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A writing degree program consists of degree levels that can be earned by applicants in at least four years, depending on their extent of study and area of specialization. Bachelor’s degrees range from creative writing, to journalism, to English, and are usually offered over a span of four years. These degrees are usually broad in terms of scope, and students might want to take a master’s program in which the fields of study are more specific. There are also certificate programs offered as a less expensive alternative for acquiring a formal education in writing. Many of these are available online for convenience, aside from traditional schools.
A master’s degree requires either a bachelor’s degree prior to application, or at least a long, relevant history in writing. The program is usually available on physical campuses or online, and typically takes a shorter length of time to complete, specifically around one to two years. Master’s degrees in writing offer several concentrations, including biomedical writing, technical communication, technical writing, and creative nonfiction. The program usually culminates in a large-scale presentation, or thesis, depending on the student’s specialization.
Of course one may opt to pursue a doctorate in writing. There are a number of good universities throughout the United States that offer the best for creative writing doctoral programs. These programs may include writing studies, communications and media, as well as technical writing. Earning a doctor’s degree may take several years, and is usually capped by a dissertation.
Coursework
Students in the writing degree program are expected to have a basic knowledge of grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, tone, style and audience. A rich vocabulary may help, as well as a healthy love of reading. Students are taught certain skills that are specific to each specialization. For example, students are taught contextualized wordplay in creative writing, while students in technical writing programs learn a more minimalist, structured style of writing. In the same way, rhetoric writing programs encourage more persuasive methods of writing and how to engage different audiences.
Aside learning to write effectively, students in the program are given reading assignments and expected to perform literature analysis. The program is not limited to individualized study, as lectures and discussions take place between students with teachers (usually established writers and editors) overseeing intellectual discourse. Workshop settings are common, in which students learn to critique each other’s work as well as their own.
Career path
The natural career path to take following graduation would of course be that of a writer, although not many realize that there are several fields in which writers can flourish professionally. Graduates of the writing degree program will find jobs as editors and proofreaders in publications, or setting up freelance writing services. Others may take up blogging, indexing, or enter into public relations and marketing. Grant research and writing, and teaching are other options. Some may follow the creative writing path and publish their own books. Statistics show that a writing degree is not at the top of job preference list, in terms of finances, however, the field does not fall short of personal satisfaction.
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Ashford University
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Earn the Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree you’ve always wanted.Pursue a course of study that covers the full spectrum of modern knowledge – from eMarketing and Cognitive Studies to Sustainable Enterprise Management.
 BA/Organizational Management - English and Language Arts
The Organizational Management program examines the human side of managing organizations, allowing for skill development in communication, group behavior, decision-making, human resource management, and ethics. One of the best things about Ashford University's Organizational Management program is the ability to customize your degree to fit your professional and educational goals. Students with a background and/or interest in English/Language Arts can transfer up to 12 credits of English/Language Arts coursework into their Organizational Management concentration, resulting in a dynamic degree comprised of complementing areas.
Students with a concentration in English/Language Arts possess a passion for the English language. These students will combine their English/Language Arts concentration with organizational skill development in communications, group behavior, decision making, human resource management and ethics, culminating in a well-rounded degree. In addition, Ashford University's transfer policy will allow you to transfer in your English/Language Arts credits no matter when you took them.
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UMassOnline
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Bachelor of Arts with Journalism Studies Individualized Concentrations
Online news and information sites are transforming the field of journalism. You can get the skills you'll need to better work in this ever-changing field through UMass Online's Bachelor of Arts degree with Journalism Studies Individualized Concentrations, an innovative and nationally-known program for adults who have skills and knowledge learned on the job and who've been unable to complete their bachelor's degree. This program?with?Journalism Studies Individualized Concentrations?lets you study with award-winning instructors and top professional journalists and you can earn credit for life and professional experience. Whether your background is in journalism or a completely different field, you'll complete your degree prepared to work in travel writing, sports writing, photo journalism, war reporting, science writing, arts reviewing, citizen journalism and a host of other dynamic fields.
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