Best Online Writing Programs
Do you have a way with words? Learn more about the best online bachelor”s in writing degree programs. See our list of top-ranked schools.
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Expert communicators know how to use language, literature, and writing effectively to convey messages, deploy rhetoric, and construct persuasive arguments. Individuals who possess these skills can apply them in a variety of traditional and nontraditional positions.
This guide outlines how to choose a bachelor’s in writing program. The information provided includes admission requirements, common courses, and job prospects for graduates of writing programs.
Employers in all sectors value new hires who can effectively communicate and demonstrate mastery of the written word. While traditional writing fields such as journalism still offer a natural fit for writing majors, the field continues to evolve and offers fewer prospects than it once did.
Alternatively, technical writers often begin their careers as writing majors and enjoy positive job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2023-2033 the number of technical writers will increase by 4%; these professionals made a median salary of $80,050 in 2023.
A writing major also gains the foundational training needed to enter other fields, including law, teaching, advertising and public relations, and an array of new media positions (e.g., content strategists and digital producers).
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,168
$18,566
64%
67%
FIU, located in Miami, offers an online bachelor of arts in English with a writing and rhetoric track. The program prepares students for a wide variety of career fields, from traditional publishing to digital content to education administration. All students take core courses designed to provide a solid foundation in English grammar and literature. Participants then choose electives such as scientific writing or advanced business writing to fine-tune their progression.
Note that students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite and lower-level English courses to proceed to upper-division writing courses. FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English: Writing and Rhetoric Track
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $229 per credit (in-state); $346 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT
$911
$2,003
91%
55,687
Public
Yes
$6,168
$18,566
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,168
$18,566
64%
67%
$911
$2,003
91%
55,687
Public
Yes
FIU, located in Miami, offers an online bachelor of arts in English with a writing and rhetoric track. The program prepares students for a wide variety of career fields, from traditional publishing to digital content to education administration. All students take core courses designed to provide a solid foundation in English grammar and literature. Participants then choose electives such as scientific writing or advanced business writing to fine-tune their progression.
Note that students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite and lower-level English courses to proceed to upper-division writing courses. FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English: Writing and Rhetoric Track
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $229 per credit (in-state); $346 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,368
$19,810
41%
9%
Located in Orlando, UCF offers a fully online bachelor of arts in English with a creative writing focus. In addition to a complete slate of general liberal arts courses, students take foundational courses in English composition, creative writing, and literature. Learners then move on to upper-level classes, choosing from courses like fiction writing, poetry writing, and scriptwriting.
Many graduates of this program go on to careers in journalism, playwriting, copywriting, or education. Those interested in technical writing careers may prefer UCF's technical communication program.
UCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: BA in English - Creative Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $179 per credit (in-state); $716 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT for students with a 2.5-2.99 GPA
$6,916
$25,759
93%
67,959
Public
Yes
$6,368
$19,810
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,368
$19,810
41%
9%
$6,916
$25,759
93%
67,959
Public
Yes
Located in Orlando, UCF offers a fully online bachelor of arts in English with a creative writing focus. In addition to a complete slate of general liberal arts courses, students take foundational courses in English composition, creative writing, and literature. Learners then move on to upper-level classes, choosing from courses like fiction writing, poetry writing, and scriptwriting.
Many graduates of this program go on to careers in journalism, playwriting, copywriting, or education. Those interested in technical writing careers may prefer UCF's technical communication program.
UCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: BA in English - Creative Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $179 per credit (in-state); $716 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 minimum preferred
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT for students with a 2.5-2.99 GPA
Indiana University-East
Richmond, IN2 yearCampus + Online
$7,274
$20,634
78%
85%
IU East, located in the city of Richmond, offers an entirely online bachelor of arts in English with a technical and professional writing focus. Designed specifically for students preparing for careers such as technical writer, engineering writer, or documentation specialist, the program provides a strong foundation in digital writing, as well as technical writing and editing.
Students choose from a long list of electives, such as classes in Native American literature or the history of the English language, to round out their knowledge and customize their program according to interests.
IU East is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English, Technical and Professional Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $236 per credit (in-state); $341 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT optional
$7,746
$18,249
64%
3,039
Public
Yes
$7,274
$20,634
Richmond, IN2 yearCampus + Online
$7,274
$20,634
78%
85%
$7,746
$18,249
64%
3,039
Public
Yes
IU East, located in the city of Richmond, offers an entirely online bachelor of arts in English with a technical and professional writing focus. Designed specifically for students preparing for careers such as technical writer, engineering writer, or documentation specialist, the program provides a strong foundation in digital writing, as well as technical writing and editing.
Students choose from a long list of electives, such as classes in Native American literature or the history of the English language, to round out their knowledge and customize their program according to interests.
IU East is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English, Technical and Professional Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $236 per credit (in-state); $341 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT optional
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI4 yearCampus + Online
$28,430
$28,430
93%
67%
A private university in Hawaii, Chaminade offers a fully online bachelor of arts in English with a writing concentration. Designed for those interested in creative writing careers, the program provides a strong grounding in both American and British literature. Students learn to analyze and interpret texts within their historical and cultural contexts and effectively communicate ideas through the written word in various applications.
All students must complete a final capstone course. This senior seminar encapsulates everything learned throughout the program. The English program also offers teaching and literature and criticism concentrations.
Chaminade is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
- School Status: Private
- Tuition: $565 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
$25,200
$25,200
71%
1,892
Private
Yes
$28,430
$28,430
Honolulu, HI4 yearCampus + Online
$28,430
$28,430
93%
67%
$25,200
$25,200
71%
1,892
Private
Yes
A private university in Hawaii, Chaminade offers a fully online bachelor of arts in English with a writing concentration. Designed for those interested in creative writing careers, the program provides a strong grounding in both American and British literature. Students learn to analyze and interpret texts within their historical and cultural contexts and effectively communicate ideas through the written word in various applications.
All students must complete a final capstone course. This senior seminar encapsulates everything learned throughout the program. The English program also offers teaching and literature and criticism concentrations.
Chaminade is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
- School Status: Private
- Tuition: $565 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH4 yearCampus + Online
$15,000
$15,000
96%
97%
Located in Manchester, SNHU offers an online bachelor of arts in creative writing and English. Students can select the general track for maximum flexibility, or choose one of four concentrations: fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, or poetry. Regardless of their track, students take core writing courses like literary theory and the English language. They also take three courses in their concentration and 36 credits of free electives.
All students participate in four separate writing workshops. The final workshop is a capstone experience in which students complete a polished project in their genre choice.
SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English
- School Status: Private
- Tuition: $320 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
$18,900
$18,900
62%
164,091
Private
Yes
$15,000
$15,000
Manchester, NH4 yearCampus + Online
$15,000
$15,000
96%
97%
$18,900
$18,900
62%
164,091
Private
Yes
Located in Manchester, SNHU offers an online bachelor of arts in creative writing and English. Students can select the general track for maximum flexibility, or choose one of four concentrations: fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, or poetry. Regardless of their track, students take core writing courses like literary theory and the English language. They also take three courses in their concentration and 36 credits of free electives.
All students participate in four separate writing workshops. The final workshop is a capstone experience in which students complete a polished project in their genre choice.
SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English
- School Status: Private
- Tuition: $320 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$4,922
$6,015
98%
58%
Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls offers an online bachelor of arts in English with five concentration options, including creative writing and writing and rhetoric. In addition to a broad foundation in general liberal arts, the program provides a strong grounding in English literature, grammar, and composition.
In general, students interested in writing fiction, poetry, or scripts should select the creative writing concentration. The writing and rhetoric concentration focuses on how writing shapes our worldview and how it can help create change. As a result, students interested in copywriting, grant writing, or business communications often concentrate in writing and rhetoric.
Nicholls is a public university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $302 per credit (for 1-12 credits/semester); $275 per credit for each additional credit thereafter
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
$5,686
$6,779
75%
5,883
Public
Yes
$4,922
$6,015
Thibodaux, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$4,922
$6,015
98%
58%
$5,686
$6,779
75%
5,883
Public
Yes
Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls offers an online bachelor of arts in English with five concentration options, including creative writing and writing and rhetoric. In addition to a broad foundation in general liberal arts, the program provides a strong grounding in English literature, grammar, and composition.
In general, students interested in writing fiction, poetry, or scripts should select the creative writing concentration. The writing and rhetoric concentration focuses on how writing shapes our worldview and how it can help create change. As a result, students interested in copywriting, grant writing, or business communications often concentrate in writing and rhetoric.
Nicholls is a public university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $302 per credit (for 1-12 credits/semester); $275 per credit for each additional credit thereafter
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
University of Colorado System Office
Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A public research university, CU Denver offers an online bachelor of arts in English writing, rhetoric, and technology. The program teaches students about writing research and theory, as well as a broad introduction to topics like linguistics, digital publication, and magazine writing.
Many students go on to careers in content writing, technical writing, or web content management. A wide variety of electives allows students to focus on their primary areas of interest, such as scientific writing or grant writing.
CU Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $330 per credit (in-state); $444 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
No
N/A
N/A
Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
No
A public research university, CU Denver offers an online bachelor of arts in English writing, rhetoric, and technology. The program teaches students about writing research and theory, as well as a broad introduction to topics like linguistics, digital publication, and magazine writing.
Many students go on to careers in content writing, technical writing, or web content management. A wide variety of electives allows students to focus on their primary areas of interest, such as scientific writing or grant writing.
CU Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $330 per credit (in-state); $444 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$6,535
$14,108
96%
58%
A public liberal arts university, UW-Superior offers a hybrid or online bachelor's in writing. This program covers creative writing and professional writing, preparing students for positions like magazine columnist, book reviewer, or social media specialist.
All students take two introductory core writing courses, two genre-specific courses (e.g., nonfiction or poetry), and two rhetoric courses (e.g., English grammar or technical writing). Students further customize their path by picking electives like gender and sexuality in writing, psycholinguistics, and news writing and reporting. The program ends with a capstone project, in which students put together an online writing portfolio.
UW-Superior is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $305 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online or hybrid
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT optional
$7,640
$16,771
66%
2,710
Public
Yes
$6,535
$14,108
Superior, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$6,535
$14,108
96%
58%
$7,640
$16,771
66%
2,710
Public
Yes
A public liberal arts university, UW-Superior offers a hybrid or online bachelor's in writing. This program covers creative writing and professional writing, preparing students for positions like magazine columnist, book reviewer, or social media specialist.
All students take two introductory core writing courses, two genre-specific courses (e.g., nonfiction or poetry), and two rhetoric courses (e.g., English grammar or technical writing). Students further customize their path by picking electives like gender and sexuality in writing, psycholinguistics, and news writing and reporting. The program ends with a capstone project, in which students put together an online writing portfolio.
UW-Superior is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $305 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Program Length: 4 years
- Format: 100% online or hybrid
Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT optional
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA2 yearCampus + Online
$6,816
$23,881
90%
69%
A public university in Ellensburg, CWU offers a fully online bachelor of arts in professional and creative writing. Students who meet the university's general education requirements can graduate from this degree completion program in just two years.
All students take six foundational courses, which cover topics like rhetoric, grammar, poetry, and writing for publication. Students then chart their path with 27 quarter credits of electives drawn from a mix of creative writing topics, professional writing topics, and online practicum placements. All students also select five courses in literature, language, and film. Students end the program with a capstone colloquium.
CWU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $230 per quarter credit
- Credit Requirements: 74 quarter credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 suggested (students with a 2.0-2.99 GPA may be admitted pending comprehensive review)
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT recommended for students with a GPA below 3.0
$10,401
$24,361
67%
9,257
Public
Yes
$6,816
$23,881
Ellensburg, WA2 yearCampus + Online
$6,816
$23,881
90%
69%
$10,401
$24,361
67%
9,257
Public
Yes
A public university in Ellensburg, CWU offers a fully online bachelor of arts in professional and creative writing. Students who meet the university's general education requirements can graduate from this degree completion program in just two years.
All students take six foundational courses, which cover topics like rhetoric, grammar, poetry, and writing for publication. Students then chart their path with 27 quarter credits of electives drawn from a mix of creative writing topics, professional writing topics, and online practicum placements. All students also select five courses in literature, language, and film. Students end the program with a capstone colloquium.
CWU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program Snapshot
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Creative Writing
- School Status: Public
- Tuition: $230 per quarter credit
- Credit Requirements: 74 quarter credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 suggested (students with a 2.0-2.99 GPA may be admitted pending comprehensive review)
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT recommended for students with a GPA below 3.0
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Writing Program?
Faculty at each school design the curricula for writing programs; therefore, the required coursework varies at each institution. However, the overall objective remains the same — to cultivate a cadre of writers with strong communication skills.
Some degree programs, such as a bachelor’s in creative writing, may focus solely on writing. Alternatively, other degree tracks may provide a blended curriculum that melds a classical education in English and literature with in-demand skills — such as technical writing — needed in today’s job market.
Some students earn a bachelor’s in writing to prepare for graduate school. At the graduate level, they can build on their degree by pursuing another major in the arts and humanities. Alternatively, some students may build on their writing degree by pursuing hands-on experience straight out of college, finding careers in journalism or digital media. Degree-seekers should establish clear career objectives as they examine the college options available to them.
Common Bachelor’s in Writing Degree Courses
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in Writing Program?
High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Applicants must demonstrate they graduated from high school or earned a GED certificate in order to gain entry into most colleges. Learners will need to provide official school or GED transcripts.
SAT or ACT
These exams are sometimes used to demonstrate an applicant’s readiness for entry into college-level studies. The SAT covers reading, writing/language, and math, while the ACT covers English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Both tests have optional essay sections that students can use to bolster their scores.
ACCUPLACER
The College Board developed the ACCUPLACER exam as an assessment tool for junior colleges. Like the SAT and ACT, this standardized test covers reading, writing, and math. Students can also opt to complete the WritePlacer essay to demonstrate their level of writing proficiency.
Minimum GPA
High school students often need to demonstrate their readiness for college by holding a minimum GPA. Admissions departments generally require that graduates have at least a 2.0-2.5 high school GPA, though some schools may have a higher threshold.
Transfer Credits
While many programs do not require transfer credits, some do. Some schools offer degree completion options that require a significant number of credits or an associate degree. Schools typically want a minimum 2.0-2.5 GPA in transferable credits. Even if schools do not offer a degree completion track leading to a bachelor’s in writing, students can apply credits from junior or other colleges to accelerate degree completion.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Writing?
Once students complete a bachelor’s in writing, they may qualify for entry-level positions at publications, media organizations, and public relations organizations. They can also pursue a graduate-level education.
However, a writing degree alone may not suffice in a competitive job market. Degree-seekers should always consider ways to begin building and expanding their resume. Paid or unpaid internships at relevant organizations provide hands-on expertise that employers value. Learners may seek opportunities such as summer internships that do not interfere with their schooling.
Students can also accrue experience by serving on a college newspaper or similar publications. While these positions generally do not pay a salary, they give learners experience and clips for a portfolio.
Graduates with a bachelor’s in writing may want to acquire specialized training through certificate programs in areas such as technical writing. They may alternately desire to advance their education and training by pursuing a writing or non-writing major in graduate school.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Writing Programs
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