So you're considering an online creative writing degree? Smart move – especially if you're juggling work, kids, or just can't relocate for school. But let's be real here: not every program is created equal. I remember when my cousin enrolled in one back in 2019. She thought it'd be all cozy writing workshops, but ended up with pre-recorded lectures and zero feedback. Ouch. That's why I dug deep into this world to help you avoid the pitfalls.
Why Even Bother With an Online Creative Writing Degree?
Picture this: It's 2 AM, you're in pajamas, brainstorming dialogue while sipping tea. That's the beauty of online learning. Forget commuting or rigid schedules. But is it legit? Absolutely – when you pick the right program.
These degrees aren't just for aspiring novelists. I've seen marketing directors, lawyers, and even doctors use them to sharpen their communication skills. The key is finding a program that fits your actual life. Some folks thrive with deadlines, others need flexibility when life blows up. Know thyself.
Who Actually Benefits From These Programs?
- Career-changers: Like my friend Raj who ditched accounting at 38 to write sci-fi novels
- Working parents: Study during naptime? Yes please
- Military spouses: Move constantly? Your classroom follows you
- Chronic illness warriors: Education without hospital commutes
- International students: Skip visa headaches and tuition markups
But here's the ugly truth some programs won't mention: If you dream of traditional publishing connections, some online degrees fall short. Campus programs still dominate those fancy literary networks. Something to chew on.
Cutting Through the Hype: Online Creative Writing Programs Exposed
Let's get practical. When I analyzed 37 programs, three things shocked me:
- Synchronous vs. asynchronous isn't just tech jargon – it's your social life or lack thereof
- Some "renowned faculty" haven't published since the Clinton administration
- The cheapest programs often cost you more in wasted time
The Accreditation Trap
Regional accreditation is non-negotiable. Period. I nearly enrolled in a program with slick marketing until I checked their accreditation status. Warning Sign They used "nationally accredited" like it was a good thing – it's not for academic degrees. Always verify through CHEA.org.
Creative writing specializations matter too:
| Concentration | Practical Use | Grading Harshness |
|---|---|---|
| Fiction Writing | Novels/short stories | Brutal (prepare for ego bruises) |
| Poetry | Literary journals/teaching | Philosophically brutal |
| Screenwriting | Hollywood/streaming | Structurally brutal |
| Technical Writing | Manual writing | Technically precise |
"After three semesters in my online MFA, I realized workshop feedback is either gold or garbage – no middle ground. Demand video critiques, not just typed notes." — Tessa Rodriguez, Southern New Hampshire University grad
The Money Talk: What Online Creative Writing Degrees Really Cost
Prepare for sticker shock. Top-tier programs can hit $65k, while state schools hover around $22k. But here's what catalogs hide:
| Program Type | Tuition Range | Hidden Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Completion | $18k - $42k | Textbooks, software subscriptions ($200+/year) |
| Full MFA | $28k - $65k | Residency travel ($800+/trip), printing theses |
| Certificate Programs | $4k - $12k | Workshop fees, portfolio reviews |
Cheapest doesn't equal best value. I calculated ROI on 15 programs and found mid-priced state schools often delivered better job outcomes than expensive private colleges. Fancy names don't guarantee better teaching.
Financial Reality Check
Can you actually make money writing? Sure – but rarely from literary novels. Most grads I surveyed cobble together incomes:
- Copywriting ($45-85k)
- Content marketing ($50-90k)
- Teaching online courses ($30-60/hour)
- Freelance editing ($0.03-$0.12/word)
One grad told me: "My $52k online creative writing degree landed me a $47k marketing job. Took 18 months to break even." Manage expectations.
Nitty-Gritty Comparison: Online Creative Writing Programs That Deliver
After analyzing student outcomes, here are programs that consistently impress me:
| University | Degree Options | Credit Hours | Per-Credit Cost | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Omaha | MFA | 60 | $315 (in-state) | 4 intensive summer residencies |
| Southern New Hampshire University | BA/BFA | 120 | $320 | 8-week accelerated terms |
| Full Sail University | MFA Creative Writing | 48 | $750 | Entertainment industry focus |
| Arizona State University | BA English (Writing) | 120 | $561-$661 | Prestige + internship network |
I'm wary of any program requiring zero real-time interaction. Writing is collaborative! Look for weekly video workshops. UNO's program nails this – their small-group sessions feel like coffee shops minus the overpriced lattes.
Application Landmines
Most programs want:
- Writing samples (show range!)
- Letters recommending your creative work
- Statements of purpose
But here's the kicker: Some online creative writing degrees have higher acceptance standards than campus equivalents. They're compensating for the remote format. Don't slack on your portfolio.
Surviving the Online Creative Writing Grind
Let's get real: Online learning requires military discipline. My first semester, I wrote 30k words between 11 PM and 3 AM while working full-time. Nearly broke me.
Professor Pet Peeves (From Someone Who Knows)
After interviewing 12 instructors, their universal frustration? Students who:
- Submit first drafts as final work
- Disappear for weeks then demand extensions
- Argue about feedback instead of applying it
One professor confessed: "I give 20% more leeway to online students with kids. Just tell me before deadlines!" Transparency matters.
Career Crossroads: What Comes After the Online Creative Writing Degree?
That diploma isn't a golden ticket. But it opens unexpected doors if you hustle:
- Build relationships during virtual office hours
- Swap manuscripts with classmates
- Volunteer to edit literary journals
Jessica Klein (online MFA '21) shared: "Two classmates beta-read my novel. One introduced me to her agent. That connection got me published."
| Career Path | Degree Required? | Realistic First-Year Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Copywriter | Bachelor's helpful | $42k-$58k |
| Content Strategist | Bachelor's expected | $51k-$67k |
| Literary Agent Assistant | Bachelor's mandatory | $36k + commission potential |
| Adjunct Professor | MFA required | $3k-$5k/course (ouch) |
The grim truth? Many writing jobs don't require degrees. But that online creative writing degree teaches structured thinking – invaluable in content-saturated markets.
FAQ: Online Creative Writing Degrees Unfiltered
Are online creative writing degrees respected?
Depends entirely on the program's reputation. Arizona State's? Absolutely. Random for-profit college? Doubtful. Always check faculty credentials and graduate achievements.
Can I become a professor with an online MFA?
Possible but tough. Traditional MFAs still dominate tenure-track hires. Community colleges are more open-minded though.
How many hours weekly for online creative writing programs?
Bachelor's: 12-15 hours. MFA: 20+ hours during workshop weeks. It's not Netflix-and-write.
Do employers care where I got the degree?
Publishing houses? Sometimes. Marketing agencies? Rarely. Your portfolio always matters more.
Red Flags That Should Scare You Off
Walk away if you see:
- Zero live video components
- Faculty without recent publications
- Vague grading rubrics
- Pressure to enroll TODAY
I once ghosted a program after their "advisor" couldn't name any successful alumni. Big yikes.
Was My Online Creative Writing Degree Worth It?
Ultimately? Only if you manage expectations. You won't graduate as the next Toni Morrison. But you will:
- Think more critically
- Communicate with precision
- Develop killer editing instincts
Pick wisely, work brutally hard, and that online creative writing degree becomes a stealth career weapon – just maybe not in the way you expected.
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