If you love writing and want to enhance your skills, then you may want to consider a professional writing degree. Being able to write clearly and with purpose is one of the most transferable skills in today’s job market.
A Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing teaches students how to expand their writing style, edit and proofread, research, and write for a variety of media.
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A professional writing major is applicable to many industries, including business, healthcare, arts and entertainment, education, and more.
Online Professional Writing Degrees
An online bachelors in professional writing focuses overall on bettering students’ writing across various disciplines, styles, and mediums.
After graduating from this program, students are expected to have a thorough understanding of writing mechanics and style and be able to write for a wide variety of audiences. The curriculum in these programs teaches many subjects that are pertinent to professional writing, such as:
- Genre writing
- Writing for print and online media
- Rhetoric, argumentation, and logic
- Editing
- Grammar and syntax
- Writing theory
In addition to your classes, your program may offer the chance to complete an internship, allowing you to gain some practical experience as a professional writer. After graduating, professional writing majors may pursue a range of career paths.
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For example, some writers work as freelancers, finding clients and working with them to create deliverables in a timely manner. Other writers try their hand at creative writing, specializing in novels, short stories, or scripts. It’s also common for professional writing majors to work as:
- Advertising specialists
- Public relations specialists
- Social media managers
- Technical writers
- Editors
- Web content writers
- Communications directors
Finding work as a journalist and reporter may be another rewarding career path.
Professional Writing Careers & Salaries
A professional writing bachelor’s degree can be a marketable credential for a number of careers, as clear and purposeful writing is needed in nearly every industry.
Types of writers can include content writers, copywriters, creative writers, and grant writers. Technical writing may be a career option for professional writing majors who are especially detail oriented and can explain more complex information. The position of a copywriter often revolves around planning and drafting various messages and content for commercial purposes, such as marketing and advertising.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of careers associated with professional writing.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Public Relations Managers | $125,780 |
| Fundraising Managers | $100,810 |
| Technical Writers | $78,060 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $63,920 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 |
| Fundraisers | $60,660 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,370 |
Some professional writing graduates apply their expertise to an editing position. If you are interested in delivering the news, you may consider a role in reporting or journalism.
Professional writing expertise is also applicable to a range of roles that help organizations manage their internal communications as well as their external communications. For instance, communications directors often ensure the consistency and flow of communication through different departments of an organization.
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Meanwhile, public relations and social media specialists focus on how clients or communities perceive and connect with an organization, maintaining or improving its public image.
Bachelor of Professional Writing Curriculum & Courses
Professional writing programs will have different curriculums depending on the focus of the university and the strengths of its faculty, but there is some overlap between programs.
Some of the courses you may take as a professional writing student include:
- Fiction Writing Introduction: This class introduces you to the process, techniques, and styles of fiction writing.
- Non-Fiction Writing Introduction: Much like the fiction introduction course, this class introduces you to various non-fiction writing types.
- Technical Writing: This course teaches you about technical writing methods and strategies.
- Argumentation and Logic: This class looks at theories and concepts behind arguing and formal and informal logic.
- Writing Style: This class looks at the fine details of writing styles and how to develop your own style.
- Rhetorical Analysis: This class breaks down the rhetorical situation and how to properly investigate it for you to apply in your own writing.
- Professional Writing Theory: This class investigates the major theoretical approaches and problems in professional writing.
- Online Writing: This class focuses on writing for online publishing and what the difference is between that and print.
- English Language Structure: This class takes a detailed look at English grammar, syntax, mechanics, and other topics.
- Copy Editing: This class looks at copy editing strategies and techniques used after drafting is completed.
In addition to the classes listed above, you might have the opportunity to do an internship or some other sort of practical experience.
Admissions Requirements
Here are some general admissions requirements for professional writing programs:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Letters of reference from mentors or teachers
- Online application
- SAT or ACT scores (not required by all schools)
Since admissions requirements can vary from school to school, it’s necessary to verify the specific criteria of your school of choice. If you have any admissions questions, you can contact an admissions officer at your prospective school.
Accreditation
To assure you that the education you are receiving is credible and up to industry standards, colleges and universities can be accredited by third-party agencies.
Regional accreditation is a process whereby a regional accrediting agency ensures that a university delivers high-quality education to its students. Attending an accredited institution could impact your eligibility for financial aid as well as for graduate school. Employers may also look for candidates with a trustworthy education.
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To see if the colleges and universities you are applying to are accredited, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website.
Professional Writing Majors Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many sources of financial aid available to students who qualify. Student loans from the federal government is one of the most common forms of aid. To see if you’re eligible for student loans and other forms of federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
State governments may have individual aid programs for their residents as well. In addition to government assistance, you can look into and apply to different scholarship programs. These opportunities may be offered by your school as well as outside public and private organizations. If you are employed, you can also see if your employer offers any tuition benefits.
What Is a Professional Writing Degree?
A professional writing degree is designed to help students enhance their writing ability and prepare to use their skills in a range of industries and careers.
In a bachelors program in professional writing, you may take classes focused on improving your writing style, understanding rhetoric and argumentation, and writing across different media. Typical coursework for this type of program also covers critical thinking and analytical skills, drafting and organizational strategies, research procedures, and writing for diverse audiences.
Some professional writing degrees may offer concentrations or electives in a particular area of writing and communication, such as social media and public relations.
What Can You Do with a Professional Writing Degree?
A professional writing degree is applicable to various industries and career paths. For starters, there is a range of writer positions graduates may explore, including grant writers, content writers, copywriters, scriptwriters, and authors.
If you want to create technical documentation for different companies, you might consider working as a technical writer. Many graduates also pursue communications positions as public relations specialists or managers, editors, social media managers, communications directors, content strategists, and journalists. This degree path is also beneficial for the world of advertising and marketing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Professional Writing Degree Online?
The time it takes to complete a bachelor’s in professional writing depends on a variety of factors. If the program you attend follows a traditional 16 week semester and you attend full-time, it will generally take 4 years to earn your bachelor’s degree.
If the online program you attend follows a more flexible 8 week semester, you might be able to finish it in less time. An accelerated track may require you to stay enrolled year-round, including during the summer.
What Kind of Jobs Can You Get with a Professional Writing Degree?
Here are some common positions for professional writing graduates:
- Writer or author. Most writers and authors are self-employed and write original content or work freelance for different clients. Types of writers can include copywriters, grant writers, content writers, and scriptwriters.
- Public relations specialist. PR specialists can work for different types of organizations, helping define their organization’s public image.
- Technical writer. These writers create technical documentation and are usually employed within professional, scientific, and technical services.
There’s a wide variety of jobs you can pursue with a professional writing degree, as this major can help you develop your writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Is a Degree in Professional Writing Worth It?
Yes, a degree in professional writing is worth it for many students. A professional writing major could help you develop versatile communication skill sets.
Graduates often go on to apply their expertise in advertising, public relations, business, healthcare, the sciences, or the arts. Common careers related to this field include freelance writer, technical writer, public relations specialist, communications director, social media manager, and content strategist.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6% job growth is projected for media and communication occupations over the next ten years, which is about as fast as average.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Professional Writing Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media program online. The program aims to teach knowledge and skills needed for careers like journalism, technical writing, social media, and public relations. Classes are typically 7 to 8 weeks long.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing program online. Potential courses include Reading, Writing, and Inquiry, Professional Writing Skills, and Technical Editing. The program is designed to prepare for potential careers such as documentation specialists, copywriters, editorial assistants, information developers, and media content specialists.
Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Loyola University–New Orleans offers an online self-designed Bachelor of Applied Science program with a concentration in Professional Writing. The curriculum aims to teach skills in language, description, and communication. The program typically focuses on teaching the technical aspects of writing relating to the presentation and organization of information.
Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Marshall University offers an online program for a BA in Professional Writing. Potential courses include Fundamentals of Speech and Communications, Advanced Composition, Introduction to Textual Analysis, and Professional Writing Theory. The program also offers an internship at a nearby independent press designed to teach real-world skills in how to run a successful nonprofit organization.
Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Missouri State University offers Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing programs online. Upon completion of general education requirements, at least 36 major-specific credits must be completed. An internship designed to provide real-world experience through 135 hours in an employment setting is also required.
Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing. This program may be completed as a full degree or as a degree-completion track with 30 previously completed credits or more. The program aims to teach skills in technical and organizational communication, composition, management, marketing, and public relations.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Park University offers an online program for a BA in English and Professional Writing. Courses typically cover topics like composition, editing, grammar, reading comprehension, business communications, creative writing, content creation in new media, criticism, and teaching. The program requires the completion of 122 credit hours. The interdisciplinary program seeks to help prepare for writing-related roles in a variety of fields.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Saint Leo University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English program online with a concentration in Professional Writing. The program is designed to teach knowledge and skills needed to enter roles in business communications, copywriting, marketing, public relations, or journalism.
An opportunity to contribute writings to a literary magazine, a student newspaper, and a university TV and radio station are typically offered in the program.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Memphis offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in Professional Writing. Common courses include American Literature to 1865, Studies in Form and Genre, Practical English Grammar, and Introduction to Linguistics. Upon completion of general baccalaureate requirements, the completion of 2 years of major-specific credits is required.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Pennsylvania offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Professional Writing program online. The program aims to teach knowledge and skills related to rhetorical and analytical writing skills. Courses typically teach concepts like writing style, grammar, academic reading, research, data analysis, storytelling, and social media writing.
The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Bachelors in Professional Writing Degree Online
Getting a bachelor’s degree in professional writing online can help you develop your professional skill sets in writing, critical thinking, and communication. As such, this online English degree program can be applied to a range of careers and industries.
Some graduates work as freelance writers, while others help businesses manage internal or external communications. Clear, concise, and purposeful writing is a highly transferable skill that’s valued by employers. Different professional writing programs may offer varying specializations or electives.
You can start exploring online programs from accredited schools today to find the one that best matches your professional interests.
