Northern Essex CC Get a Writing Degree-Learn how to improve your writing, & Career Options

Two Liberal Arts: Writing degree students at a table working on papers.
There is always a demand for people who can write well, from journalists, to speechwriters, to people who are experts at writing user manuals for new products. The Liberal Arts: Writing Degree Program at NECC will teach you how to write for different purposes and audiences.

Why Choose NECC?

Almost every writer has a unique style. At NECC we will work with you to help your distinct voice emerge while exploring the many creative and vocational applications of writing. With this program you can:

Build skills in many different forms of writing, including creative writing, nonfiction, technical writing, and journalism
Have an opportunity to contribute creative writing to Parnassus, NECC’s award winning literary arts magazine
Write for the NECC’s bi-weekly newspaper, the Observer, or Parnassus, the campus literary arts magazine
Pursue a co-op (internship) in communications, publishing, or other writing-intensive fields
Take advantage of MassTransfer Pathways and other transfer agreements to earn your bachelor’s degree in a number of fields, while saving thousands of dollars on the cost of your degree

Because of NECC

You will be prepared to transfer to a large number of bachelor degree programs to pursue many types of careers. You can:

Transfer to bachelor degree programs in English, writing, communications and other liberal arts majors
Pursue entry level jobs in a broad array of fields that require excellent writing skills
Pursue freelance writing assignments in marketing, publishing, and other fields

Career Paths & Job Market

Job Opportunities

Graduates will be able to pursue work as fiction writers, nonfiction writers, technical writers, and journalists and more. Most jobs require a four-year bachelor degree.

Career Paths

For more information regarding career trends, salary, and work settings for writers, please visit: US Bureau of Labor Statistics/Writers and Editors.

Program Pathway

A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for the Liberal Arts: Writing degree.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes

The Outcomes for LA: Writing Option are:

Distinguish writing expectations in a variety of contexts.
Demonstrate an understanding of craft, genre and audience.
Understand appropriate research, writing, editing, and design principles.

Student Learning Outcomes - Liberal Arts: Writing

Write for various purposes and audiences, both personal and professional.
• Distinguish writing expectations in a variety of contexts and settings.
• Demonstrate an understanding of craft, genre and audience.
• Understand a range of available and appropriate research, writing, editing, and design principles.
Examine the craft of writing in creative genres such as fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
• Produce work in a variety of creative styles.
• Construct original works in different genres and construct written narratives through vivid imagery and dramatic action.
• Create main characters or personas with clearly defined objectives and identifiable dramatic arcs.
• Understand craft-related terms.
Discover a generative and collaborative writing process.
• Respond critically and sensitively to the work of other writers.
• Articulate a process of creating and revising writing.
• Self-edit for obvious errors in grammar, spelling, format, and citation.