Exploring the Top Online Writing Degree Programs

In today's digital age, the content is ubiquitous. The demand for skilled writers has never been greater. Every company, from tech giants to local businesses, seeks professionals who can write skillfully and proficiently.

Whether it's crafting reports, webpages, advertisements, articles, or other written materials, the need for talented writers spans across industries and sectors. An online degree in English and writing opens a world of possibilities. You can get equipped with the expertise to thrive in tech companies, engineering labs, newspapers, magazines, and various other dynamic fields. You could even become a professional EssayWriter or even a language tutor.

With the rise of remote learning, earning a bachelor's degree in English and writing has become more accessible. That's great news for people with a busy schedule who can't attend on-site classes.

Let's dive right into the top ten undergraduate online writing degree programs.

1. Liberty University, Bachelor of Science in English and Writing

Liberty University's Bachelor of Science in English and Writing - Creative Writing is a flexible online program designed to equip students with essential skills in creative writing, technical writing, literary analysis, and research.

Throughout the program, students delve into classic literature, including Christian literature and authors, while honing their creative, grant, technical, and inspirational writing abilities. Featured courses, such as Composition and Literature, Modern Grammar, American Realism and Naturalism, and Introduction to Creative Writing, enrich students' writing insight and foster critical thinking and expression.

Graduates of the program can explore various career paths, including authorship, editorial roles, professional blogging, public relations, and social media coordination. Another promising career option would be to be a writing tutor for students who buy essay samples online or struggle with English or writing in general, for example, TOEFL students.

2. Missouri State University, Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing

Missouri State University offers an Online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing program, combining superior writing abilities with essential computer skills. Graduates of this program find rewarding career opportunities in government, technology, and healthcare fields.

The major requirements for this degree program entail a minimum of 36 units, while students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50. Students must have a combined GPA of 2.50 or higher (Missouri State and transfer) or a GPA of 2.75 or higher for the most recent 30 hours of coursework to be admitted to the degree program.

3. University of Colorado Denver, Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology

The University of Colorado Denver offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology. The program provides a comprehensive exploration of professional and academic writing.

This degree introduces students to the broad scope and diverse applications of professional writing, offering a foundation for numerous career opportunities. The program costs $465 per credit for out-of-state students, with 120 credit hours.

Students can specialize in one area through journalism, communication, creative writing, and digital production electives. With this degree, you could become a web content manager, a technical writer, or even an academic writing tutor.

4. Indiana University East, BA in English, Technical and Professional Writing

Indiana University East's BA in English, Technical, and Professional Writing prepares students for various rewarding careers, from technical writing to editorial roles. The program requires 120 credit hours, allowing the transfer of credits from two-year and four-year accredited institutions. Admissions requirements vary, making the program accessible to students nationwide.

Core courses cover topics like advanced study of literature, reading, writing, and professional writing skills. With a strong curriculum and diverse career opportunities, this program equips graduates with the skills needed for success in the writing field. Potential career lines may include everything from technical writers, documentation specialists, copywriters, and editorial assistants.

5. Florida International University, Online Creative Writing Degree Program

Florida International University (FIU) boasts the highest number of "Quality Matters" certified courses among public institutions nationwide, with an impressive 400 QM-certified online courses. This certification ensures students experience the most up-to-date and highest-quality courses in their degree program.

The Creative Writing degree program at FIU Online covers comprehensive courses to hone students' writing skills. The curriculum includes lower-division, common prerequisites, upper-division requirements (major core), and additional approved electives.

6. UCF Online, Online Bachelor's in Creative Writing

University of Central Florida's online Bachelor's in Creative Writing program equips students to shape the world through language and writing. With diverse courses and a focus on developing strong writing and critical thinking skills, graduates are prepared for successful careers in various fields.

Application deadlines are available for Spring, Summer, and Fall terms, allowing flexibility for prospective students. The program allows students to refine their writing, explore unique ideas, and cultivate the essential skills required in today's job market.

UCF is one of the costlier options on this list, with $715.80 per credit hour for 120 credit hours. The course covers creative writing, fiction writing, and advanced poetry. Career prospects include copywriter, journalist, playwright, publisher, and technical writer.

7. University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing

The Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock offers a comprehensive curriculum, preparing students with practical writing, editing, and document design skills. With non-fiction and technical writing concentrations, students can tailor their studies to align with their career interests.

The program emphasizes written and rhetorical literacy to meet the demands of the modern workplace. Second-language proficiency is required; students must complete at least 120 hours, including major requirements and upper-level courses. With various career opportunities, graduates are equipped to excel as technical writers, teachers, freelance writers, and more.

This program offers one of the more affordable options, with tuition at $292 per credit hour for 120 credit hours. Graduates can pursue various roles, including technical writers, grant writers, non-fiction writers, and copywriters.

8. Indiana University East, Online Bachelor of Arts in English

Indiana University East offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Literature, providing a comprehensive study of British, American, and world literature. This concentration is ideal for students aspiring to pursue graduate studies in literature.

The curriculum encourages students to immerse themselves in the British and American literature sequences while also gaining an appreciation for non-English works of literature through world literature courses. Starting with Introduction to Advanced Study of Literature and concluding with Introduction to Critical Practices, students explore major authors, periods, and critical practices.

The program encompasses 120 credits. To fulfill the degree requirements, students must take at least 36 credit hours at the 300 level or above, with a minimum of 18 credits in the major. A crucial aspect of this concentration is maintaining a 2.0 (C) or above grade in all major/concentration area courses.

Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career opportunities in advertising departments, human services agencies, business and industry, colleges and schools, magazines and newspapers, public relations firms, publishing companies, and research and development firms.

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers accredited online English degree programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, providing flexibility for busy undergraduates. Whether online or on-campus, students receive the same high-quality materials and courses.

The program covers various essential skills such as linguistics, writing, research, and analysis, preparing students for careers in writing (fiction and non-fiction), marketing, teaching, education, and communications.

The admissions process requires application forms, official transcripts, and optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants. Financial aid options include scholarships and federal loans. With multiple start dates and the same professors for both online and on-campus classes, ASU's English/Writing program is quite flexible.

10. Texas Tech University BA in English

Texas Tech University's English Department offers reputable online English degree programs from award-winning faculty. The Guide to Online Schools ranked their program #2 for value, highlighting the low cost and graduates' success. Texas Tech's focus on workforce preparation earned it a top-ten ranking among universities in a survey of business recruiters. As a top 3% university globally, Texas Tech's Online B.A. in English ensures accessibility for students with full-time jobs. All required courses are available online, accommodating various schedules.

Courses are offered in two formats during fall, spring, and summer semesters: entirely online or hybrid, where online students join onsite students through video links. This approach facilitates active participation in classroom discussions using user-friendly apps like Zoom and Skype.

The program covers Creative Writing, Literature & Language, and English Teaching, with courses like Advanced Creative Writing, Essentials of College Rhetoric, and Language & Community. The degree comprises 120 credits, and financial aid options include grants, scholarships, employment, and loans.

Final Words

If you aspire to excel in writing, these undergraduate programs provide a solid foundation for careers as technical writers, editors, educators, and more. The demand for skilled writers continues to grow, making these online writing degree programs valuable and practical options for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in language and communication.

Each university highlighted here offers unique strengths, such as Liberty University's incorporation of biblical principles, Arizona State University's flexible study schedule, and Indiana University East's concentration in literature. Students can choose programs that align with their goals and priorities, gaining essential skills in professional writing, creative writing, and literature analysis.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Can Buying Another Smartphone Solve Your Smartphone Addiction?

Smartphones are immensely useful devices that have made life far easier to live than might have been the case otherwise, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, they also give rise to smartphone addictions. The manner in which they have been designed is in many ways optimized to make it so that you are unable to stay away from them for very long, with the average American spending a third of their day looking at screens.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the solution to smartphone addiction might not be to check your screen time or to alter the color scheme to reduce dopamine response. Rather, some are suggesting the unique proposition which is to simply buy another phone.

Phones are a necessity in this modern day and age, so you won’t be able to get very far without one in your hands. A Twitter personality by the name of George Mack suggested the novel approach of using two phones.

One of these phones is the so called “kale phone” because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing you to be productive. It will include reading apps, news apps and anything else that might be useful or necessary with all things having been considered and taken into account.

How I fixed my smartphone addiction:

I have 2 phones - Cocaine Phone & Kale Phone

Here's how it works:

1. The Smartphone Paradox - Your phone is a gateway to the world's best knowledge -- and the world's best distractions.

It's like having the best teachers, strip clubs, and… pic.twitter.com/Ol5YZyTRf8

— George Mack (@george__mack) July 18, 2023

The second phone is what he is referring to as the “cocaine phone” since it is chock full of apps that are not necessary but are entertaining to one extent or another. He limits the usage of this phone to 12pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends so that he can enjoy it without it taking over his entire life.

This can create a situation wherein you might actually start to crave your kale phone after spending more than an hour on your cocaine phone. Tricking your brain like this could be the key to cracking your smartphone addiction and availing the advantages of this tech with none of the downsides as long as you stick to the schedule.

Read next: Each $1 Spent on Email Marketing Provides $21 ROI, New Study Shows
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Meta’s Latest Performance Update Displays Strong Results With Facebook Adding 27 Million New Users

The latest earnings call for Meta is out and the company has recorded a massive win for Facebook with the app’s userbase rising by 27 million in Q2 of 2023.

This means the company’s total figure for monthly active users has struck the 3 billion mark and this is the first time ever that we’re seeing this take place for Meta. Hence if you think the famous Blue app is going anywhere soon, well, think again.

Most of the growth in users was interestingly arising from the Asian region and we’re seeing an immense rise in users in places like India as well as Indonesia. The justification provided by tech experts regarding this finding is how connectivity in these places is definitely increasing as developing markets make the move to bring more users online. Hence, they are more likely to get into an app while growth across the EU and the US is still quite at a standstill, which definitely means the adoption is already quite high in these places.

Figures for usage in Facebook saw a decline in the EU region for the second time, and that’s after seeing a slight rise in Q1 of this year.

We agree that the platform may not be the most trending when you’ve got so many more choices out there but it does make some sense as to why people are taking a step back and demand is waning in markets where it has already established its stronghold.

Yet, we have to give Meta credit because Facebook reaching the 3 billion figure for monthly active users is definitely something worth celebrating. And right now, there is yet to be any other app coming close to that stage.

The figures for revenue turned out to be $32 billion and that’s a massive 11% rise when compared to 2022. See, right now, the challenge is linked to Meta witnessing growth in many developing regions but not getting enough revenue from established regions. And we might be seeing a while before new users get the right kind of profit.

Nevertheless, the $32 billion figure is quite strong and we’re seeing a shift in economic conditions. This would reinforce the firm’s ongoing strength and ensure the newest developments in today’s advertising sector.

• Also read: Meta’s Threads May Be Soaring But Its Reality Labs Is Dwindling With Losses Worth $21 Billion

Coming down to the firm’s performance with ads, the company claims that its ad impressions saw a rise of 34% when compared to last year during the second quarter. But the price point was not where the firm would want it to be, declining by 16%.

The company is still going to find some more advertising chances and make new placement decisions. Clearly, more ads would affect user’s experiences on the apps but still, the figures for usage are not disturbed, ironically, keeping in mind that rise.

Moreover, let’s not forget how all of this is before we even begin to consider the great potential that ads would have on Meta’s Threads apps. This is not something the firm is planning right now but we might be seeing it arise soon.

Read next: Mark Zuckerberg Is Confident Threads Will Reach 1 Billion Users Soon As Meta’s Q2 Earnings Call Shows Promising Results
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Fast Charging Smartphones Compose 80% of Global Sales

As new and improved tech makes its way to consumers around the world, this tech rapidly starts to turn into a must-have for any consumers that are thinking of buying something that is within that niche. In the first quarter of 2023, 80% of the global smartphone units that were shipped had fast charging applications, which represents a 7 point increase year over year.

Back in 2022, this proportion sat at around 73%. In 2018, just 29% of all the smartphones sold in the world had fast charging capabilities. This seems to suggest that this is becoming an even better requirement than might have been the case otherwise.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the level of power offered by these fast charging devices is also going up. In the first quarter of 2022, these devices were capable of providing 30 watts of power on average. By the first quarter of 2023, this average had gone up to 34 watts with all things having been considered and taken into account.

One thing that bears mentioning here is that people tend to use their smartphones upwards of 5 hours a day. Fast charging is therefore essential because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping them connected to their friends and family.

China appears to be leading the charge here, with the East Asian nation playing a role in standardizing fast charging tech. Other Western corporations may be forced to follow suit, otherwise they will give way to China’s dominance which is starting to seem more and more unassailable as the years go by.

5G connectivity and smartphone gaming are just two of the things that are draining smartphone batteries more quickly, and consumers will require fast charging to compensate for that. Larger batteries and more efficient chipsets could also play a tremendous role here, and it will be interesting to see which of these options ends up becoming more prevalent as smartphones continue to up their energy consumption in the future.

H/T: Counterpointresearch

Read next: Shifting Fortunes: Unraveling the World's Leading Economies from 2022 to 2075
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Twitter's X Rebrand: Love It or Hate It, The Battle Rages On!

Once upon a time, in the fast-paced world of social media, a brilliant tech entrepreneur named Elon Musk thought that Twitter needed to undergo a miraculous metamorphosis. He presented the enigmatic "X" brand for Twitter, and the social media world erupted in shouts of anger! This X branding seems a big issue, with one marketing expert calling it "completely irrational." But wait, there's more to this magical story!

A smart crew of CivicScience researchers performed an online poll to understand the reality behind the X rebrand's appeal. Over 5,000 people participated in this adventure, with over 1,000 of them being fearless Twitter users. The results showed a surprise! While over a third of all respondents were unhappy with the shift, a brave 14% remained upbeat.

When the researchers dug deeper into the charmed data, they discovered that the tale took a different course among contemporary Twitter users. The courageous souls who utilized the site daily were 36% favorable about the shift and 27% negative. Meanwhile, weekly users had similar sentiments, with 43% positive and 27% skeptical of the X makeover.

But there's more magic in this story! Threads, Meta's newly minted Twitter competitor, played an important influence. Almost a third of Threads users were interested in utilizing the mysterious X, while another 28% were moderately interested. According to CivicScience's studies, 60% of Threads users were fascinated by the X's attractiveness.

Though the poll provided some enthralling insights, remember that the charming findings were restricted in scope. With around 250 million daily average Twitter users, the study only received replies from a few thousand people. Not to mention Elon Musk's ardent followers, which may have added a little additional zeal to the mix.

However, as we continue this fanciful voyage, we must prepare for the plot twist. The future of X, with its promised additional capabilities such as financial services, remains hazy. Alas, 40% of daily Twitter users and a daunting 51% of weekly users expressed disinterest in embracing the magical X with its upcoming changes. Our hero may be in for some rough days ahead!

Let us enter another dimension where a new story is being told. System1Group, a courageous bunch, embarked on an adventure to assess customers' real-time emotional responses to social network logos. The fearsome Twitter X logo stood tall among them, braving the scrutiny of 500 brave testers.

The researchers uncovered something unexpected when using their Test Your Idea software, which rated emotional intensity and potential profitability. The X logo elicited the highest Emotional Intensity score, eliciting "disgust" among responders.

The simplicity of the white X on a black backdrop, devoid of vivid aspects of nature such as birds, water, or the sun, was the source of this mystical repulsion.

The real twist in this story occurred when the Star Rating was disclosed. The Twitter bird emblem extended its wings and flew with a modest 1.5 Stars on a 1 - 5-Star scale. Reddit came in second with 1.4 Stars, while Threads received a respectable 1.3. Unfortunately, both Twitter X and Truth Social received a 1.0 rating.

As we go deeper into the realm of logos, it becomes clear that social media may be suffering from sensory overload. The proliferation of platforms has confused customers, and a shortage of appealing logos may add to their dissatisfaction.

So, my readers, while the beautiful Twitter X redesign continues to enchant the online world, we must recognize the conflicting emotions it has elicited. Some users have been charmed, while others have been disenchanted. Only time will tell whether this mysterious X will endure the test of time and bring more joy or ire to the social media globe. Until then, keep an eye out for the next chapter in the ever-changing story of the IT world!

Read next: Social Media Trends In Perspective: Which Apps Reign Supreme And How Usage Is Changing With Time
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Should AI Weapons Be Legal? 61% of People Say No

The rise of AI has created numerous opportunities for automation that can make things easier to accomplish than might have been the case otherwise. In spite of the fact that this is the case, it also brings its fair share of dangers to the table. Perhaps the most threatening aspect of AI is the manner in which it can be used to create weapon systems that possess automated payload delivery, and it is easy to see how this can destabilize the global status quo.

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that 61.3% of adults around the world feel like these types of weapon systems should be banned with all things having been considered and taken into account. However, it bears mentioning that these results varied from country to country, with some notable examples showing a striking willingness to not just legalize but also normalize automated weaponry of all kinds.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Sweden showed the most support for a widespread ban on AI based weapon systems, with 76.1% being in favor of a ban. Turkey came in second with 73.2%, followed by Hungary with 70.4%. Outside of this top three, no other country surpassed the 70% mark, although many of them expressed more approval for a ban than the global average.

Germany, Mexico, Spain and South Korea showed above average desires to ban these types of weapons, sitting at 67.8%, 66.3%, 65.8% and 64.8% respectively. However, some other nations showed a less than average level of intent to enact such a ban.

In India, just 35.7% of people said that they feel like automated weapons should be made illegal by some kind of international authority. 47.3% of French people agreed, which means that a majority of France’s population does to appear to believe in a blanket ban.

Some of the most powerful countries in the world, namely the US and China, showed a below average desire for a ban with 55.4% and 52.5% respectively. This does not bode well for the future of global peace and harmony.

H/T: Statista

Read next: Embracing the AI and Automation Era: IT Demands Soar, Reveals Salesforce Survey
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Each $1 Spent on Email Marketing Provides $21 ROI, New Study Shows

Email marketing is proving to be a worthy contender for businesses because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing them to connect with all of their customers. Small businesses in particular can use email marketing to obtain far more customers than might have been the case otherwise, and it is interesting to see just how massive of a return on investment this can provide.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 75% of businesses that spent $100 or less on email marketing ended up receiving $2,100 ROI on average. As for businesses that spent up to $500 on email marketing, their ROI turned out to be $31 for each dollar spent, coming up to $15,500 in total.

This is interesting since 57% of businesses spend between $100 to $500 on email marketing with all things having been considered and taken into account. In spite of the fact that this is the case, there are some challenges that small to medium businesses are facing as far as email marketing is concerned.

46% said that it is a struggle for them to find the very best service providers that could offer them tools to help with this process. 43% said that enticing customers that get their emails to clicking on them or even opening them was a singularly significant challenge. Surprisingly, 42% said that getting the right kind of ROI was the problem, although this might be due to them not investing as much as they should into this space.

32% of businesses that send out email marketing do so on a daily basis, with 33% sending out at least one marketing email every single week. 30% of these businesses said that their primary goal is to find new customers, with 28% trying to increase awareness for their brands. A further 27% are attempting to provide more information on their latest products and services, with 26% apiece saying that they want to boost web traffic and user engagement respectively.

H/T: Upcity

Read next: PR Reps Earn Twice As Much as Journalists on Average
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World