Freelance Writer: Career Diploma Programs

About this article
Writers and those who enjoy writing or have a way with words may be interested in pursing a career in freelance writing. By enrolling in a freelance writer degree program or other creative writing program, students will leave with the skills to effectively write a variety of publication and communication pieces. Those with a freelance writer degree can look for careers in news production, television and movie script writing, public relations and advertising, book publishing, or self-employment. Read on to find out more.
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Reasons to Earn a Degree in Freelance Writing

Freelance writers have the opportunity to produce materials such as articles, books, movie scripts, and communication pieces for public relations and advertising agencies. With a degree in freelance writing, there is a multitude of possibilities including online writing, which is becoming increasingly popular and in high demand.

Freelance Writer Career Possibilities

Occupational Outlook and Demand

Because many people are attracted to this occupation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that writing jobs are competitive with employment opportunities expected to grow as fast as average in the next seven years. The BLS also mentions that online publications are becoming increasingly popular and those writers and editors with Web experience may find an easier time in the job market.

Salary Information

A third of writers in 2004 were self-employed or freelance, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook and as such, salary ranges are all over the board as individuals charge their own rates. The OOH reported that salary writers in 2004 earned between $31,720 and $62,930 a year.

Freelance Writer Degree Specifics

Coursework Requirements

Writers, depending on the specific program or area of interest, can be found taking a variety of courses from technical writing to news writing. Some of the general classes taught in all areas of writing programs include:

  • AP or Chicago-Style Handbook Writing
  • Writing for Business
  • Fiction, Nonfiction and Other Writing Genres

Skills Learned

In addition to honing your creative skills, a degree in freelance writing will leave you with the skills to:

  • Work with clients and customers effectively, providing them with the right writing resources
  • Conduct research and establish resources for writing projects
  • Write for a variety of genres and audiences

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
    Bachelor's
      • B.A. in Professional Writing for New Media
      • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
      • BA in Digital Film - Screenwriting
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • PHD: Communication
    Certificate
      • CTG: Communication
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Saint Leo University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • MA: Creative Writing - Poetry
  • Online Programs Available
    4. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Campus and Online Programs
    5. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • Communications Bachelors with Creative Writing Concentration - Campus
      • Bachelor of Fine Arts - Creative Writing for Entertainment
      • Communications Bachelors with Media Communications Concentration - Campus
  • Ames, IA

    Iowa State University

  • University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Harrisonburg, VA

    James Madison University

  • East Lansing, MI

    Michigan State University

Featured Schools

The schools and programs listed below are popular educational options, and tuition varies based on program and location

Grand Canyon University

  • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
  • B.A. in Professional Writing for New Media
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships

What is your highest level of education?

Liberty University

  • PHD: Communication
  • CTG: Communication

What is your highest level of education?

Saint Leo University

  • MA: Creative Writing - Poetry

What is your highest level of education completed?

Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

What is your highest level of education?

Full Sail University

  • Communications Bachelors with Creative Writing Concentration - Campus
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts - Creative Writing for Entertainment
  • Communications Bachelors with Media Communications Concentration - Campus

What is your highest level of education?

University of Maryland Global Campus