Creative writing

B.A.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$366 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Become a powerful storyteller and learn how to craft and critique the narratives of our world when you earn your creative writing bachelor’s degree online from Oregon State University. As a creative writing student, you’ll gain the skills needed to interpret a wide variety of literary genres, analyze and critique the writing of others, and create your own meaningful, transformative narratives.

This online program offers close mentorship to support your creative development and equip you with the tools you need to become a skilled storyteller and innovative thinker — a well-rounded writer prepared to excel in a wide variety of professional paths.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online creative writing degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online creative writing degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who are nationally recognized writers and scholars as well as dedicated teachers and mentors.

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Story development and planning
  • Critical thinking
  • Research
  • Literary analysis
  • Publication process
Person in an orange sweater, wearing glasses and working on a laptop at a wooden table with an open notebook
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

Oregon State’s online bachelor’s in creative writing blends extensive training in the craft of writing with rigorous literary studies. You’ll study the principal genres of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Through workshop intensives, you’ll develop narrative skills and receive critical feedback from faculty, peers and other writing mentors.

The online creative writing program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 36 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your degree in creative writing, including:

A group of four people collaborates around a laptop in a bright office space

Additional program features

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers related to creative writing

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online creative writing bachelor's degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. Your skills will directly translate to careers in the entertainment industry, marketing and communications, business, journalism, public relations and more. This program also includes a publishing practicum that offers insights into the realities of publishing and how to navigate work as a professional writer.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to creative writing. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.