Creative Writing Degree Online (2024)

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Register By: June 29 Classes Start: July 01

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Write Your Own Story

  • $330/credit (120 credits)
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Receive credit for prior learning
  • 4 genre options for concentrations
  • Advanced writing workshops
  • No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

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Creative Writing Degree Program Overview

If you have a passion for storytelling and want to pursue a career using your writing talents, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program can help you get on the right path.

You'll develop your writing skills alongside students from across the country, who represent an incredible range of voices and experiences. Together, you'll participate in workshops, producing work and presenting it to your peers for commentary and discussion.

"Everything I learned during my degree journey added to my understanding of how to write and boosted my creativity," said Aubrie Arnold '20, a graduate of the creative writing program. "I now feel like I can and will write novels – I’m working on that now – and I feel like I have the correct tools to make those novels successful.”

This degree is also an attractive option for transfer students, as it offers a number of free electives.

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What You'll Learn

  • Essential writing and critical-thinking skill sets
  • Literary analysis to inform the application of storytelling elements
  • Literary form, genre, structure and style
  • Conventions and techniques used by varying genres

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How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

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An Online Creative Writing Degree Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Whether you are looking to advance your career or simply want to pursue your passion for writing, the online creative writing bachelor's program at SNHU offers a supportive community, comprehensive curriculum, and flexible format that can help you achieve your goals.

Concentration Options

When you choose to study creative writing at SNHU, you have the option to stay with the general track – which gives you the flexibility to study a variety of genres – or you can opt to add one of our 4 concentrations to your degree: fiction, nonfiction, poetry or screenwriting.

Fiction

Nonfiction

Poetry

Screenwriting

Career Outlook

If exploring creative careers sounds appealing, an online creative writing degree can prepare you for a variety of positions1, including:

Author

Use storytelling skills to write everything from children’s books and novels to biographies, essays and memoirs.

Copywriter

Promote a product, service or organization with content for advertisements, marketing campaigns or websites.

Journalist

Research topics, investigate story ideas and interview sources to write compelling nonfiction articles for newspapers, magazines, blogs and television news programs.

Screenwriter

Use the power of writing to create visual and auditory experiences for everything from major blockbuster films to television episodes and commercials.

Speechwriter

Write speeches for business leaders, politicians and others, using words to engage with and move an audience.

And with today's technology, it's easy for writers and authors to work from just about anywhere as long as they have internet access – meaning jobs aren't limited to major cities anymore.

In addition to the writing skills you'll develop in a creative writing degree program, you could also pick up a handful of other career skills1 the workforce desperately needs, like:

  • Adaptability: Adapt to updates in software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).
  • Creativity: Develop interesting plots, characters or ideas for new stories.
  • Critical-thinking skills: Understand concepts that must be conveyed through writing.
  • Determination: Gain the focus to meet deadlines.
  • Persuasion: Convince others to feel a certain way about a good or service – especially if you choose a career in advertising.
  • Social perceptiveness: Develop an understanding of how readers respond to and connect with your work.

"This [program] not only allowed me to explore my creativity through writing," said Nicholas Patterson '22. "It taught me the fundamentals of the industry and how to pursue a career in it."

Job Growth and Salary

Prospects for writer and author occupations appear promising in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry shift from print to online media should result in employment growth.1

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Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for writers and authors are projected to grow 4% through 2032 — that's as fast as average for all occupations.1

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Salary

In 2022, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150.1

Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Creative Writing Degree

Why SNHU for Your Creative Writing Degree

Admission Requirements

How to Apply

What SNHU Students Are Saying

Creative Writing Degree Online (8)Nicholas Patterson '22

"I came [to SNHU] originally to have more freedoms and explore my creativity in a new environment. This program has given me that and more – this program has enabled me to improve myself in every facet of writing, from brainstorming a new idea to learning about genres and even how to market myself and my writing."

120 Credits

8-Week Terms

100% Online

No Set Class Times

Southern New Hampshire University is home to one of the largest creative writing programs in the country.

Our unique online creative writing degree allows you to take writing courses from the start. The program features 4 writing workshops, including an advanced workshop in which you'll complete a polished piece in the genre of your choice.

The courses in our BA in Creative Writing can help develop your talent for creating stories, novels and characters and turning them into finished, professional pieces. Whether you choose the general track or a specific genre, you'll learn from published writers with valuable industry insights.

In addition to the courses and electives within the major, SNHU's online writing degree program includes 30 credits of free electives. This leaves you with room to choose courses or a minor in an area of study that you'd like to write about – like history or psychology – or the opportunity to complement your studies with career skills, such as graphic design or marketing. The amount of free electives also makes our creative writing degree an attractive option for transfer students.

Throughout your program, you'll learn from published writers, professional editors, publishers and established literary critics – subject-matter experts who can help guide you to improving your craft.

As a bonus at SNHU, you can choose to further your study of creative writing with one of our popular graduate programs:

  • Online MA in English and Creative Writing: Building on the learnings from your bachelor's degree, you can choose from the same 4 concentrations – fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting or poetry – in this 36-credit online master's in writingprogram, which allows you to develop creative works that can contribute to your professional advancement.
  • Online MFA in Creative Writing: Gain both the writing skills and the professional skills to succeed in areas like marketing, publishing, content writing, teaching and freelancing in this fully online, 48-credit online MFA in creative writingprogram. You can also focus on a wide range of fiction genres – such as contemporary, romance, young adult or speculative – plus you'll add one of two embedded certificates to your program: professional writing or the online teaching of writing.
  • Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction: This highly focused 2-year program consists of 4 workshops and 4 in-person, weeklong residencies in New Hampshire. Within the 60-credit low-residency MFAprogram, you'll complete both a manuscript suitable for submission to editors and a critical essay that's ideal for literary journals.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General Education

All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

Full Course Catalog
List of Courses
BA in Creative Writing and English Online
Total Credits: 120

Minimum Hardware Requirements

What to Expect as an Online Student

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No set class times: Asynchronous classes let you do your coursework when and where you want

Pick your pace: Choose between full time (2 courses) or part time (1 course) each term

Student support: 24/7 access to online student services like the library, tech and academic support

University Accreditation

Creative Writing Degree Online (10)Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Undergraduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 30 credits
Degree/Certificates $990 $330 $9,900
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* $693 $231 $6,930

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional CostsNo Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of writing degrees are there?

What do you learn in a creative writing major?

What is the best degree for a writer?

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in creative writing?

What jobs can you get with a creative writing degree?

Is screenwriting creative writing?

What is SNHU’s Fall Fiction Contest and who can enter?

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References

Sources & Citations (1)

Creative Writing Degree Online (2024)

FAQs

Is a creative writing degree hard? ›

Obtaining a master's degree in creative writing is a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. It requires a significant commitment of both time and money, and demands a great deal of dedication and focus. However, the rewards can be immense.

Is creative writing an easy degree? ›

Creative writing is a subject that seems like a laidback one - a bit of story writing and you're done, easy, right? - but it's not. You need to be hardworking, creative (obviously!) and involved.

How do you pass a creative writing exam? ›

What do examiners look for in creative writing?
  1. A well planned piece of writing.
  2. Strong creativity and good imagination.
  3. A fluent writing style.
  4. Good and correct use of punctuation.
  5. Good use of English grammar.
  6. Complex sentences that are broken in an easy-to-read way with commas.
  7. Good spelling.
  8. Good and exciting vocabulary.

Why is creative writing so hard for me? ›

Losing a sense of perspective can also be a major mental cause of finding writing difficult. This can take different forms. One is when you put too much importance on your writing. It's easy to slip into this state of mind when following a solitary creative pursuit.

How useful is a degree in creative writing? ›

Getting a degree in creative writing can help you pursue a variety of careers. You learn skills such as creative thinking, communication, and storytelling that help you prepare for roles like writer, editor, or creative director.

Can you do anything with a creative writing degree? ›

Majors can use the degree in any pursuit that requires collaboration, creativity, and sophistication in writing, including teaching, professional writing, publishing, and further study at the graduate level.

How do I prepare for a creative writing course? ›

Before you start your creative writing course, it's helpful to come prepared:
  1. Bring an Open Mind. Be ready to embrace new ideas and techniques. ...
  2. Practice Writing Regularly. Get into the habit of writing daily. ...
  3. Read Widely. ...
  4. Be Ready to Share.

How to study for a creative writing test? ›

Read a wide range of genres, styles, and authors to broaden your perspective. Analyze how different writers construct their narratives, develop characters, and use language creatively. This practice will enhance your ability to craft compelling and unique stories that stand out in the exam.

Is creative writing a difficult course? ›

Creative writing takes a lot of hard work, but there are few things that stretch your imagination and storytelling abilities as well. It isn't always given the respect it deserves as a topic of study, but you'll learn a set of valuable and transferable skills if you take a creative writing course.

Why do students struggle with creative writing? ›

Primary reasons may be one or more of the following: They have a hard time getting started and feel overwhelmed by the task. They need to concentrate to form letters: it is not an automatic process. They struggle to organize and use mechanics of writing.

What are the negatives of creative writing? ›

Cons include the fact that there is huge competition to break in, and it's so much about who you know. Another way of saying this is that producers and directors usually work with writers for years on a single project, so it's very important to them that they know and trust you.

How hard is it to become a creative writer? ›

To become a Creative Writer, you must be ready to hone your craft, understand the nuances of language, and immerse yourself in a variety of genres and styles. This journey involves continuous learning, persistent writing, and the courage to share your work with the world.

Is it hard to be a creative writer? ›

Success in creative writing often hinges on personal dedication, the development of a distinctive style, and the perseverance to submit work for publication. For many, it's a lifelong process of learning and growth.

Is creative writing a good career? ›

The scope of creative writing is vast and there are plenty of opportunities for new entrants to make for themselves a lucrative career in creative writing. If you have a zeal for writing, then you can follow your heart and indulge in creative writing as a career option.

Do you need math for creative writing? ›

Creative Writing focuses on studying expert writers and then writing your own poetry and fiction. For this major you'll take lots of creative writing classes. But you'll also need to take classes in the arts, science, math, and social sciences to earn your bachelor's degree.

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