Writers create the written content that we read in newspapers, books, websites, or our social media timeless.
Some write short stories, scripts or novels, while others write product manuals or brochures.
Journalism, creative writing, technical writing, and content writing are just some of the career paths that you can pursue with a Bachelor’s degree in writing.
If you’re a busy person who already has a full-time job but wants to perfect his or her writing skills and earn a degree in the field, there are many schools that offer students the possibility of pursuing a degree fully online.
Our list includes information about 30 of the best programs in this field.
University of Central Florida
The online Bachelor of Arts in English provided by the University of Central Florida offers its students the possibility of choosing a concentration in creative writing.
The program is tailored to help students develop their imagination, critical thinking and rhetoric communication skills.
The 120-credit hour program can be completed in two to four years.
Students who are eligible for credit transfers may graduate even sooner.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteIndiana University East
The online Bachelor of Arts in English, Technical and Professional Writing offered by Indiana University East is tailored for students who hold an associate’s degree in writing or have some prior learning credits in the field.
The 60-credit hour program helps students develop critical thinking skills and teach them how to create content for TV and other media platforms.
Active members of the armed forces and veterans may also access military education benefits.
Official WebsiteExcelsior College
The Online Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts offered by Excelsior College offers students the possibility of specializing in Professional and Technical Writing.
Students who have military training may be eligible for credit transfers of up to 117 credits.
The program is tailored to meet the needs of busy servicemen who want to earn a writing degree online.
Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Official WebsiteMissouri State University
Missouri State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing programs.
Both programs are designed for aspiring writers, editors and project managers.
The curriculum covers topics such as professional writing, ethics, behavioral sciences, writing with technology, and contemporary issues.
Students who have college credit may be eligible for credit transfer.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Iowa
The University of Iowa offers an online Bachelor of Applied Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing.
The program aims to help students develop their English vocabulary, novel writing, and creative writing.
The 18-semester-hour program focuses on poetry writing, fiction writing, professional and creative business communication, and playwriting.
Official WebsiteArizona State University-Skysong
Arizona State University-Skysong offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication that includes 40 total classes integrated in 7.5 weeks per session.
The 120-credit hour program covers topics such as the fundamentals of writing, proposal writing, efficient communication techniques, professional publication, and writing for traditional and modern platforms.
Arizona residents may be eligible for a scholarship.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Arkansas- Little Rock
University of Arkansas- Little Rock provides a 120-credit hour Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing that can be completed fully online.
Students can choose between two concentrations, namely technical writing and non-fiction.
The technical writing concentration includes classes on writing for business and government, digital technology, reasoning, legal writing, grant writing, publishing and more.
The non-fiction specialization covers topics such as non-fiction writing, persuasive writing, grant writing, and digital technology.
Official WebsiteNicholls State University
Nicholls State University is providing an online Bachelor of Arts in English.
Students have the possibility of choosing between three concentrations: Writing and Rhetoric, Literary Studies, and Creative Writing.
Those who want to learn non-fiction, editing, TV and film, or production would be better suited for the Creative Writing concentration.
The Writing and Rhetoric specialization is better suited for those who want to focus on technical and business writing.
Individuals who are looking to develop their multi-variant writing skills can choose a Literary Studies concentration.
Official WebsiteRegent University
Regent University is offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies-Professional and Technical Writing.
The program is designed to help students refine their writing skills and their ability to communicate technical content to non-technical readers.
The 120-credit program is organized in 8-week sessions.
Tuition ranges between $395-$450 per credit hour.
Credit transfers may also be available.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Colorado-Denver
The University of Colorado-Denver is offering an online Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology for full-time students looking to earn a writing degree.
The program covers a variety of topics, such as professional writing, creative writing, digital publication, and multimedia composition.
Eligible students may also have access to financial assistance and scholarships.
Official WebsiteSouthern New Hampshire University
The online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English offered by Southern New Hampshire University gives students the opportunity of choosing one of the following specializations: Poetry, Screenwriting, Non-fiction, and Fiction.
Students who have an associate’s degree in writing or some previous college credits can transfer up to 90 credits.
Students who already took some courses in the field may be eligible for a fast-track program.
Discounted fees and educational benefits are available for veterans and military personnel.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Official WebsiteWest Virginia University
West Virginia University is offering an online Bachelor of Arts with a concentration on Professional Writing.
The program is designed for adult learners who want to perfect their writing skills.
Real-world experience, training, and workshops may be accepted as credits.
West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteMinnesota State University-Mankato
Minnesota State University-Mankato is offering a Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication, recommended for students who want to pursue a career as technical, business, policy or procedures writers.
Students with previous college training or an associate’s degree may be eligible for credit transfer.
Minnesota State University-Mankato is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteCentral Washington University
The online Bachelor of Arts- English: Professional and Creative Writing is designed especially for students who have a prior learning experience in the field.
The 74-credit curriculum is focused on teaching students topics such as publishing, writing, fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and screenwriting.
Students take classes on topics like English grammar, fiction writing, screenwriting, and grant writing.
Full-time students can graduate within two years.
Official WebsiteNational University
National University is offering an online Bachelor’s in English with a focus on Creative Writing that can be earned on a part-time basis.
The curriculum is delivered in four-week sessions and is designed to teach students how to analyze literature and improve their critical thinking skills.
Veterans and military personnel may be eligible for educational benefits.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Official WebsiteOld Dominion University
Old Dominion University is offering an online 120-credit hour Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies- Professional Writing designed for students who want to perfect their writing and communication skills.
The curriculum covers topics such as technical writing, digital writing, and interdisciplinary theory and concepts.
Qualifying students may be eligible for military training or experience credit transfers.
Financial aid programs are also available.
Official WebsiteThe University of Memphis
The online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing offered by the University of Memphis is a 120-credit program available fully online.
The program focuses on technical and professional writing, editing, web design, advertisement composition, and persuasive writing.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, first professional, master’s, educational specialist, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates.
Official WebsiteCalifornia Baptist University
The online Bachelor of Arts in English provided by California Baptist University aims to refine its students’ analytical skills in writing and evaluating literature.
The program is built on a strong Christian foundation and takes a Christian approach to literature study.
The curriculum is tailored especially for students who have taken previous classes or hold an associate’s degree in writing and are looking to earn a bachelor’s degree.
The program can be completed in as few as 16 months by full-time students.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts is offering an online Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Writing, designed for working adults.
Students who have a previous college education, training or experience have the option of transferring credits.
Students pay between $390-$475 per credit hour.
Official WebsiteAntioch University
Antioch University is providing an online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Literature, and Creative Writing.
The 120-credit hour curriculum focuses on teaching students how to analyze literature and how to communicate ideas effectively to a target audience.
Classes cover topics such as poetry writing, multi-genre writing, creative non-fiction, social media, playwriting, and performance.
The institution also offers a workshop seminar.
Credit transfer may be available to eligible students.
Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteClarion University
Clarion University is offering a fully online Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies: Writing Concentration program, that focuses on developing students’ critical thinking in understanding literature and expressing their thoughts.
The program would also be a good start for students who plan to pursue a Writing program offered on campus.
Clarion University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Official WebsiteEastern Oregon University
The online Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing provided by Eastern Oregon University is designed for distance learners who want to earn a degree at their own pace.
Students pay around $240 per credit.
Eligible students may have access to scholarships, credit transfer, and financial aid.
Eastern Oregon University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Houston-Victoria
The University of Houston-Victoria provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities-Creative Writing suited for students who have prior education and would like to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
The program covers fiction writing, grammar and rhetoric, creative non-fiction writing, and screenwriting.
Students have the opportunity of learning from award-winning authors such as Sava Razvi or Dagoberto Gilb.
The University of Houston-Victoria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and specialist degrees.
Official WebsiteAmerican Public University
American Public University is offering an online Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Writing.
The program is most suitable for active members of the armed forces who want to start a career in writing.
Students who have previous learning experience or training have the option of transferring up to 90 credits.
The curriculum focuses on helping students polish their communication skills and learn how to document, report, and write legal and research-based content.
The American Public University is part of the American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Maine-Presque Isle
The University of Maine-Presque Isle offers a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Writing intended for students who have little or no experience in professional writing.
Students learn about film, composition, American and World literature, journalism, and creative writing.
Financial assistance, scholarships and credit transfers are also available to eligible students.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by The New England Commission of Higher Education.
Official WebsiteGrand Canyon University
The Bachelor of Arts in English Professional Writing offered by Grand Canyon University focuses on ethics and cultural sensitivity and teaches students how to communicate effectively through writing.
Courses given in eight-week sessions can be completed within two or four years by full-time students.
The coursework covers topics on technical writing, multi-media journalism, advertising and PR, and advocacy through a Christian worldview.
Official WebsiteFull Sail University
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing for Entertainment offered by Full Sail University is tailored especially for students who are pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
The program teaches students how to create rich characters and compelling stories.
Online students can complete the program in as few as 29 months entirely online.
Full Sail University is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education to offer Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Science and Master of Fine Arts degree programs.
Official WebsiteChamplain College
Champlain College offers a Bachelor of Science in Writing dedicated to helping students perfect their writing abilities across multiple genres.
Students can choose from three specializations: Journalism, Editing and Publishing, and Creative Writing/Literature.
Electives such as reading and writing in a genre, playwriting, transmedia storytelling, magazine writing, and publishing are also available.
The program also gives students the possibility of customizing their major by adding a specialization in Screenwriting.
Official WebsiteLiberty University
The online Bachelor of Science in English offered by Liberty University is tailored for busy adults who want to earn a professional degree in writing.
The 120-credit hour coursework focuses on modern grammar, creative writing, composition and literature, and American realism and naturalism.
Eligible students have the option of transferring up to 75% of credits.
The classes are taught in eight-week sessions and the program can be completed within three to four years by full-time students.
Official WebsiteWebster University
Webster University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications with a concentration in Journalism.
The 128-credit hour program covers topics on media theory, writing, and production.
Students can graduate after three to four years of full-time study.
Internships are also available to interested students.
Website University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What do I need to consider before enrolling in an online Bachelor’s Degree in Writing?
An online Bachelor’s Degree in Writing can sound like the perfect solution if you want to finish your studies at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.
However, there are a few things that you should consider before deciding if an online degree in this field is the right fit for you:
Assess your finances.
Make sure that you have the financial capacity to pay for your education.
Some schools charge a higher tuition rate for out-of-state students compared to in-state students but there are also institutions that offer a flat rate for their online degrees regardless of the student’s residence.
You can pay anywhere between $280-$750 per credit hour, depending on the school you choose.
Other expenses may include the application fees, technology fees, exam fees, travel and accommodation fees.
Government-funding financial assistance may also be available to qualifying students.
Check your schedule.
An online degree typically allows you to choose your own schedule but you should first make sure that you have enough time and energy to dedicate to your education.
Plan your schedule with your family and take into account your work schedule.
Create a learning space inside your home.
Learning from home can sound like the ideal solution if you’re a busy person.
However, make sure that you have some space where you can study without being distracted.
You won’t have a fixed class schedule but you should create your own study routine.
Keep in mind that you will not have physical interaction with your online colleagues.
Online campuses typically don’t include after-school activities unless you’re taking the program in a cohort platform.
Q. What coursework does an online Bachelor’s Degree in Writing include?
Bachelor’s degree programs in writing typically include 120 credit hours.
Students take classes in both technical and creative writing, proper grammar use, digital marketing, editing methods, digital writing technologies and much more.
Many programs also include workshops that allow students to refine their writing skills.
Depending on your career ambitions, you can choose one of the following majors: Writing (General), Professional Writing, Technical Writing, Business Writing, Journalism, Science and Medical Writing, Creative Writing or Publishing.
Q. What careers can I pursue with a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing?
A Bachelor’s degree in Writing can help you find employment in a variety of industries
However, your exact job opportunities vary depending on your specialty.
If you’re willing to write about topics such as information technology, manufacturing, engineering, or consumer products, then you should consider a career as a technical writer.
Technical writers earned a median annual wage of $71,850, as of May 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and this profession is expected to grow by 8 percent from 2018 to 2028.
If you want to be responsible for revision, organizing, and critiquing written content, then you should become an editor.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is expected to decline 3 percent but editors are expected to still be in demand in online media.
A career as a copywriter is another option for those who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing.
Copywriters create copy for advertising in a variety of industries.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing, you can also find employment as a grant writer, author, reporter or screenwriter.
Final Thoughts
An online Bachelor’s Degree in Writing can be a great solution for adults who already have a job and are looking to earn a degree while holding a full-time job.
It can help you refine your writing skills and open many career options.
In order to make sure that you receive the high-quality education you deserve you should make sure that the school you choose is trustworthy and accredited by government institutions.
To help you decide we have selected a list of the best 30 schools that offer online higher education for aspiring writers.
After reading our list, we invite you to continue your research and choose the school that best meets your schedule, budget, and educational needs.