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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Creative Writing Program?

An online master’s degree in creative writing allows students to pursue their dreams while maintaining obligations at home or work. Online degree programs can be flexible, making them an excellent choice for adult learners with an existing career. Each online master’s degree in creative writing is unique, so it’s essential to consider all your options to find a program that works with your schedule, goals, and other personal needs.

Available concentrations

If you’re primarily interested in a particular aspect of creative writing, you should look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on that specialty. Some of the most popular concentration options for a master’s in creative writing include:

  • Screenwriting: Students learn to write specifically for the screen, whether that’s movies, television shows, or video games. Coursework includes critical analysis of existing films, script-writing fundamentals, and writing for various genres.
  • Nonfiction: The coursework in this concentration prepares individuals to write for nonfiction markets, including biographies and how-tos. You’ll become prepared for careers such as essayist, nonfiction author, researcher, corporate writer, journalist, and writing instructor.
  • Fiction: Students learn to create fictional characters and worlds and tell engaging, well-structured stories. Coursework also includes reading both classics and current best-sellers and applying critical analysis to learn how to improve upon personal pieces. Potential career paths for this concentration include novelist, playwright, and creative writing instructor.
  • Genre: Some programs allow a very specific concentration in genre, though this is rare. For example, students can concentrate in science fiction and fantasy writing.

Common degree curriculum

A master’s degree in creative writing requires you to take a certain number of credit hours, choosing from a selection of core curriculum and concentration and elective classes. Most classes involve writing, studying the craft of writing, or learning about the fundamentals of writing in a specific sector. Potential courses may include:

  • Fundamentals of Fiction or Nonfiction: Covers common literary tools used in these types of writing.
  • Story Structure: Dissects various plot components, including how plot, characters, scenes, themes, and other parts of a story combine to create works of fiction.
  • Literary Theory or Analysis: Involves examining the works of other authors and developing critical analysis that helps students understand how the work was created and why the author chose various components.
  • Workshop or Critique: Students write their own material and critique it as a group.

Program accreditation

Attending an institution approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, is important. Without proper accreditation, employers might not respect the degree you’ve earned. And even if you’re planning to pursue your own writing projects rather than work for someone else, accreditation is still essential — it ensures that you’ll receive a high-quality education and be able to transfer credits if needed.

Program completion timeframe

Creative writing master’s degrees are typically considered a subset of English graduate degrees, which take about two years for full-time students to complete. However, secondary factors can decrease or increase the time it takes to finish a program.

If you can transfer credits into the program, you may reduce the required classes. Accelerated master’s programs, which involve completing more coursework per year than usual, can take as little as 15 months. You can also choose a self-paced program if you want to complete your classes quickly or opt for part-time status if you’re balancing an online degree program with an existing career or family obligation.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Creative Writing Graduates

A master’s in creative writing is a versatile degree. You can become qualified to work in entertainment, academia, journalism, marketing, and other industries.

While most entry-level jobs in the creative writing field don’t require applicants to have a master’s degree, this level of education will help you stand out from other candidates and generate more interview callbacks when looking for work. Most creative writing occupations are expected to have average or worse job growth over the next decade, making any advantage you can offer in the job market especially important.

While this may not be the best field for job security, it does offer the potential to earn a high salary. For example, the top 10% of writers and authors make over $161,260.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Writers and Authors Writers and authors work with publishers to develop content for readers. Many are self-employed, though they may also work full-time for marketing organizations, magazines, and websites. $73,150 4%
Postsecondary Teachers In addition to teaching creative writing, you can find work teaching courses in composition and rhetoric, literature, or other related subjects at the postsecondary level. While traditional four-year universities typically require instructors to have a doctorate, community colleges tend only to require a master’s. $77,280 3%
Reporters and Journalists Reporters and journalists work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, and websites to deliver news, opinions, and stories of interest to readers and viewers. $55,960 -3%

Professional organizations

Writers and authors can join many professional organizations to network and collaborate with others, find out about work opportunities, and access benefits such as discounts or insurance.

  • Writers Guild of America West: Members of the WGAW can access essential benefits, including health insurance and a credit union. They also have access to special events and assistance with contracts and enforcement. Membership requires completing units of work in television or other applicable writing.
  • National Writers Union: Membership benefits include access to health insurance discounts and help with contracts and other legal matters. Various writers can join, including novelists, copywriters, journalists, and playwrights.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Creative Writing Degree

Online master’s programs have another benefit for those interested in a creative writing degree: they are typically more affordable than on-campus options. Plus, since you don’t have to drive to classes or arrange for parking, you can save even more.

That said, many students still require assistance covering the total cost of a graduate education in creative writing. If you’re interested in financial aid for college, you should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application lets you see which grants, loans, and other financial aid options you might qualify for through the federal government. Then, you can consider other grants and scholarships available through private or local agencies.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

Thoroughly researching your financial aid options can save you up to tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of your degree. The resources listed below will help you discover scholarships, grants, subsidized loans, and other opportunities you may qualify for.

Online Master’s Degree Scholarship Database

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Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.