Most people consider getting a creative writing degree to be a difficult task. The idea of setting up your life so that you can focus on your studies while also being able to write seems very far-fetched. Many would even say that it’s not possible to do both successfully. This is a common misconception. Being able to do both certainly is possible, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. In this blog post, we’ll run down the various ways that you can get a creative writing degree online and where you can find the best resources to help you achieve your goal.
Thesis Writing
Perhaps the most difficult thing about getting a creative writing degree is researching and drafting a thesis statement. A thesis is essentially a summary of your paper, and it forms the backbone of your argument. To make sure that you write a good thesis, visit this website and download the free Harvard thesis template. You can use this to get you started, and you should revise it as many times as necessary. The idea is to write the best possible thesis that you can, and it’s a good idea to get feedback from professors or graduate students regarding your draft.
Masters In Creative Writing
If you’re looking to get a creative writing degree but don’t have the time to complete a PhD, you can consider getting an online masters in creative writing. With this option, you don’t have to worry about finding the time to complete your studies since you can work at your own pace. You’ll simply need to complete the required number of credits to satisfy the requirements of your major. Some of the top-rated universities for an online masters in creative writing include:
- University of Denver
- Miami University
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- University of British Columbia
- Washington State University
- Rutgers University
Since you won’t have to physically go to class, you can take your studies online, which will save you both time and money. Furthermore, you can study at your own pace, so there’s no pressure to complete your studies within a certain timeframe. With an online masters in creative writing, you’ll have the flexibility to complete your degree whenever it suits you.
Practical Publishing
If you want to become a writer, you’ll likely need to learn how to format manuscripts and how to get them reviewed by expert editors. For those who want to pursue practical publishing, an online degree from a reputable institution will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field. Some of the best online universities for a practical publishing degree include:
- University of Denver
- Miami University
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- University of British Columbia
- Washington State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Toronto
- University of Victoria
- University of Western Australia
- King’s College London
Unlike most other options, a practical publishing degree doesn’t just teach you how to write. You’ll also need to learn the ins and outs of getting a book published. For those who want to get a practical publishing degree, it’s important to find a university that places a high value on both practical and academic work. An example of a practical publishing program is the M.Ed. in Publishing degree from the University of Southern California, which provides students with the skills necessary to become a book editor or publisher. Students in this program will learn about the business end of the industry while also getting the opportunity to write and edit manuscripts to publish.
Theory In Creative Writing
If you’re looking for a more theoretical degree in creative writing, you can choose to attend one of the many top-rated universities that offer online degrees in theory. As the name suggests, a theory degree in creative writing will teach you the building blocks of literary analysis and theoretical writing. Some of the best-rated online universities for a theory degree in creative writing include:
- University of Denver
- Miami University
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- University of British Columbia
- Washington State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Toronto
- University of Melbourne
- University of Western Australia
- University of Victoria
- King’s College London
Just like with practical publishing, it’s important to find a university that provides a solid theoretical foundation in addition to practical training. If you want a more academic experience in creative writing, a theory degree might be the best choice. For those who want to pursue a more practical route, a practical theory degree could be a good option. An example of a practical theory degree in creative writing is the M.A. in Creative Writing, offered by the University of Denver. This program combines literature courses with instruction in various subjects like marketing and business, which are necessary for those who want to enter the field of practical publishing.
Thesis-less Masters In Creative Writing
If you don’t want to commit to writing a thesis for your master’s degree, you can choose to do an entire thesis-less program in creative writing. This option allows you to focus on your studies without having to worry about finding the time to write a thesis. You’ll simply need to satisfy the requirements of your major with a series of papers or a comprehensive project. Many universities now offer fully online masters in creative writing, and all you need is a good WiFi connection, a computer, and a reasonable amount of time to study on it.
An increasingly popular option among students is the thesis-less program in creative writing because it enables them to better balance their time between their studies and their personal lives. Instead of having to fit their studies around the requirements of a thesis project, students can make use of their existing personal networks to access jobs, gain experience, and advance their careers while pursuing their studies. This option is not without its limitations, as you’ll still need to complete a series of papers or a comprehensive project to satisfy the requirements of your major. It’s also important to find a good mentoring program that can help you develop your skills and ensure you make the most of your studies.
Fiction Writing
If you want to write short stories and novel, another option is to get a graduate degree in fiction writing. Just like with creative writing, fiction writing is considered a difficult field because it requires both theoretical and practical knowledge. Since the majority of your studies will be in theory, it’s important to find a university that provides a high quality practical instruction in addition to good theoretical courses. Some of the best-rated online universities for a graduate degree in fiction writing include:
- University of Denver
- Miami University
- University of Southern California
- New York University
- University of British Columbia
- Washington State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Toronto
- University of Melbourne
- University of Western Australia
- University of Victoria
- King’s College London
Like a practical theory degree, a graduate degree in fiction writing will provide you with a solid understanding of the theory behind literary analysis and narrative construction. You’ll also need to learn how to write a comprehensive story, including all the necessary parts. Since this is a more specific and in-demand area, it’s essential to find a degree that can put you ahead of the competition.
Journalism
Another option for those who want to pursue a creative writing degree is to study journalism. Like with fiction writing, journalism is a difficult field to break into, but it’s a rewarding career once you do. Those who want to pursue a journalism degree can choose from a variety of programs, including:
- Reporter
- Investigative Journalist
- Foreign Press
- Feature
- Photography
- Audio
- Video
All of these degrees require both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, but the flexibility of an online education makes it possible for those who want to pursue a journalism degree to gain workplace experience while also meeting the academic requirements of their chosen degree.