Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. Emily Carter
Ignite your literary journey with an Associate Degree in Creative Writing—cultivate your craft, connect with peers, and unleash your storytelling potential remotely.
Creative writing involves using creativity and imagination to express personal thoughts and ideas. The online associate degree in creative writing helps students explore techniques, methods, thought processes, and skills needed to write novellas, imaginative literature, stories, and more. Students of this program learn to edit and research, analyze various verbal and visual texts, and understand methods of writing and publishing. An associate degree in creative writing is designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year school. Upon graduating with this degree, students can pursue various careers, including Blogger, Copywriter, Author, Web content writer, and screenwriter.
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Featured Online Associates in Liberal Arts Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Associates Programs
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
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Find the Best Online Associate Degree in Creative Writing Programs
Choosing a program can be daunting, but finding the best online associate programs in creative writing involves considering factors like faculty expertise, curriculum depth, and flexibility. With numerous options available, researching each program thoroughly is essential to ensure it aligns with goals and learning preferences. From faculty credentials to course offerings, comprehensive evaluation is key to making an informed decision. Based on several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of the best online associate programs in creative writing:
| Univ | Address |
| Liberty University | 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Associate Degree in Creative Writing
An associate degree creative writing program helps students illustrate originality and creativity in writing genres like contrast-comparison, exposition, narrative, poetry, etc. The program typically comprises 60-72 credit hours, with credits divided between general education, program-specific courses, electives, and institutional requirements. It can be completed in two years. Students learn how to analyze and critically think through verbal and written skills, fostering the ability to approach the works of great authors with a different perspective. Most colleges offer online, offline, and hybrid modes of learning. The program curriculum prepares students for transferring into baccalaureate program work in creative English by establishing a solid foundation in developing writing, research, critical thinking, and communication skills, including English grammar and foreign languages. After graduating with the degree, students can pursue roles such as lyricist, poet, novelist, public relations practitioner, communications specialist, etc.
Curriculum and Coursework
Over the associates degree in creative writing curriculum, students will be able to cover creative writing, composition, and literary analysis, which can be applied to different fields of study. The program will help them develop knowledge related to foundations in writing, literature, rhetoric, and research. After completing the curriculum, students can apply relevant research and theory to critique and analyze written works. They can also create original work that responds to a particular audience or is written for a specific purpose.
Some programs also focus on developing foreign language skills, where students demonstrate at least an intermediate level of proficiency in grammar, syntax, and mechanics of the offered foreign language. The credit hours are divided between general education, program-specific courses, program electives, and institutional requirements. Depending on the institution, it encompasses crucial aspects of English and related subjects. Some standard courses found across several curriculums include:
Composition and Literature
This course helps students understand the art of composition, making writing look well-planned and attractive. Students evaluate literature globally, examining aesthetics, structure, and challenges in writing. The course can strengthen students’ skills in analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and investigating their and others’ ideas, thereby sharpening the learners’ expression of their conclusions.
Introduction to Creative Writing
This course helps students learn the literary complexity, components, and craft of creative writing. Students study selected poems, short fiction, and creative nonfiction essays. They also understand how to create novels of publishable quality and develop creative writing skills that can be transferred to other aspects of writing.
Introduction to Inspirational Writing
This course helps students understand the function and form of inspirational writing and its effect on society. It allows students to study the structure and function of inspirational writing and produce various inspirational writings. Many colleges involve students in writing focused descriptions of personal philosophy, audience, character reviews, contexts, and more.
Editing for Publishing
This course helps students learn editing fundamentals for publishing original writing across different modalities, audiences, and contexts. Students also learn to critically analyze verbal texts and synthesize information in a way that effectively communicates intended messages to audiences, a crucial skill for understanding the world.
Literacy and Critical Inquiry
This course helps students gather, interpret, and evaluate evidence. Students can sustain and extend their ability to communicate clearly and critically reason through language. They also engage in substantial writing or speaking assignments and receive timely feedback from their instructors to understand different stages of the writing process.
Some of the other core courses that students can expect from an online Creative Writing associate degree:
- English Composition
- Intensive Writing
- Intensive English Composition
- Math for Liberal Arts
- Creative Writing Foundations
- Introduction to Literature
- English Journalism
- Journalism: Feature Writing
- Playwriting
- Fictional Writing
- Comics and Graphic Narrative
- Journalism: News Writing
- Native American or Indigenous literature
- Introduction to Shakespeare
- Contemporary urban literature
- Modern European Novel
- World literature from the early modern era to the present
Students can refer to the Associate’s Degrees Guide for more information about an associate’s degree.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A creative writing associate’s degree online program helps prepare students for careers in entertainment, news media, healthcare, public administration, journalism, and more. Upon completing the program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, analyze, and evaluate textual materials across genres, media, and traditions. By the end of such programs, students showcase a range of skills, including the ability to:
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge and insight into different specializations, which can enhance teaching and learning at varying levels of creative writing;
- demonstrate usage of practice-led research and cutting-edge theory to develop structured and planned programs that can be used flexibly to meet the different academic and cultural contexts;
- demonstrate creativity and originality in writing different genres like contrast-comparison, argument, poetry and drama, exposition, narrative, and more;
- demonstrate efficient skills and mastery of mechanics in grammar and syntax of English;
- demonstrate at least an intermediate level of skills in grammar, syntax, and mechanics of any foreign language;
- demonstrate verbal and written skills with the ability to think efficiently about different authors and their notable work, knowledge of critical literary canons, and ability to use other sources of academics;
- demonstrate written and oral communication expertise, which will help in diverse fields of education, public relations, technical and business writing, and more.
Types of Degrees Creative Writing Students Can Obtain
A creative writing associates program equips students with diverse career paths in entertainment, news media, healthcare, public administration, journalism, and beyond. Upon program completion, graduates showcase proficiency in reading, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating textual materials spanning genres, media, and traditions. The Associate of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing stands out as one of the most sought-after degrees in the United States.
Associate of Arts or B.A. in Creative Writing
The Associate of Arts or AA in Creative Writing Program is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college to pursue an undergraduate degree in English and related fields. The program will also require students to take courses and electives to help them critically analyze ideas. Those who want to extend and broaden their understanding of literature and progress their creative writing skills can pursue this degree.
Areas of Specialization for Creative Writing Students
Specializations in education offer students focused study in specific fields, allowing them to explore subjects they are passionate about. This focused approach enhances understanding and expertise, preparing students for specialized careers. Specializations also foster a sense of community among students with similar interests, providing networking opportunities and creating a supportive environment for learning and growth. Typically, the creative writing domain is a specialization of English degrees. However, some colleges provide the option of integrated concentrations to take up with an online creative writing associates degree. Here are a few concentrations that students can consider:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Language and Society | This concentration on language and society will help students focus on the cultural aspects of languages, how they are used in the community, and how they vary across and within the organization. They learn how to represent cultures in which they would function. | Various roles as a Translator, teacher, linguist, blogger, interpreter, and more. |
| Literature | This concentration focuses on students emphasizing interpreting, placing imaginative literature, and reading in different interpretive contexts. It will aim to deepen engagement with literature and highlight various literary works. | Various roles as Teaching, the publishing industry, writing, and more. |
| Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture | This concentration focuses on different kinds of writing, like writing a corporate budget, novel, film script, etc. The program is taught on various levels, including rhetoric, cultural studies, and linguistics. It will help in studying components of languages systematically. | Various roles such as Web authoring, copywriting, speech writing, technical writing, and more |
| Poetry and Poetics | Students will offer a theoretically varied and historical study of poetic theory and poetry in this specialization. They learn about different influential works and learn the language of poetry. It will also help to analyze poetry as a medium of art expression. | Various roles as Poets, literary scholars, and translators. |
| Medieval/Renaissance | This specialization encourages a critical understanding of the Arab-Islamic and European worlds’ multicultural histories, artistic traditions, and literature. | Various roles as Writer, poet, teacher, content writing, and more. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Associate Creative Writing Programs
An associates degree creative writing could equal 60 semester credit hours or around 90 quarter credits. Usually, completing an associate degree in creative writing takes up to 1-3 years in full-time mode. The course load could comprise roughly 20 three-credit hour courses. These credits can be completed in less than two years. This option is viable for students pursuing a college degree while working full-time or part-time. Usually, when individuals want to complete the degree full-time, they can finish it in two years. However, many individuals cannot complete the course load full-time and hence opt for the part-time option of completing the degree. Those choosing to go for accelerated associate degrees in creative writing could finish the program sooner than two years.
Requirements for Getting into an Associate Degree in Creative Writing Program
Students pursuing an online creative writing associate’s degree must adhere to various requirements when applying to organizations in the United States. Candidates typically need to fulfill most of these requirements to qualify for the program, while additional criteria outlined by the institution may be optional. Some of these admission requirements for an associate degree in creative writing are mentioned below:
- Application form with prescribed fee
- Form of admission
- Grade point average or GPA of 2.5 or more
- High school transcripts
- GED scores
- English language proficiency
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- ACT and SAT scores (requirements different for different institutions)
- Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or PSAT scores
- Test of English as a foreign language (for non-native speakers)
How to Ensure an Associate Degree in Creative Writing Program Is Accredited
Accreditation ensures that educational institutions meet quality standards set by accrediting agencies. It serves as a stamp of approval, validating the institution’s programs and degrees. Accreditation helps students make informed choices, ensuring they receive a quality education that meets industry standards and enhances their career prospects. Most Creative Writing Programs are accredited at a programmatic level by an independent body such as the AWP – Association of Writers & Writing Programs1. Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Associate Degree in Creative Writing Students
Free courses, though unaccredited, are invaluable for students. They democratize education, offering access regardless of financial constraints. While lacking official accreditation, they often provide certificates of completion, enhancing resumes and skillsets. They foster self-paced learning, allowing students to explore diverse subjects. Ultimately, free courses empower individuals to pursue personal and professional growth, bridging gaps in knowledge and opportunity. Here are a few free creative writing courses students can explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing2 | This course covers fundamental elements of three major genres of creative writing: short story, memoir, and narrative essay. A master’s method that good writers will use is to compose memorable characters in attractive settings, descriptive styles, and more. | Coursera |
| Novel Writing 3 | This course introduces essential steps students must take before writing novels or other drafts. It provides practical exercises and guides students through the planning stages of teaching critical writing components and bringing a setting to life. | Reedsy |
| Learn English Courses 4 | In this free course, students can access more than ten units, each with more than four lessons. These lessons can be availed by students who want intermediate classes in English. It can also be used by those who wish to improve their English pronunciation and understand other specifics of the English language. | Leo Network |
Ways to Pay for an Associate Degree in Creative Writing Degree
Paying for tuition is tough with increasing student debt, making enrolling in programs like online Associate Degree in Creative Writing hard. Understanding financial options can ease the burden and open doors to educational opportunities. Here are a few ways students can fund their programs:
Scholarships offer vital financial support for students, helping to cover tuition costs without the burden of repayment. These awards can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to fields of study, significantly easing the financial strain of higher education.
Grants provide essential financial aid that doesn’t require repayment, making them an attractive option for those seeking to fund their education. Typically based on need, these grants can come from federal, state, or private sources and are crucial in helping students manage higher education costs.
Graduate assistantship
A graduate assistantship is a form of financial aid provided to graduate students. They engage in teaching, research, or other academic activities in exchange for a stipend and often a tuition waiver. This practical experience supports students financially and enhances their academic and professional skills, making it a highly sought-after opportunity in graduate education.
Student Loans
Student loans are funds borrowed to cover education costs that must be repaid with interest. They can be federal, offering lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms, or private, typically requiring a credit check. Loans allow students to invest in their education when other aid forms might not fully cover expenses.
FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is vital for students seeking college financial assistance. It determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Students can refer to the financial aid guide to understand other funding options and how to pay for college.
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With an Associate Degree in Creative Writing
After graduating with an associate’s in creative writing, individuals unlock diverse personal and financial growth paths. Their storytelling, communication, and critical thinking proficiency open doors to various industry opportunities. Graduates can pursue fulfilling roles that leverage their creativity, while potential earnings reflect their skills and experience, offering financial stability and independence. The program of creative writing associate’s degree is helpful for students who want to pursue occupations in different areas of English and related careers. Some of these occupations are listed below:
- Publishing
- Ghostwriter
- Editor
- Proofreader
- Journalism
- Columnist
- Critic
- News Journalist
- Investigative Journalist
- Copywriting
- Technical copywriter
- Advertising copywriter
- PR copywriter
- Social media manager
Some of the occupations that students can explore in detail are:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers 5 | Reading skills, writing skills, communication skills, and management skills. | $37,130 | 3% (as fast as average) | Preschool teachers typically work in private and public schools and even childcare centers. They care for and educate children younger than five years old and still need to study in kindergarten. Preschool teachers would need a minimum of an associate’s degree. |
| Writers and Authors 6 | Communication skills, creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and compassion and empathy skills. | $73,690 | 4% (as fast as average) | Writers and authors develop content for different media types, including blogs, books, movies, plays, and television scripts. They also craft fiction or nonfiction scripts, biographies, and other formats. Collaborating with editors and clients, they refine content for publishing. |
| Teacher Assistants7 | Planning and instructional skills and communication skills. | $35,550 | 0% (little or no change) | Teacher assistants usually work with licensed teachers to give additional attention and instructions to students. Individuals could work at childcare centers, religious organizations, schools, etc. |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists8 | Analytical, decision-making, and communication skills. | $57,500 | -3% (decline) | News analysts, journalists, and reporters would keep the public updated about critical recent events that the general public needs more information about. Newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and more could employ them. |
| Technical Writers 9 | Critical thinking, detail-oriented, imagination, teamwork, technical, and writing skills. | $80,050 | 7% (faster than average) | Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, journal articles, and other documents, which help to communicate technical and complex information quickly. They develop, disseminate, and gather data through an organization’s communication channels. |
Certifications and Licensing for Associate Degree in Creative Writing Graduates
Certifications offer students a competitive edge by validating their skills and expertise in specific fields. They enhance resumes, demonstrating proficiency to potential employers. Certifications also signify a commitment to professional development and continuous learning, positioning students as knowledgeable and capable candidates in the job market. Below are some of the professional certificates that students pursuing a creative writing associate degree can explore:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language10
The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is an English language certificate program accepted widely worldwide. This certification is essential for students who want to use their English language certifications at foreign universities. These TOEFL scores are usually valid for up to two years.
The International English Language Testing System11
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is designed to help students with professional, migration, and study-related opportunities in countries where English is spoken as a native language. The learner’s ability to read, listen, chat, and write in English is assessed.
ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages12
ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages or AAPPL is an assessment of standards based on language learning across three modes of communication: presentation, interpersonal, and interpretive skills. The National Standards prescribe these skills for learning of foreign language.
The Test of English for International Communication13
The Test of English for International Communication or TOEIC scores will benefit students who intend to complete internships requiring English language skills. Many employers use this exam as a measure of the English proficiency of candidates as either part of their application process or to examine the individuals who work with them.
Additional Resources for Associate Degree in Creative Writing Graduates
Joining associations provides students with networking, skill development, and support opportunities. They offer workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs that facilitate interaction with industry professionals. Students gain valuable insights and connections that enhance their academic and professional endeavors. Those pursuing an associate degree in creative writing can join or refer to the following associations:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| National Council of Teachers of English | In the National Council of Teachers of English organization, members work through collaboration and shared experiences. They support teachers and students in various settings like classrooms, college campuses, online learning, and more. |
| American English | American English is a resource center for learning and teaching about American English culture and language. This website will help students by providing many engaging resources and materials to help them in professional development and academia. |
| Modern Language Association | This organization was founded in 1883 and provided opportunities for the members to share their teachings and findings with members and discuss different trends. They also host annual conventions and other seminars, which will help them work with various members across the organizations. |
| Shakespeare Association of America | The Shakespeare Association of America is a non-profit organization that works to advance academic studies of the plays and poems of William Shakespeare, his theoretical and cultural contexts, and the roles played in the overall world culture. |
| Linguistic Society of America | The Linguistic Society of America helps students to advance the scientific study and application of languages. It is critical to disseminate linguistic scholarships to students, professional linguists, and the general public. The organization has peer-reviewed scholarly research, open-access journals, and conferences. |
FAQs About Associate Degree in Creative Writing Programs
Why should you do an associate’s degree in creative writing online?
An online associate’s degree in creative writing provides the flexibility and comfort to complete an innovative curriculum. Online programs also help students develop self-discipline, organizational, and time-management skills since the coursework must be completed within a stipulated timeframe. It also prepares graduates for remote work, especially in freelancing roles.
How long does it take to complete a creative writing associate degree?
What can you do with an online associate’s degree in creative writing?
Is an associate’s degree in creative writing online worth it?
Is creative writing a lucrative career?
Does an online creative writing associate’s degree provide students with practical experience?
Citations:
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
Learn English Courses-Leo Network
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Preschool Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Writers and Authors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Teacher Assistants
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Technical Writers
The Test of English as a Foreign Language
The International English Language Testing System
ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages