edX Online

Writing learning hub

Explore edX courses and programs for specialized writing skills, whether for creative expression or professional development.

Why enroll in online professional writing courses?

Writing involves using text to effectively communicate ideas and information. This skill helps you:

  • Communicate critical information to stakeholders
  • Showcase the value of your ideas and education to employers or clients
  • Expand job and business opportunities in nearly any sector

With edX, you can learn professional writing skills within your preferred timeline and budget, with options ranging from free two-week courses to four-year degree programs.

Browse online Writing Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

Related Topics

Choosing the right writing program for you

There are several pathways on edX you can take to gain professional writing skills, depending on what you already know and what professional goals you're pursuing.

Learn writing online through courses

Online writing courses can help you build foundational knowledge or hone a specific skill. You can find a course on just about any topic, from rhetoric to storytelling to grant proposals.

Earn a professional writing certificate

If you're looking to enhance your résumé or increase your capacity at work, a Professional Certificate program may be for you. Rather than taking a general writing course, look for options that help you sharpen your skills in a particular area, such as technical writing.

Technical writing skills training through executive education

Executive Education programs on edX are designed to help managers and executives strengthen their writing skills and grow as leaders. and grow as leaders. Participating in these programs can help you communicate more effectively with your team or enhance a particular professional skill, such as business writing or storytelling.

Pursue writing degree programs online

A bachelor's degree or master's degree can be valuable if you plan to pursue writing as a profession. Consider online degree programs in creative writing, English, journalism, or another related field. You may complete coursework on a variety of topics, such as literary theory or the mechanics of communication.

Explore careers in writing and editing

Learning to write more effectively can allow you to pursue careers in a variety of fields. Consider the following roles after you complete your writing course, program, or degree.

High school teacher

The skills you develop from a writing course may help you teach writing to others as a high school teacher. In this role, you may plan lessons, assess students’ writing abilities, grade assignments, work with students in groups or individually to improve their writing, and communicate with parents about student progress.

  • Required education: Bachelor’s degree in education or a field related to the subject you teach
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2024): $64,580
Technical writer

As a technical writer, you might prepare instruction manuals, guides, or articles for publication to a wide audience. This may require deciding what users or readers need to know, conducting research, selecting mediums for communication, and incorporating graphics to make documents easier to understand.

  • Required education: Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field
  • BLS median annual salary (2024): $91,670
Editor

As an editor, you may work with writers to fix spelling, punctuation, or grammar mistakes. You may also verify facts, make decisions about which pieces to include in a publication, develop content ideas, and decide on the best format for presenting a piece of written work.

  • Required education: Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or journalism
  • BLS median annual salary (2024): $75,260

Improve your writing skills for work with edX

Writing is a valuable skill you can use in any role or industry. Explore edX programs, sign up for free, and try an online writing course today.

More opportunities for you to learn

We've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why should I learn writing?

    Learning writing at a professional level can enhance your professional skills and prepare you for a variety of roles across industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

    How long does it take to learn writing?

    The amount of time it takes to learn writing will depend on the learning pathway you choose. For example, you can take a writing course that lasts four weeks, or you can enroll in a degree program that takes four years to complete.

    How hard is it to learn writing?

    Learning writing can vary in difficulty, depending on the type of work you do and how much skill and knowledge you already possess. Coming up with creative topics can be challenging. It can also be hard to understand the best way to communicate ideas to specific audiences. Still, with time and dedication, you can gain the skills you need to succeed in your desired industry.