Online Degrees in Copywriting: Program Summaries

Copywriters work in advertising, marketing or sales departments to create compelling promotional and informative texts. Because copywriting is a relatively specialized skill, there are no degree-granting online programs specifically in copywriting. Many online degree programs in business administration include classes on copywriting and a degree in business is a standard qualification for professional copywriters.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Good copywriting establishes connections between businesses and their customers. As such, copywriters must have a thorough understanding of both business management and consumer behavior. A business administration degree program draws from economics, sociology and communications to analyze both sides of the purchasing relationship and build skills that can be used for marketing and promotional efforts.

Bachelor Program Information and Requirements

Many online bachelor programs in business administration offer all classes via the Internet, without requiring any on-campus visits. Courses are generally provided through a course management system (CMS) that distributes lectures, readings and assignments and maintains a discussion board for students and teachers. Some classes in visual advertising and web marketing require specialized design and web development software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
Applicants to a business administration degree program are generally required to hold a high school diploma or GED. Most programs take less time to complete than a traditional bachelor's degree, ranging from 15 months to about three years; however, students who have completed previous college coursework may in shorter time.

Common Copywriting and Business Administration Classes

Courses in a business administration program combine economics, sociology, psychology, history and communications to analyze markets, run businesses efficiently and appeal to customers. Aspiring copywriters will find courses on marketing and consumer behavior particularly relevant to their desired occupation.

Consumer Behavior Course

Classes on consumer behavior look at major social and psychological influences on individuals' purchasing decisions. Theories and required course readings typically draw from economics and sociology.

Advertising and Promotion Course

A class on advertising and promotion introduces the principles of effectively appealing to audiences by means of copywriting and design strategies. Various formats and media are discussed, including print and online ads, press releases and direct marketing appeals.

Business Fundamentals Course

A business fundamentals course introduces the basics of accounting, finance, personnel management, corporate strategy and other tasks required to run businesses successfully. The class draws from economics, history and mathematics to explain principles for efficient and effective management.

Advertisement Copywriting Course

In a course on writing advertising copy, students learn to craft rhetorically effective and visually appealing messages to promote various products and services. Courses usually cover a variety of genres and media, including newspaper ads, press releases and web copy.

Career Information for Graduates

Professional copywriters may hold full-time positions in marketing or sales or work as freelancers. There is generally high competition for both salaried and freelance copywriting jobs. As with other writing and editing jobs, there is an industry trend toward downsizing staff members and relying more on freelance workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for those in the writing and editing fields is expected to undergo average growth through 2018 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

Those who already hold a bachelor's degree can pursue further copywriting education through online master's programs in business administration, advertising or marketing with courses in copywriting. There are many online degree programs available, most of which take less than two years to complete. Students learn about advertising and business administration principles in greater depth and may take more advanced courses in communication and design strategies or consumer behavior.
Online certificate programs in advertising and marketing are another option for continuing copywriting education. Some programs are specifically designed to teach Internet and new media marketing techniques, covering search engine optimization (SEO), social networking, and other digital copywriting concerns.