Writing Program at WGU
Are You Looking to Enroll in a Writing Degree Program?
While WGU does not offer a writing degree, we have designed an array of other program options that could align more closely with your career aspirations. The flexibility and comprehensiveness of our programs might reveal paths and opportunities you hadn’t considered within your desired field. By exploring degrees such as a bachelor’s degree in marketing, an MBA, or a master’s degree in marketing, you could discover new ways to apply your writing talent, diversify your skill set, and ultimately enhance your employability in today’s competitive market.
Skills in Writing and Similar Professions
Successful writers possess a variety of skills and abilities:
1. Writing clearly and concisely: Communicating your ideas in a way that is easy to understand and editing your work so that it is free from errors and ambiguity is crucial.
2. Researching: It’s important that you know how to find reliable sources of information, use primary sources, such as interviews or surveys, and evaluate that information critically.
3. Thinking creatively: You must constantly think creatively from different perspectives to come up with new ideas and ways of approaching topics. This means being open to new ways of doing things and experimenting with your writing.
4. Planning and organizing: To produce high-quality work, you need to be able to plan and organize your thoughts. This involves being able to create an outline or structure for your work before you start writing and being able to break down a task into smaller, more manageable parts.
5. Persevering: Writing can be a challenging task, and it is often necessary to persevere in order to see a project through from start to finish. This means not giving up when you encounter setbacks or obstacles along the way.
4%
According to the BLS, there is a steady increase in demand for skilled writers in the coming years. 4% growth is expected from 2021 to 2031.
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing
WGU’s bachelor's degree in marketing offers a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of marketing, equipping aspiring writers with valuable skills for their future endeavors. Students learn key marketing strategies such as product positioning, targeting specific audience segments, and utilizing communication channels effectively to convey a brand's message. On top of that, WGU’s bachelor’s in marketing helps to enhance critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities, which are vital for crafting engaging content tailored to diverse readers. A solid foundation in consumer behavior, market research, and analytics enables writers to better grasp their readers' emotions and preferences, ultimately delivering stories, articles, or copywriting that leaves a profound impression. By embracing these essential marketing skills, WGU graduates will be well prepared to captivate their audiences and forge a successful writing career.
Master's Degree in Marketing
WGU’s master’s degree in marketing is an advanced-level program designed to enhance students' understanding of potent strategies and innovative techniques for effective promotion in today's ever-evolving business world. It significantly propels writers to excel as leaders in their respective fields by providing crucial insights into consumer behavior, market research methodologies, digital marketing tools, as well as a focus on building strong brand identities. With a heightened understanding of marketing channels and platforms, those possessing a master's in marketing can tailor and target their content expertly, reaching a wider audience and resonating with their desired market segments. This multifaceted educational experience, coupled with the skills acquired throughout the program, enables marketing graduates to successfully navigate the diverse and competitive landscape of modern marketing, creating a profound impact on the businesses and industries they serve.
Master's Degree in Business Administration
WGU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree imparts vital skills and knowledge that can propel writers to become leaders in their respective fields and successfully manage content teams. This advanced degree delves into essential business concepts such as strategic management, finance, marketing, and human resources, which can significantly enhance a writer's proficiency in both understanding the nuances of their field as well as communicating those insights effectively. Additionally, an MBA program includes components of leadership development that train professionals to inspire teams, manage resources, and facilitate collaboration—critical attributes for those responsible for directing content creation efforts.
What does a copywriter do?
Copywriters create content, whether in the form of an advertisement, a website landing page, or a sales letter, that persuades readers to take action. Because copywriters help businesses drive sales, they are a valuable asset to organizations that want to boost digital or physical engagement and increase revenue.
What does a content marketer do?
A content marketer needs to be both a storyteller and a data analyst. They are the architects of compelling stories and persuasive messaging that appeal to the consumers' emotions and needs, allowing brands to build a lasting relationship with their audience. The goal of a content marketer is to work as a part of the company's overall digital marketing strategy by identifying and engaging with the target audience in meaningful ways.
What does an editor do?
It’s an editor’s job to oversee a piece of writing from inception to publication. Depending on the type of writing they’re editing, this can include honing the framing and structure; ensuring that facts are accurate and the sources credible; making suggestions about how to improve the writing; eliminating unnecessary sentences or paragraphs; and correcting grammar and spelling mistakes. Essentially, an editor holds the key to unlocking the true potential of a written work and ensuring that it shines brightly amidst a sea of content.
What does a communications manager do?
Communications managers oversee a company’s internal and external communications. Responsibilities of this role include defining the company’s voice, developing and managing the company’s communication strategy, writing internal guides and resources, managing client- and customer-facing communications, and ensuring that all business communications are in line with the company’s mission and goals.
What does a technical writer do?
A technical writer holds a crucial role in bridging the gap between complex information and user comprehension, in formats such as instruction manuals, tutorials, and educational resources. These skilled professionals specialize in translating intricate technical concepts, systems, and products into easily accessible language.
What does a PR writer do?
A public relations (PR) writer plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining a company's image and reputation. Tasked with developing and implementing strategic plans, PR writers work tirelessly to build mutually beneficial relationships with media professionals, key influencers, and clientele. They are responsible for crafting compelling press releases, organizing media events, collaborating with marketing teams, and managing crisis communications.
What does a research analyst do?
Research analysts collect, verify, organize, and analyze data before they use it to reach key business conclusions and make recommendations to their employers. These analytical experts contribute to the development of innovative solutions and products by studying customer behaviors, preferences, and demands.
$69,510
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of writers in 2021 was around $69,510, which clearly showcases that there is potential for a thriving career in this field.
Why Choose WGU?
Why should you choose a marketing or business administration degree from WGU over a degree from another school? Here are a few reasons a WGU degree is a smart choice:
- It’s affordable. Our low, flat-rate tuition is charged per six-month term and covers as many courses as you complete in that time.
- It’s career-focused. WGU’s degree programs are designed with your future employment and success in mind, so the skills you learn will translate directly to your management career.
- It’s accessible. Our scholarships and financial aid make college even more affordable along with our already-low tuition.
- It’s flexible. Thanks to our competency-based education model, you can pass courses by proving what you know, meaning you can speed up your program and potentially graduate faster.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Writing is a great option if you enjoy expressing yourself with words and writing about topics that matter to you. But if you’re passionate about turning it into a successful career, there are many paths and roles to consider besides writing books. With a degree in marketing, you can pursue a variety of jobs such as copywriter, content marketer, editor, communications manager, technical writer, PR manager, and research analyst. These positions can earn you a higher salary, expand your skills and expertise, and make you highly marketable to employers.
Business
Marketing – B.S.
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Communication
- Marketing
- Sales
- Management
- Project Management
- Product Management
Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.
Business
Marketing – M.S.
Two online marketing master's degree options with a focus on either...
Two online marketing master's degree options with a focus on either digital marketing or marketing analytics.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish WGU master's programs in 18 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
- Specialization: Students choose from two specializations to focus their marketing studies on digital marketing or marketing analytics
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Management
- Strategic Planning
- Digital Marketing Analytics
- Presentations
- Market Research
- Communications
A marketing master's degree will help you prepare for a wide range of exciting marketing careers.
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
