When applying for college, there are a lot of considerations to make. One of the most important is what courses to take, and for which degrees. Whether you’re interested in a practical business degree or a more creative writing-oriented one, there are plenty of options available.
We’ve put together a guide of the best online colleges that offer a creative writing degree. Take a look and consider which one might be the right fit for you.
The Degrees And Certificates Available
Before we begin, it’s important to note that while many online colleges offer degrees in creative writing, not all of them actually require you to write that much. The courses usually don’t require a lot of papers or projects, and some of the online creative writing degrees can even be completed completely online. This can be a considerable bonus when considering the cost of college. You won’t necessarily need to take out a loan to pay for your education, as there are always scholarships and grants available for creative writing students.
One of the things that makes these degrees so attractive is that they can be completed completely online. While traditional classrooms and traditional campus life are still essential to a university education, there is certainly no reason why you can’t complete your studies from home. Some of the top-rated online colleges that offer creative writing degrees are:
University of Maryland University College
One of the premier universities for online learning, the University of Maryland University College offers a BA in Creative Writing. This is a very practical degree that will likely have you writing essays, reports, and short stories regularly. While the emphasis is definitely on practical skills, the ability to write well is also greatly valued.
You have the option of taking courses either on campus or online. If you decide on the latter, you’ll have the opportunity to work with top-notch faculty members and award-winning writers.
Arizona State University
Another great university that offers an online creative writing degree is Arizona State University. The university has a robust online presence, with many of the courses being available to students anywhere in the world. If you’re looking for a writing degree that doesn’t require you to sit in a room with other students, this is certainly one to consider.
ASU offers a BA in Creative Writing, as well as a BS in Film & Television. Both degrees require students to take a range of courses, including writing, literature, and cinema studies. Additionally, students can choose to specialize in a concentration within the program, such as poetry or fiction. There is also a wide range of part-time and online course options available, as well as a full-time program available. If you’re looking for a university that’s accessible and offers a great degree, we’d recommend Arizona State University.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina at Chapel Hill is, in fact, one of the oldest universities in the country. Established in 1881, it is one of the founding universities of the Southern United States. With a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, there is a lot to look forward to if you visit this site. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill awards many different degrees and certificates, of which one of the most prominent is a BA in English. But it doesn’t just stop at that: the university also offers a minor in Creative Writing, complete with a concentration in fiction or non-fiction. So if you’re looking to further your education and are interested in creative writing, check out UNC Chapel Hill.
University of Southern California
One of the most popular universities for online learning in the U.S. is the University of Southern California. With over 500 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, you’re bound to find something that suits your needs. If you’re an aspiring writer and looking for a school with a notable creative writing program, consider USC.
On the matter of degrees, the university awards about 20 different ones, including a BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Film and Digital Media. Additionally, you can specialize in a number of areas including fiction, non-fiction, or screenwriting. There is also a broad alumni network, which many professional graduates can call on for support. If you’re looking for a university that is highly accredited and has a wide range of degree programs, consider the University of Southern California.
New York University
Home to some of the most prominent people in the arts and letters, New York University awards dozens of different degrees and certificates. One of the most prominent of these is the Bachelors of Arts in Creative Writing. This is a great option if you’re looking to further your education and get a practical grounding in the field. If you’d like to specialize in a type of story, essay, or novel, there are a number of courses available that will give you the skills and the degree to back it up. If you’d like to get a taste of what college life is like, consider applying to a few campuses to see which one is right for you.
When choosing a college, you will inevitably have to consider the location, as well as the courses on offer. While it’s great to get a decent distance from home, you might not want to base your decision solely on that. For an overview of the best online colleges that offer writing degrees, take a look at our guide. Doing some research and applying to a few different schools should give you a good idea of what’s available and what might suit your needs.