Online Writing Degrees: 8 Steps to Choose Your Program

I’ll be honest—when I first started looking at online writing degrees, I felt like I was staring at a wall of questions. How much does it cost? How long will it take? What classes do you actually take? And the big one: will it really be worth it for your career?

That’s exactly why I put this together. I’ll walk you through the steps I’d use if I were choosing today—what programs tend to stand out, which courses you should expect, what the real cost range looks like, and how to think about time-to-graduation. Plus, I’ll share the practical skills you’ll build and the kinds of jobs people land after they finish.

Ready? Let’s do this.

Step 1: Best Online Writing Degree Programs in 2025

If you’re planning to start an online writing degree in 2025, honestly, you’re not late. Interest in virtual education has continued to grow fast. One report shows enrollment jumped from 293,689 students (2019–20) to 590,267 (2020–21), largely because the pandemic pushed a lot of learning online (source).

Now, which programs are actually worth your attention? When I compared options based on tuition and support, Southern New Hampshire University kept coming up as a strong value. Their tuition is often listed below $11,700 per year for more affordable paths.

Arizona State University and University of Central Florida are also commonly recommended, especially if you care about student services and a well-known name. I like to look at how quickly you can get answers from advisors and tutors—because that matters when you’re juggling deadlines.

And if you’re thinking, “Okay, but what about payoff?”—pay attention to Salary Scores (when schools publish them). Some programs show graduate earnings around $63,300, which can be a helpful signal of where graduates end up.

My advice? Don’t just compare the headline. Open each school’s page and check the boring stuff: accreditation, flexibility (full-time vs part-time), and what kind of writing they emphasize—creative writing, journalism, screenwriting, or professional communication.

Step 2: Common Courses in Online Writing Degrees

So what do you actually study in an online writing degree? In my experience, it’s not only “write stuff and get feedback.” You’ll usually get a blend of creativity, structure, and real-world writing expectations—because employers don’t just want talent. They want clarity, consistency, and the ability to revise.

Here are courses you’ll commonly see:

• Creative Writing: You might study fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. Expect workshop-style assignments where you draft, revise, and learn how to strengthen voice and pacing. If you’re building your skills from the ground up, these classes can be a big confidence boost—especially when you get specific feedback. And if you’re looking for practice prompts, this list of funny writing prompts for kids is a fun example of the kind of low-pressure writing practice that helps you stay consistent.
• Technical Writing: This is the “make it understandable” course. You’ll learn how to write instructions, manuals, documentation, and explain complex topics in a way normal people can follow—often for industries like tech, healthcare, or engineering.
• Professional Copywriting and Marketing: If you want to write for businesses, this is where you learn persuasive writing. Think web copy, blog posts, landing pages, and sales-focused messaging. You’ll also learn how to write for readers, not just for yourself.
• Screenwriting and Playwriting: If you’re into TV, film, or theater, you’ll focus on structure, dialogue, and pacing. It’s a different skill set than essays, and that’s why I like that many programs offer it as an option.
• Editing and Publishing: This is where revision becomes a habit. You’ll learn editing techniques, how publishing works, and how to polish drafts until they’re ready for submission—or a portfolio.

One thing I noticed across solid programs: they balance theory with practice. You’ll usually workshop drafts, get feedback from instructors and peers, and revise multiple times. That repetition is what turns “I can write” into “I can produce work I’m proud of.”

Step 3: Cost of Online Writing Degree Programs

Okay, money talk. If you’re searching for an online writing degree, affordability is probably not a “nice-to-have.” It’s the deciding factor for a lot of people.

One reason online degrees are so popular: students often choose them because they fit the budget better. In 2023, about 42% of students selected online degrees because they were easier on finances.

What does that look like in real numbers? Tuition for more affordable options can land below $11,700 per year. That can make a big difference if you’re trying to avoid a mountain of student debt.

Here are money-saving moves I’d prioritize:

• Check in-state tuition rules: Some online programs still offer lower rates for residents, even if you’re taking classes remotely.
• Look for writing/journalism scholarships: Many universities have merit-based scholarships, and some are tied to majors like communications or writing.
• Use transfer credits: If you already have college credits (or relevant experience), see what transfers. This can reduce both time and total tuition.
• Consider accelerated pacing: Some programs let you finish faster with shorter terms or faster course progression. If you can handle it, it can cut your overall cost.

One practical tip: don’t just compare tuition. Compare what’s included. Then call the financial aid office and ask direct questions. Seriously—this is where I’ve seen students uncover funding that wasn’t obvious online. Deadlines matter, too, so put scholarship dates on your calendar right away.

Step 4: How Long Does It Take to Finish an Online Writing Degree?

If you go full-time, a bachelor’s in writing usually takes around four years. That’s the standard timeline most people plan around.

But here’s where it gets interesting—your timeline can shrink if you bring credits into the program. Transfer credits, AP exams, and even some relevant professional experience can reduce the number of courses you need to take.

In particular, some schools offer accelerated pacing or more flexible scheduling. For example, Southern New Hampshire University and Arizona State University are known for options that can help motivated students finish faster—sometimes in less than two to three years depending on what they transfer and how they pace their study.

On the flip side, if you’re working full-time or handling family responsibilities, part-time study is totally normal. Many students end up stretching it to five to six years, and honestly? That can be the difference between rushing and doing good work.

My recommendation: pick a pace you can sustain. Writing improves when you actually have time to draft, revise, and build a portfolio—not when you’re cramming everything at the last minute.

Step 5: Skills You Will Gain From an Online Writing Degree

Let’s talk about what you walk away with, because it’s not just “creative confidence.” In a good online writing program, you’ll build practical, transferable skills that show up in job interviews and on the job itself.

Here are the big ones I’d expect you to gain:

1) Communication (clear and structured). Online writing courses push you to explain ideas in a way people can actually understand. Employers care about this more than you’d think.

2) Research skills. You’ll learn how to find sources, verify information, and turn research into writing that doesn’t sound like a copy-paste essay.

3) Project management. This is a hidden bonus. Managing deadlines for multiple assignments teaches you how to plan, prioritize, and stay consistent—even when life gets busy.

4) Content marketing fundamentals. Many programs touch SEO, keyword thinking, audience targeting, and how to write content that serves a purpose. If you want to sell ebooks or run a site, that’s not fluff—it’s directly useful.

5) Editing and revision. This is the skill that separates “drafts” from “publishable work.” You’ll learn to critique your own writing, accept feedback, and revise until it’s polished.

In my experience, the biggest difference shows up after a few semesters: you start editing faster, thinking more clearly, and producing work that’s easier to trust.

Step 6: Career Opportunities After Completing an Online Writing Degree

Be real with me—after you invest time and money, you want to know what jobs you can realistically aim for. That’s fair.

One encouraging signal from recent data is that top online writing graduates can reach Salary Scores around $63,300 annually. Obviously, your results will depend on location, experience, and the kind of writing you focus on—but it shows the potential payoff.

Here are common career paths people go into:

• Content marketing specialist (blog/content strategy + performance writing)
• Copywriter (ads, landing pages, brand messaging)
• Technical writer (documentation, guides, user-facing materials)
• Social media manager (writing + content planning)
• Editor or publishing roles (revision, proofreading, developmental editing)

If creative writing is your lane, there are options too. Think freelance writing, screenwriting, or working toward roles in publishing and media. And yes—freelancing can be flexible enough that you can write from anywhere, which is a big reason many people choose to study online in the first place.

You can also explore niche paths like becoming a book editor, creating audiobook content, or writing educational materials for platforms that need clear explanations.

The main point: an online writing degree doesn’t lock you into one job title. It gives you a foundation that applies across industries where clear communication matters—almost everywhere.

Step 7: How to Pick the Best Online Writing Degree for Your Goals

Choosing a program can feel like picking an ice cream flavor—so many options, and you’ll only know if it’s “right” after you commit. So let’s make it easier.

First, get specific about your goal. Are you trying to write fiction and build a portfolio? Or do you want to go more professional—journalism, communications, technical writing, or marketing copy?

Next, check accreditation. I know it sounds basic, but it matters. You want a program accredited by recognized bodies so your degree carries weight and you can access financial aid.

Then look at faculty and course direction. If the program has instructors with real publishing, editing, or industry experience, that tends to show up in feedback and assignments. I’ve seen students improve faster in programs where the teaching isn’t just academic—it’s practical.

Also, don’t ignore the learning format. Are classes synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded/self-paced)? Do they offer accelerated options? Will the schedule actually fit your life, or will you be stressed every week?

Finally, read student reviews like you’re trying to spot the pros and cons. Social platforms and communities like Reddit can be useful because people usually mention the stuff they wish they knew earlier—like workload, responsiveness, and how support really works.

Step 8: Application Tips for Online Writing Degree Programs

Applying to an online writing degree can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. When I’m helping someone prep an application, I always say the same thing: don’t overthink it—just be intentional.

Start with admission requirements. Many programs ask for a high school diploma, transcripts, a personal statement or writing sample, and sometimes recommendation letters. Make a checklist so you don’t miss anything.

Your personal statement is your chance to stand out. Admissions teams want to know why writing—and why now. Tell your story. What have you written? What do you want to learn? And why is this program your best match?

Match your writing samples to the program. This part matters a lot. If you’re applying to creative writing, submit fiction or creative nonfiction that shows your voice. If it’s journalism-focused, submit clear essays or articles that demonstrate structure and reporting style.

If you need fresh ideas to get started, you can grab practice prompts like these winter writing prompts and build a couple of strong drafts you can revise into a polished sample.

Polish your application. Take your time. Fix grammar, tighten the structure, and don’t be afraid to show personality. Instructors and admissions people can usually tell when something is generic.

Lastly, apply early. Scholarships and financial aid often have deadlines, and the earlier you submit, the more options you usually have.

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