If you are interested in becoming a professional writer, one way to help your resume stand out is to include all relevant schooling. A variety of degree programs will serve you well as you start your career as a writer. Having a degree under your belt will help make you more attractive to potential clients.
Certificate Programs
If you cannot afford the cost of many years of college tuition, a less expensive educational path would involve earning a certificate of some kind. Certificate programs are offered at many online and traditional schools. For example, a certificate in technical writing can be earned online through Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees are typically earned in four years. Bachelor's degrees that might benefit a professional writer range from English to creative writing to communications to journalism. Degrees of this kind can be earned at colleges and universities throughout the United States. In addition, there are many online programs that you might investigate. Generally, these classes are general in scope; upper level courses are more specific.
Master's Programs
For writers looking to enhance their writing in a very specific discipline, a master's degree might be very useful. Most master's programs require you to have either a bachelor's degree or a very long relevant career history. Master's programs are available on physical campuses or through online/distance-learning programs. Master's degree programs have a variety of concentrations, with some programs targeted toward writers, including biomedical writing, creative writing, English, technical communication, creative nonfiction and technical writing. Master's programs often culminate in a thesis or large-scale project presentation, depending on the program. Master's programs generally take one or two years to complete.
Ph.D Programs
Doctorates in a variety of writing disciplines are found at colleges throughout the United States, as well as around the globe. According to an article in "The Atlantic" magazine, the five best Ph.D programs for creative writing in the United States are (in alphabetical order) Florida State University, the University of Houston, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, the University of Southern California and the University of Utah. Ph.D writing programs might include communications and media, technical writing and writing studies. A Ph.D program may take several years to complete and usually culminates in a dissertation.
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