• List of Writing Schools and Universities in the U.S.
  •  / 
  • Writing

List of Writing Schools and Universities in the U.S.

Writing schools and universities prepare students to write for a variety of mediums, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, books and technical documents. Aspiring editors may also attend writing schools to hone their skills and move up through the profession into an editor position.

View 11 Popular Schools »

How to Select a Writing School

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), authors, writers and editors generally must have a college degree. Certificate, undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. degree programs are available in writing.

To select a writing school or university, a person should consider the curriculum first. Major concentration should be placed on the study of English, communications or journalism. Also, the school should have opportunities for experience in areas such as a school newspaper, magazine and website. Writing contests, writing clubs, workshops and associations are offered on many campuses.

Classes in web design, production, graphics and publishing are also beneficial in a writing program. These skills are especially necessary to enter the work force and perform effectively as a technical writer in a business environment.

Certificate programs are available at some schools in the English or liberal arts department. Requirements for admission into a certificate program may include a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA), a minimum GPA in specific English courses, a completed application and certain prerequisite classes or university credits. Aspiring writers should keep in mind that although many certificate programs are advantageous, a degree is generally required for employment.

Bachelor's degree-seeking students have many choices in majors such as English with a concentration in creative writing, literature or linguistics, communications or journalism.

For admission to a 4-year program, a student must usually provide a writing sample or essay and have a background in English courses with a GPA of 3.0 or above, or 3.5 or above for honors programs. Some schools also require a portfolio and personal statement. Common courses include reading and writing about literature, professional technical writing, composition studies, literacy theory, communication methods and editing.

For those wishing to pursue their graduate or post-graduate degree in writing, a Master's or Ph.D. in English are desirable choices. A student must have a bachelor's degree for entry, preferably in English, communications or journalism. These programs offer the writer stimulating courses in areas such as methods and skills in research, adult learning theory and education, children's literature and writing theory, as well as topics specific to the interests of the student. Most graduate and post-graduate degree programs require a thesis or dissertation, and assist their students with the process in classes and workshops.

Some universities help students build up their resume and gain exposure to agents or publishers. Schools might also offer assistance, such as guidance on converting a dissertation into a book and getting it published.

Writing Schools and Universities in the U.S. by Student Enrollment

College/University Student Population Institution Type
Arizona State University67,0824-year, Public
University of Florida51,4744-year, Public
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities51,1404-year, Public
University of Central Florida50,1214-year, Public
The University of Texas at Austin49,9844-year, Public
Michigan State University46,5104-year, Public
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus44,4064-year, Public
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign43,2464-year, Public
New York University42,1894-year, Private not-for-profit
University of Wisconsin-Madison41,6204-year, Public
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor41,0284-year, Public
Indiana University-Bloomington40,3544-year, Public
University of Washington-Seattle Campus39,6754-year, Public
Florida International University38,6824-year, Public
Florida State University38,6824-year, Public
University of Arizona38,0574-year, Public
University of Maryland-College Park37,0004-year, Public
University of Houston36,1044-year, Public
Temple University35,4904-year, Public
San Diego State University34,8894-year, Public
Show me popular schools

Related to Writing Universities

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Compare and Contrast Essays

If you're a student enrolled in English classes, compare and contrast essays may not be your favorite thing in the...

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Great Reading Response Paper

Depending on your feelings towards the English language and the study of its literature, the thought of having to...

Why Writing Skills Are More Important Than Ever

Digital technology makes a lot of things simpler. It's also causing some cherished forms of communication, like letter...

Make Your Writing Shine: Tips for Perfect Usage

Who takes grammar errors lying down? Not you! Education-Portal.com is here to help you make fewer writing gaffes in...

How To Avoid Common Writing Mistakes

11 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics