Which degree would be somewhat marketable, and good for an aspiring writer, and?

Answer 1

There are the big three to choose from, I think: English (many skills learned, marketable with a teaching credential), Journalism (a whole different set of skills learned, marketable with a really good record, or teaching credential), and Public Relations (a whole new book, marketable in a whole different way...but a good way to make money, and a good way to get your foot firmly in the journalism door; or do it the other way around.) And to be redundent, all of these are best with a teaching credential or higher degrees than B.A.s.

You can also major or minor in screenplay writing, playwriting, theater, library courses-- I have one friend who got her second Master's in Reading (the first was in English) and who then went on to be a professor at a state university teaching students how to read and how to study, since so many came into the system without a clue. She had a great career and feels well-satisfied, now in retirement.

I suggest you talk all of this over with your high school counselor and perhaps begin to talk to counselors at local junior colleges and whatnot to help you decide... my news is kind of old news and you want the best and the latest, right? So go for it! Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm 24 and have a degree in English with a concentration in writing from the University of Wisconsin. I've contributed to a few big named sites like Gawker.com, for instance, and I interned at a very well known comedy channel in NYC.

A degree in English or 2-year creative writing degree perhaps, as far as academic credentials go, is about as good as you would need.

Honestly, when it comes to writing, having the degree is not the toughest part. The MOST crucial part of becoming a writer is WRITING WRITING WRITING WRITING. You need to practice a lot.

Most people don't follow through, simply because if you aren't making a living writing now, then that means you have a another job that takes a lot of your time, and you need to find extra time to write. People give up or they get lazy.

Also, it depends on what field of writing you want to do. TV, Film, Magazine, Newspaper, Books, etc. First decide what area(s) you want to go into.

Then... write and write and write some more. I'm in this stage right now. You have to be a little selfish. Get a laptop or a pad and paper, and go somewhere EVERY DAY -- whether it's a library, your kitchen, etc. -- and write. And don't think you have to write a novel from start to finish. Just write anything you want. If you keep at it, the good stuff will follow.

And that's the key more than a degree: practice and persistence.

But if you want a degree, English is the best way to practice and expose yourself to great writing.

Answer 3

Journalism-It is a way to pay the bills until you write the great american novel-or childrens books, whichever comes first.
A journalism degree allows you to choose from different venues-advertising, newspaper, magazine, journals, radio, television, movies, theater, etc.

Dr. Tommy Skelton

Answer 4

Journalism or a Masters of Fine Arts

Answer 5

Some good majors to look for:

Literature (concentration in your genre)
Creative Writing
General English
Journalism
Education (secondary)
Editing

These will allow you to use your 'writing' mind and earn some money at the same time.