You love literature, writing and communication. You\u2019d like your passions to be part of your online degree program. But you\u2019re not sure which bachelor\u2019s degree is best for you \u2014 English, creative writing or communication studies \u2014 or which of these programs will lead to the rewarding career you want.<\/p>\n
Sound familiar?<\/p>\n
The information in this article could help to make the degree programs seem distinct. And there\u2019s good news about potential jobs for people who choose these programs.<\/p>\n
Liberal arts degree programs, including the three Oregon State University online programs we\u2019re comparing here, focus on building communication, analysis, problem-solving and collaboration skills. Through your coursework, you learn to seek information, collaborate with peers and communicate clearly. Those are precisely the kinds of skills today\u2019s employers want.<\/p>\n
In the 2025 NACE Job Outlook Survey<\/a>, more than two-thirds of responding employers said they\u2019re looking for applicants with strong verbal communication skills, adaptability and analytical skills.<\/p>\n In a separate 2025 survey<\/a>, a majority of senior executives said skills like communication, problem-solving and collaboration are lacking among their younger workers.<\/p>\n The skills you build in the study of English, creative writing or communication online with Oregon State can serve you in any job throughout a long career. And the love of learning you cultivate as a student can help you prepare for new career paths if you decide to pivot into a new field or degree program.<\/p>\n OSU\u2019s English, creative writing and communication studies degree programs share common themes. They\u2019re all broadly related to the expression of thoughts and the sharing of ideas. But who is speaking, how thoughts are distributed and typical career paths are a little different for each.<\/p>\n In the online English bachelor\u2019s degree program<\/a>, you\u2019ll study a wide range of literature, from medieval poems to adapted screenplays to literary criticism. Reading is a key part of your coursework, but written assignments and group discussions offer the opportunity to express your thoughts about each piece.<\/p>\n \u201cThe English major is great for people who want to discuss literary texts in depth and research the worlds they represent and were produced in,\u201d said Rebecca Olson, professor with Oregon State\u2019s School of Writing, Literature and Film<\/a>. \u201cEnglish majors practice building arguments that uncover elements in a text that are not obvious to all or upon a first reading,\u201d<\/p>\n An English degree can prepare you to work as a teacher, technical writer, marketing specialist or editor. Reading works written by others can help you hone core skills like information literacy and critical thinking, which can be applied to almost any job you can think of.<\/p>\n In the online creative writing bachelor\u2019s degree program<\/a>, you\u2019ll study literature across cultures and periods, much like in the English program. But assignments help you to refine your voice as a writer and learn to craft narratives that highlight your experiences, dreams and perspective.<\/p>\n \u201cThe creative writing major is for students who want to explore how to study, create and challenge narratives in their own writing practice, whether it be for personal or professional reasons,\u201d said Brittni Wisner, head advisor with the School of Writing, Literature and Film. \u201cThe core of the major is the genre-specific writing workshop, where students study and develop their own craft.\u201d<\/p>\n A degree in creative writing can prepare you for any type of work that involves writing. You could become a novelist, journalist or technical writer. The strong story development skills you build could also lead to success in marketing. And your ability to think critically and conduct research could lead to success across a wide variety of disciplines and roles.<\/p>\n In the online communication studies bachelor\u2019s degree program<\/a>, you\u2019ll study all forms of communication, including written and spoken. You\u2019ll also explore how people connect and collaborate individually and in large groups while strengthening skills in both evaluating messaging and developing your own.<\/p>\n \u201cCommunication studies deals with the practice of communication. Going beyond writing or speaking, communication is the study of understanding human behavior, developing meaningful relationships and making our voice heard to drive actual change in the world,\u201d said Elizabeth Root, associate professor with the School of Communication<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cA major in communication studies offers critical and strategic insights needed to understand evolving audiences and environments, empowering you to create opportunities for meaningful impact,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n A degree in communication studies can prepare you for a wide range of jobs, from human resources manager to market research analyst to public relations specialist. Your strong skills in strategic messaging, team collaboration and conflict negotiation could also be the basis for deeply rewarding careers across industries.<\/p>\n A liberal arts degree is an investment in your future \u2014 and research suggests it\u2019s a good one. Now, it\u2019s your turn to determine which online degree program is right for you.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still not sure, Oregon State\u2019s Career Development Center<\/a> provides robust tools you can use to explore your options and make an informed choice. Or contact us to learn more about the programs available online through Oregon State.<\/p>\nComparing your three degree program choices<\/h2>\n
English bachelor\u2019s degree<\/h3>\n
Creative writing bachelor\u2019s degree<\/h3>\n
Communication studies bachelor\u2019s degree<\/h3>\n
Explore your options with Oregon State<\/h2>\n
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