We've compiled the most up-to-date information on these fully or mostly online Online Professional Writing degree programs across the U.S. This data is accurate as of March 21, 2025. We carefully reviewed quality, affordability, and student outcomes to bring you the best options. Explore our updated rankings below to find the program that's right for you.
The professional writing specialization focuses on the technical aspects of writing as it pertains to the presentation and organization of information in a variety of media formats and professional settings. Gaining a foundation in professional writing can complement almost any career, especially those that value concise language, clear description, and effective communication. The Bachelor of Applied Science (Online) degree is a flexible online program that provides busy students the opportunity to design a course of study around their academic and professional goals. Students complete core and foundational courses and choose two specializations to customize their degree.
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WSU’s Bachelor of Arts in English, entirely online, offers two specialization areas. 1) The Rhetoric and Professional Writing Option focuses on applied writing and editing skills that are vital to success in every workplace. The program emphasizes the ability to write effectively and persuasively in professional settings and communicate technical or complex subject matter to any audience. Students will develop a broad understanding of the English language and literary studies while developing competencies in reading, research and critical thinking. 2) The Integrative Studies Option allows students the flexibility to integrate courses from Literary Studies, Rhetoric and Professional Writing, Linguistics, and Creative Writing. In this course of study WSU English students will develop a broad understanding of the English language and literary studies while developing competencies in complementary areas of interest.
["Practical communication knowledge", "Writing expertise", "Critical and analytical consumption of information", "Effective and persuasive communication in various contexts", "Experience with digital tools and multimedia modes for research, writing, and publication"]
Old Dominion University designed its Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing to meet the need for professionals with communication skills by preparing individuals to excel in any professional business environment. The program is designed to meet the needs of various populations, including traditional and non-traditional students, and individuals working in positions of influence who are interested in expanding their repertoire of skills. It provides students an opportunity to take a diverse array of courses across the disciplines in order to develop various skillsets and techniques in writing. Offered through ODU Online in partnership with community colleges throughout Virginia, the program offers a unique learning experience and is especially sensitive to the needs and experiences of adult learners. With televised and video-streamed classes delivered in the evening and on weekends, the program offers its students in even the most remote locations an opportunity to earn a degree while working.
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Excel in your career with the online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Communication from Southwest Minnesota State University. In this interdisciplinary online program, you’ll build the skill set you need to connect with diverse audiences using written, visual, and oral communication. You’ll also gain experience writing for new media, business communications, scientific writing, and more. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to lead complex projects with both creative and technical expertise. We’ve designed our undergraduate degree in professional writing and communication to feature a combination of writing, rhetoric, and communication courses. By taking a liberal arts approach to learning, students graduate as well-rounded professionals with a balanced skill set. You can customize your program with electives in business, politics, ethics, public relations, computer science, or psychology to align your coursework with your future professional goals.
["Tackle projects at both a creative and technical standpoint", "Use cross-disciplinary tools to communicate in writing, through graphics, and orally", "Learn to write flexibly and ethically through internships and service-learning opportunities"]
The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing degree program at Marshall University helps students deepen their understanding of writing styles, rhetorical situations, compositional processes, research and media.
["Writing styles", "Rhetorical situations", "Compositional processes", "Research", "Media"]
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media offers a comprehensive survey of new media technologies and best practices in writing for these digital, potentially interactive platforms. In the professional writing courses, you will not only examine professional writing techniques and publication technologies but also have opportunities to produce your own work in our multimedia lab. This professional writing degree teaches technical skills and strives to nurture creativity so graduates can be prepared to make their own mark on the world. The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media was developed to serve as a foundation upon which writers may build a writing career in a constantly changing media landscape. As a new media major, you will have opportunities to practice writing skills that may be applicable to a range of careers. In particular, you’ll examine curriculum pertaining to content marketing, with a look at best practices in advertising campaigns. As you progress in the program, you will be taught to combine persuasive messaging with area-specific tactics to compose effective communications for any writing platform.The goal of this professional writing degree is to teach core competencies across multiple domains. You will examine new media strategies and skills in areas such as public relations and communications, journalism and technical, scientific and creative writing.
["Writing for public relations", "Reporting and newswriting", "Technical writing", "Grant writing", "Multimedia feature writing", "Advertising copywriting"]
This program focuses on technical writing, incorporating classes in business, communication, and human resources. Students will develop a foundation in technical and organizational communication, along with essential composition skills. Additionally, the curriculum provides a basic understanding of management, marketing, and public relations, equipping graduates with a well-rounded skill set applicable across various industries. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies with a major in professional writing.
["Technical writing", "Organizational communication", "Composition skills", "Understanding of management", "Understanding of marketing", "Understanding of public relations"]
This major emphasizes specialized writing courses in creative writing (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting), business writing, professional writing, scientific and technical writing, editing, and publishing as well as a background in literary analysis and critical thinking. In our craft-focused creative classes you will participate in collaborative feedback workshops with your peers. Our professional writing courses cover techniques and technologies for writing in a variety of workplace settings. The Professional & Creative Writing program is highly flexible, allowing you to choose among our creative and professional writing classes as suits your interests and goals. Taken as a whole, our major provides you with the tools to design your own writing life and career. Students in this major are expected to complete ENG 301, ENG 302, and ENG 303 prior to enrolling in upper-division major requirements.
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This unique undergraduate writing degree prepares you for careers in technical writing, business communication, social media, digital storytelling and other forms of professional and digital writing. You’ll hone your ability in the classroom, the media lab and the community, getting a hands-on writing degree that includes significant real-word experience. Information can come from the department web page, catalog page, careers page or from the program coordinator.
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The Department of English offers two concentrations under the B.A. degree program that can be completed entirely online: African American Literature and Professional Writing. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree fully online. The lower division offers general education English classes such as ENGL 1010, 1020, and 2201/2202, with online offerings available. UofM Global students have restricted access to online sections of ENGL 1010 and 1020. Upper division and graduate courses offered online are available, but TN eCampus classes (with section numbers R01, R25, R50, etc.) are not administered by the Department of English and are only applicable toward Upper Division English Electives.
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Rosemont’s online Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing Studies is designed for adult students who wish to hone their writing skills and aptitude, whether for personal, creative, or professional purposes. The program focuses on developing essential business writing skills for today’s job market. Students will learn the importance of audience and context when writing professionally, how to conduct formal and informal research, brainstorming, and peer review. The curriculum also emphasizes applying narrative strategies and storytelling to business, science, and nonprofit organizations. The impact of technology on communication is studied, alongside the implementation of specific strategies and tools for web design. The BA in Writing Studies degree covers technical writing, a growing field in which complex technical information is documented in easy-to-understand language. The program's small class sizes foster connections among students and professors, enabling students to discover their unique voice and expand their professional opportunities. Graduates will develop critical thinking, effective writing, and communication skills, and learn to proofread, edit, and refine writing.
["Critical thinking", "Effective writing", "Communication", "Proofreading", "Editing", "Research", "Technical Writing"]
The online bachelor's degree in English from Troy University equips students with versatile skills applicable across various industries. Employers value strong writing and communication abilities, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. This program fosters communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for global competition in communication, publishing, writing, and teaching roles, as well as for graduate or law school admissions. Students benefit from dedicated TROY faculty and can choose a minor to tailor their degree to their professional goals. The program offers flexibility with online, on-campus, or blended formats.
["Communication", "Critical Thinking", "Writing", "Reading", "Analysis"]
The Online Degree Completion program in Writing Studies exposes you to professional writing opportunities, practical communication challenges, and critical examinations that shape public and political culture. The Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Writing Studies positions you to work in a variety of career fields based on broad exposure to writing styles, career-based expectations, and the use of tone to effectively communicate ideas. As a student focusing on Writing Studies, you will develop professional skills, enhance creativity, and focus communication with proven rhetorical strategies. The rhetorical approach we take positions the study writing as strategic, purposeful, and adaptable. The skills you learn in one class transfer to the others and to a variety of professional writing situations.
["Technical writing", "Professional writing", "Science Writing", "New Media", "Creative writing"]
Professional writers are critical in the modern workforce. Through clear and concise written communication, you will solve real world problems by creating meaning from complex and abstract ideas. With your bachelor’s degree in writing and rhetoric earned through UCF Online, you’ll have the tools to become a persuasive and ethical communicator. This program transcends a foundational understanding of communication and engages in a modern, practical application of written communication spanning mediums, including written, digital and multimedia texts. Through a variety of writing and theory-based courses, you’ll learn how to engage in strategies that produce impactful written assets that can persuade, inform, or sell. UCF Online’s writing and rhetoric Bachelor of Art degree is offered entirely online. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to step into a wide variety of professional writing careers or to pursue an advanced degree.
["Digest and disseminate complex information", "Communicate across disciplines and audiences", "Build a transferrable skillset"]
The undergraduate writing major at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies offers students disciplined training in creative writing. Writing courses are conducted as workshops to provide feedback, foster peer review skills, and nurture talent. Writing majors examine poetry, fiction, and nonfiction with a writer's eye while developing their own work. Students' creative development is guided by instructors who are respected writers themselves. The specific course of study in the writing major is based on genre — fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry – while literature courses provide a substantial grounding in analyzing literary texts and using literary theory. In introductory and advanced writing workshops, writing students develop their craft and technique and gain facility in giving and receiving constructive feedback through peer critique and the workshopping process.
["Write effectively with a distinct voice and style.", "Analyze literary works from a craft perspective.", "Offer informed critiques of creative work.", "Compose in multiple genres.", "Demonstrate knowledge of major works and genres of literature."]
The English program at Mary Baldwin University provides a transformative journey for students to refine their critical thinking skills through active learning and engagement with a diverse range of course offerings. With a focus on textual analysis and interpretation, the program encourages self-discovery and fosters a lifelong love for literature and language. Students can tailor their studies to their interests, focusing on areas that align with their professional aspirations. The program builds a strong intellectual foundation and cultivates critical reading and writing skills applicable in various fields, equipping graduates for entry-level jobs and fulfilling careers in education, marketing, creative fields, publishing, technical writing, online content creation, nonprofit work, law, human resources, librarianship, and academia.
["Critical reading", "Writing proficiency across genres", "Textual analysis", "Interpretation skills", "Communication abilities"]
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