-State Public Institution: NCES data from the 2022-23 school year shows that in-state students at public institutions pay 66% less on average for tuition and required fees than out-of-state students. And they pay 72% less on average than students at private institutions.
Seek Scholarships: As a creative writing student, you can qualify for both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Some organizations specifically offer funding to emerging writers from historically underrepresented communities.
Broaden Your Search: As an online creative writing student, you are not limited to schools in your immediate geographic area. Cast a wide net with your search. This can help you connect with affordable options that support your developmental goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creative Writing Programs
Yes, you can get a degree in creative writing at any level, from associate to doctorate. Students typically pursue bachelor's or master's degrees in the field. Many master's programs culminate in a master of fine arts designation, which is a terminal professional degree.
