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A significant portion of writers and editors work as freelancers who, in fact, are among the high-earning workers. The Freelancers Union and Upwork reports that, to date, there are 57 million freelancers in the United States, contributing significantly to the economy.
Not everyone is cut out for professional writing, but the basic skills can be learned through an online associate’s program! An online Associate’s in Writing degree students are taught to create engaging, convincing, and interesting content as required.
Pursue Writing Professionally with an Associate Degree
From your earliest days, you may have dreamed of becoming a writer, you may have some unpublished novels idly sitting on your shelves. Your natural talent for this valuable skill may have caught your attention, and you’re curious how you can use it professionally. It’s time to make a living out of your special gift and talent! Earn an online Associate’s in Writing degree, for starters.
An online Associate’s in Writing program takes two years. The coursework typically include creative writing, English composition, introduction to literacy, multimedia storytelling, editing and publishing, proofreading, and many more!
The curriculum of this program, however, goes beyond imparting technical expertise. To prepare students for success in the writing profession, it emphasizes the soft skills of creative thinking, collaboration, communication, decision-making, and collaboration.
The Lowdown
Associate degrees in Writing offer undergraduates a wide range of options for exploring the world of the written word and preparing for further education. Students emerge with a solid grasp of the fundamental elements of writing, and familiarity with the many writing genres, styles, and approaches. Courses in creative writing, technical writing, journalism, literature, and communication are typically offered as part of the curriculum.
Methodology
For an educational experience that truly provides you with the right skill set, choose your Associate in Writing program wisely!
Our list of Associate’s in Writing degrees offers you the best options! We picked each program with these criteria in mind:
- Offered in online or hybrid class formats,
- Features a comprehensive Writing curriculum designed and taught by experienced professors,
- Guarantees a smooth transition from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree,
- Offers scholarships, grants, loans, and credit transfer programs,
- Regional or institutional accreditation, demonstrating that the online school or program meets academic quality standards.
Want to know how our ranking process works? Visit our Methodology page and get the details!
10 Best Online Associates in Writing Degree Programs
Full Sail University
Full Sail University offers a Creative Writing for Entertainment Associate of Science degree program that emphasizes character creation, visual storytelling, multimedia storytelling, narrative structures, screenwriting and storyboarding, editing, proofing, and script analysis in a wide variety of entertainment and media niches.
This Creative Writing for Entertainment associate program also exposes students to the most modern writing tools and techniques. Besides teaching students the right technical expertise, this program also emphasizes a student’s communication, creative thinking, leadership, project management, collaboration, and research abilities required for developing and completing creative writing projects.
By completing the program, you’ll become ready for entry-level writing jobs in the entertainment and media sectors and fully capitalize on the enormous need for creative writers that exists today.
Here are the courses you need to take in this associate program in writing:
- Historical Archetypes and Mythology
- English Composition
- Literary Techniques and Story Development
- Publishing and Distribution
- Project and Portfolio II: Creative Writing
- Multimedia Storytelling
- Professional Development Seminar I: Creative Writing
- New Media Tools
Liberty University
Liberty University’s online Associate in Creative Writing is an excellent starting point for becoming a skilled writer. Students learn to investigate various methods and suggestions for perfecting their skills so they become better prepared for the cutthroat writing industry! They also develop the best practices in writing that are a must in keeping a rewarding career.
The following courses are offered in this Creative Writing online associate program:
- Composition and Literature
- Editing for Publishing
- Introduction to Inspirational Writing
- Introduction to Creative Writing
Liberty University Creative Writing undergraduates study under Christian writer and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. With a three-decade writing expertise in her belt, Ms. Kingsbury teaches students the basics of writing construction. Students learn the methods, approaches, and abilities required to produce short stories, novellas, and other types of creative fiction.
Phoenix College
The Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in English in Creative Writing program is geared toward preparing students for university bachelor’s degrees. It gives individuals access to a writing community and creative writing exercises, tuition and direction from renowned authors, as well as continuing assistance with honing their writing abilities and promoting their work.
Regardless of academic or professional background, students can participate in seminars, workshops, and other events including readings and contests that are open to authors of all skill levels. A varied group that could be underrepresented in conventional creative writing programs is the target audience of this program.
With the help of this pathway map, you gain the expertise you need to solve problems, experiment, and be inspired to create original works. You’ll learn to recognize aesthetic values as well as literary styles that differ from era to era and culture to culture. You can analyze multiple genres of literature from a technical perspective.
This online Associate in English – Creative Writing program exposes students to the technical craft elements of published literature. They are taught to examine how people, culture, and nature interact dynamically.
The following courses are included in this associate degree:
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Introduction to College, Career, and Personal Success
- Interpersonal Communication
- Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- Introduction to Writing Fiction
- Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- Introduction to Writing Poetry
Monroe Community College
If you love writing, a great decision is to enroll at Monroe Community College’s Creative Writing Associate of Arts degree program. The job prospects for students include grant writing, publishing, marketing, journalism, advertising, education, marketing, and web content creation.
At Monroe Community College, you’ll take classes from teachers who are also accomplished authors. In a setting of mutual support, you’ll get to know other aspiring student writers and share your work with them. Learning about publishing options in Rochester and around the nation will be the culmination of your MCC study.
You will hone your writing abilities while studying a range of writing disciplines and career possibilities through classroom activities. Additionally, you’ll enroll in foundational classes in English, creative writing, and other subjects that prepare you for a bachelor’s degree.
Here are the courses to expect in this associate program:
- Literature of the Holocaust
- Creative Writing Workshop-Poetry
- Creative Writing Workshop-Short Fiction
- Drugs and Behavior
- Emotional Wellness
- Creative Writing Workshop-Short Fiction
- Literature of the Black Experience
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Advanced Composition
- Introduction to Creative Writing
Midlands Technical College
Consider enrolling at Midlands Technical College through their Associate in Arts – Writing. This online degree prepares students to work in media, publishing, and public relations.
This is the best pathway if you want to proceed to a bachelor’s degree in writing or any related English discipline that focuses on advanced writing and communications. Students gain knowledge and practice in the writing skills necessary to succeed in the workplace, business, and professional communications. For students to transfer with advanced status, the program incorporates general education requirements that are a component of the majority of undergraduate programs.
The Writing track offers students the chance to learn about and practice communication skills in professional settings. Students will also have the chance to speak or read their work at conferences and publish in literary journals.
Below are some courses in this associate degree:
- English Composition
- American History: 1877 to Present
- American Literature Survey
- Introduction to Language
- Writing for Social Media
- American Government
- Proofreading and Editing
- Special Topics in English
- Advanced Technical Communications
- Creative Writing
Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College’s online Associate Creative Writing degree can be applied toward a four-year English bachelor’s degree with a focus in either Creative Writing or English-related programs. The Associate in Creative Writing program at Carroll University is intended to encourage students to study great literature and to provide them with numerous chances to write creatively and critically. A series of courses is designed to promote cultural awareness through critical reading, writing, research, and reasoning.
An advisory group of business executives and industry professionals designs and reviews their curriculum on a regular basis to make sure it adheres to all current skill and knowledge needs. The list of members of our advisory boards, including those for our other initiatives, may be found on our Advisory Boards website.
In addition to writing and publishing books, creative writers may also craft simulations, case studies, and stories for computer games, as well as marketing materials like blogs and social media postings. Some of the writing career paths that await you after graduation are in advertising, marketing, television, publishing, and private corporations and businesses.
Some of the courses are:
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Writing Creative Nonfiction
- Introduction to American Literature
- Classical Mythology
- Contemporary World Literature
- British Literature: Love, Money and Empire
Saddleback College
Saddleback College offers a Creative Writing Associate of Arts degree program that develops students’ writing skills, creativity, and ability to evaluate literary genres. The Writing courses allow students to create their own short stories, nonfiction, novels, poems, and plays.
Students who receive an Associate of Arts in Creative Writing degree have the option of transferring their credits toward four-year English, English Literature, and English Education undergraduate programs. This curriculum seeks to accommodate students with a range of ability levels.
The following are the Associate in Writing courses at Saddleback College:
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Survey of American Literature
- World Literature
- Ethnic Voices in Literature
- Introduction to Literature
- Classical Mythology
- Children’s Literature
- Survey of English Literature
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College comes with an Associate of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree program. This online degree is geared toward establishing a foundation for a bachelor’s degree and study. Students may schedule a meeting with their academic adviser to discuss program planning or to look into alternative transfer opportunities. When designing their curriculum, students should consult with a representative of the transfer institution.
Students learn to critically analyze contemporary literature and demonstrate a variety of cultural perspectives. You can also demonstrate creativity by experimenting, inventing, or revising written works. Students practice writing proficiency by using a variety of creative writing forms. They learn about prosody and narrative strategies, genres, forms, and aesthetics.
The following are part of Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s Associate of Fine Arts – Creative Writing coursework:
- Drama
- Poetry
- Global Literature
- American Literature to 1865
- American Literature since 1865
- Children’s Literature
- The Novel
- Short Stories
Seminole State College
Seminole State College offers an Online Associate in Arts in Creative Writing Pathway.
An associate degree in creative writing will help aspiring authors, poets, and playwrights find their voice. Here, you’ll discover how to grasp the English language’s complexity and utilize words in ways that have the power to alter the course of history. This route also has business implications outside of the arts, such as marketing, branding, and advertising.
This program is famous for its reasonable cost. And it comes with small class sizes with only 30 people in one class. This allows a closer student-teacher interaction in online classes too. There’s an option to attend classes in person too, if you prefer.
In a high-demand field, you can continue your studies at Seminole State after earning an Associate of Arts degree. Therefore, it’s best to earn your associate degree here, so you can get into UCF or another Florida state university afterward.
The coursework consists of:
- Interviewing and Report Writing
- Writing/Grammar Integrated
- Developmental Reading/Writing Combined
- Writing for Business
- Technical Writing
- Selected Studies in Creative Writing
- Features and Specialized Writing
- Developmental Writing Module
Arapahoe Community College
Develop your writing skills and tell important stories professionally when you enroll at Arapahoe Community College’s online Associate of Arts Transfer degree in Creative Writing. You will receive assistance from their knowledgeable staff while you hone your writing abilities and get ready for the market. Learn the ins and outs of the whole writing process, from idea to publication. Develop your style and learn which types of creative writing help your ideas come to life as you build your portfolio.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to transfer easily to Adam State University with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. With numerous creative writing and literary courses, the program supports both new and seasoned authors. Through the study of past and present literary masters, students get the chance to experiment with a variety of creative writing styles while honing their analytical and critical thinking abilities.
A Creative Writing degree leads to a career in authorship, journalism, public relations, and self-publishing. In two years, a full-time student can obtain an Associate of Arts degree and then pursue a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing program thereafter.
To succeed in this online degree, students must have an understanding of writing, a love of storytelling, and a desire to publish creative work.
Check out the courses below:
- English Composition
- Creative Writing
- Creative Nonfiction
- Fiction Writing
- Poetry Writing
- Technical Writing
- Introduction to Mass Media
- World Mythology
- Ethnic Literature
- British Literature
10 Job Pathways After Graduating From an Online Associate Degree in Writing
1. Travel Blog Writer
Nothing feels better than being able to travel and write about it as your job! This is your cue to start a blog on WordPress or any other reputable blog platform if you don’t already have one. This can be a freelancing job that allows you optimal flexibility and convenience. You can decide on your niche. The key is to set your goals and launch unique topics as the saturation in travel blogs can be seriously hard to compete in.
2. Copywriter
As a copywriter, you will need to make copies for websites, agencies, marketing companies, and advertising commercials. For marketing and advertising campaigns, copywriters create compelling and persuasive written content. The team collaborates with marketing professionals, creative teams, and clients to deliver impactful messages.
3. Ghost Writer
In recent years, the stigma associated with ghostwriting has changed, making what was formerly an unspoken but respected profession into one that is now perceived as collaboration. You can collaborate with authors who wish to publish books but aren’t necessarily writers themselves if you have an Associate of Arts in Creative Writing, some expertise, and strong networking. You can advertise yourself online and land gigs for ghostwriting.
4. Social Media Writer
A product is frequently only as excellent as the marketing strategy that supports it. An associate degree in creative writing is appropriate for you if you are an expert in social media, an influencer with a sizable following and lucrative connections, or if you are aware of the factors that cause people to stop their blurry-eyed scrolling to pay close attention to something remarkable. Your main worry may not be how to become noticed or how to attract an audience because you already have both.
5. Reporters
Most likely, journalists would fit within this area. You’ll likely be part of a team and need to stay current on the news. Reporters and correspondents make appearances on television, in newspapers, and online with a certain amount of assurance and background knowledge. Politics, money, commerce, and sporting events are topics that reporters and correspondents frequently cover.
6. Author
You might choose to pursue writing as a career after earning your degree. In this case, you can be a published author! Numerous sectors are covered by authors, including periodicals, websites, media, screenplays, theater, and novels. Authors do the research and important personal interviews required for their topic. If your text needs further work, an editor will assess it and return it for correction.
7. Novelists
A professional writer who focuses on producing novels as fictitious works is known as a novelist. Novels are extensive works of literature that go in-depth with their characters, plots, and ideas. A novelist is a very talented and inventive writer who creates unique tales and characters for books. For the sake of building readers’ engaging and immersive worlds, they have a thorough grasp of narrative structures, character development, and storytelling approaches.
8. Freelance or Content Writers
Freelance writers and content writers are professionals who create written content for various purposes, including websites, blogs, social media, marketing materials, and more. They may work independently or be hired by businesses, marketing agencies, or online platforms to produce high-quality, engaging, and informative content.
9. Screenwriter
If you’ve always been interested in screenplays, being a screenwriter will help you get employment in the entertainment sector. You will collaborate with directors, producers, and yes, celebrities whether you’re writing for a comedy series or a play. Screenwriters are independent contractors who create new or current material. You have a special talent as a screenwriter to develop a narrative that connects to the story.
10. Assistant Editors
An Assistant Editor plays a vital role in the editorial process, providing support to senior editors and managing various tasks related to content creation, editing, and publication. They work in publishing houses, media organizations, online platforms, or other content-focused environments, ensuring that written material meets high-quality standards and deadlines.
4 Tips for Finding the Best Online Associate Degree in Writing
1. Focus on your objectives.
You shouldn’t take college for granted because it involves a significant time and financial commitment. To pick a curriculum that suits your needs, take a comprehensive look at your personal and professional goals. Look at the bigger picture and set long-term goals for your career in writing.
2. Consider the faculty’s credibility.
Research the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors can significantly enhance your learning experience.
3. Consider if you can commit to the program.
Before enrolling in an online creative writing school, take into account your availability. Full-time enrolment is most likely your best option if you can devote the majority of your time to your studies. And give priority to colleges that offer expedited degrees if you want to get into the workforce more rapidly. You may finish part or all of your degree in a shorter amount of time with these schools’ year-round enrollment policies or shorter course terms.
Candidates for professional writing positions generally have to submit portfolios of their work. Consider beginning a blog or zine while you’re still in college rather than waiting until after you graduate. In order to reduce your overall time commitment, you may then show this body of work to prospective companies.
4. Ensure accreditation.
When looking for online creative writing degrees, accreditation should be the first consideration. Third-party organizations accredit colleges in order to guarantee the caliber of their educational programs, student results, and resources. Accreditation is a demanding, voluntary procedure.
Only take into account recognized institutions; otherwise, you risk losing out on government financial help or credit transfers.
Among others, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission are US Institutional accreditation bodies that are approved by the Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best fit to study for an online Associate degree in Writing?
The most crucial need for experts working in the writing industry is that they have to be proficient authors. The ability to communicate clearly and creatively through well-organized writing requires devoted experts, even if jobs in writing will train professionals in any area. If you have these skills, it’s a great start to enroll in an online associate degree in writing.
Another essential writing talent is critical thinking, which enables experts to analyze stuff and deliver it in a way that is productive. Although many writers may identify as reclusive bookworms at some time in their lives, these jobs frequently need collaboration with a range of specialists and clientele.
Is an online associate degree in Writing a versatile degree?
A Writing degree program is known for its versatility! The skills you acquire are applicable to work in publishing, journalism, marketing, advertising, content writing, public relations, copywriting, technical writing, editing, and social media. To expand your job prospects, you may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree and, eventually, a graduate degree in Writing.
How long does it take to finish an online associate degree in writing?
The duration to complete an online associate degree in writing can vary based on several factors, including the specific program, the number of credit hours required, and the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time).
Typically, an associate degree in the United States comprises 60 to 64 credit hours, which can be completed in two years of full-time study. However, for online programs, the flexibility of scheduling often allows students to progress at their own pace.
Some students may choose to study part-time due to work or other commitments, which can extend the duration of the program. Part-time students might take fewer courses per semester, spreading the degree over a longer period.
Key Takeaways
- When choosing the best online associate degree in Writing, make sure the program provides internships, freelance opportunities, or publishing connections to gain practical experience.
- Technical writers, journalists, and public relations professionals demonstrate similar skills. Editors can also be writers. While some of these positions may demand extra training or experience, an online associate program promises a good start!
- Associate degrees in Creative Writing are designed for aspiring novelists and writers. You can frequently study one or more creative writing genres in these programs, such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
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