If you’re passionate about writing, you might consider a degree in creative writing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, authors published in 2017 were projected to earn an average of $64,000 per year. With nearly all fields expected to see a rise in creativity-related degrees, now might be a good time to consider studying writing, and not just for the money.
Why Should You Major in Creative Writing?
A creative writing degree can open up a lot of doors. Not only can you become a professional author, but you could also end up teaching creative writing classes, or even starting your own creative writing program. You may also begin your career in the publishing industry, working your way up to become an editor or a publisher.
In addition to a traditional Bachelor’s degree, many universities now offer a variety of creative writing degrees, so you may receive a formal teaching certificate as well as a degree. In order to become a professional writer, you may also need to complete a writing program with a Master’s degree.
The Flexibility Of The Major
If you’ve been looking for a major that can give you flexibility, then a degree in creative writing may be a good option. As mentioned above, you may receive a Bachelor’s degree, as well as a Master’s degree, so you can enter the job market with a professional degree and all the necessary skills to make you stand out. In today’s world, that’s a valuable commodity.
Another advantage of this major is the variety of careers it can lead to. As mentioned above, you may become a professional author, but you could also end up working in the literary field, editing or reviewing books for publication. You may also decide to pursue a PhD, and become a professor, specializing in literature or writing studies. The world is your oyster, as long as you have the necessary skills to be successful.
Although it’s not always the case, many authors start out well-read and then teach themselves how to write, gaining valuable experience along the way. If you’d like to follow in their footsteps, then this major may be for you. Become a literary agent, or start your own literary agency. Work with established authors to help them write new books, or take on a new project of your own. Your skills as a writer will be valuable, and may even lead to you becoming the next J.K. Rowling, or George R.R. Martin.
Career Prospects For Writers
As mentioned above, if you’re passionate about writing, then a degree in creative writing may be the right choice, not just for the money. Even if you don’t end up pursuing a career in writing, a degree in creative writing can still open up many doors. Not only can you gain valuable job experience, but you can also begin your career in the publishing industry, where many of today’s top authors begin their careers. Not many people get the opportunity to work in the publishing industry, so this may be a good chance for you to do so.
In addition to a traditional Bachelor’s degree, many universities now offer a variety of creative writing degrees, so you may receive a formal teaching certificate as well as a degree, allowing you to enter the job market with a professional degree and all the necessary skills to make you stand out. The future of publishing may well lie in talented, creative writers, and with this in mind, studying writing could be a worthwhile investment.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in writing, then a degree in creative writing may be the right choice. Not only can you become a professional author, but you could also end up teaching creative writing classes, or even starting your own creative writing program. You may also begin your career in the publishing industry, working your way up to become an editor or a publisher. In today’s world, that’s a valuable commodity. The flexibility of the major makes it worth investing in, not just for the money.