Liberty and Writing: is it worth it?
- L. Taylor
- Jul 18, 2022
- 6 min read
I had the great privilege of attending two, small, private Christian schools from kindergarten through seventh grade. I had a relatively decent experience with both of them, though I personally wouldn’t have chosen to go longer than I did. Come middle school, I decided that I was tired of the mundanity of seeing the same fifteen people every day, all surrounded by the same, four walls. So, with the help and wisdom of my parents, I concluded that I would give homeschooling a try.
At that time, my family and I were attending a church that consisted mostly of homeschooled students. They were all traditionally homeschooled, though, and I wasn’t too sure how I felt about that. My mom looked around at all our options and stumbled across Liberty University Online Academy, a curriculum that fit our budget, expectations, and schedule. Before I knew it, I was a student of LUOA and happier than ever before.
I finished middle school with LUOA and even did my first two years of high school with them. Come the summer after tenth grade, I decided to take on the challenge of dual enrollment, a program that would allow me to graduate high school with my associate’s degree. I was elated at the idea and found myself beginning my first day of college at the tender age of sixteen.
My AA degree was in interdisciplinary studies, a program that is basically my general education. I took a math class, some general English courses, some sciences, and a few electives here and there. It was an incredibly difficult path, but I made it! It was a long two years, but in 2021, I stood on campus of Liberty University in cap and gown, finally holding my diploma and degree. (I’ll do a whole post on dual enrollment later!)
Considering I am headed to authorship and editorship, I knew my AA degree wasn’t exactly what I wanted. I was able to take a few writing classes here and there, but the degree was a general thing. It didn’t zone in on everything I wanted to focus on. Considering that tidbit of information, I decided to continue with school and work towards my BS degree in writing with an emphasis on creative writing. But this only led to another major decision: would I stay with Liberty or find another college?
After intense prayers and seeking wisdom from others, I decided to remain with Liberty. After all, I didn’t have a single complaint about their programs. Better yet, their writing program is the best one I could find. All that being said, I’d like to dissect Liberty’s programs and give you some insight as to why I chose LUO and why I’ll always recommend them!
What does their writing program look like?
I’ll graduate in 2023 with my bachelor’s degree in writing with an emphasis on creative writing, or, if you’re searching for it, it’s a BS: English and Writing: Creative Writing. This degree program will give you tastes of different genres of writing, all of which that aid in furthering and sharpening your skills as a writer. While I focus on and have a passion for creative writing, it has been amazing to venture into other types of writing as well. Just for reference, I’ve listed a few courses you’ll take below:
ENGL 460: Christian Literature
WRIT 304: Novellas
WRIT 305: Inspirational Writing*
WRIT 201: Introduction to Creative Writing
WRIT 400: Editing, Layout, and Publishing
ENGL 322: Shakespeare
In addition to these necessary classes, you’ll also be able to take several electives. I chose to take a few journalism and communication classes, but you are ultimately the judge of which electives you do or don’t take. For creative writers of fiction, I’d recommend taking a few psychology classes! Oddly enough, I found them to be very beneficial in my character development.
*This is one of the most beneficial courses I took as a Christian fiction writer!
Are the professors any good?
I have had great experiences with most of my professors. Of course, I haven’t loved all of them, but for every one I haven’t cared for, there are ten that I have loved. They provide great feedback and have a sincere passion for what they do. I’ve had several professors that are published authors. I’ve been able to shoot them emails and ask about their experiences with getting published; they all have been incredibly kind and gracious enough to let me in on their journeys as writers and authors.
Considering contact with them, professors online go above and beyond in making themselves available. Your main point of contact will be email, but several have offered zoom calls, phone calls, meeting rooms, and even a form of text messaging on a platform called Remind. They all have been phenomenal at reaching out to us as students!
How long will it take?
This is a bachelor’s degree, so the average time it takes is four years. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could make it as short as you’d like. It requires 120 credit hours, so you’re free to take as many or as few classes as you feel up to. Each class is only eight weeks, which makes things fast-paced, but also very convenient.
How much does it cost?
I know a lot of people aren’t super open with getting into the nitty-gritty of costs, but I’m more than happy to discuss it. I’m paying for college out of pocket by myself, so I think it’s only fair that I talk about it!
Firstly, it’s important for you to know that I work a part-time job. At around twenty hours a week, I’m able to afford classes. Things do get tight, but LUO offers payment plans that I have taken advantage of.
The cost of everything is rising now, so I’m not sure how accurate this estimate will be by the time you’re reading this. As of May of 2022, twelve credit hours for online courses cost around $4,850. In doing a little more math, it’s about $1,200 per three credit hour class or around $400 per credit hour. While this does seem like a lot, I’m able to work half days at my job, do school, and still have enough money and time to cover everything.
What makes Liberty different from other colleges?
The main selling point for me was that Liberty is affiliated with New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. Many of my classes have included insight from Kingsbury; I’ve even had the opportunity to read and analyze her work. From presentations directly from her to PowerPoints she sewed specifically for the course, I have sincerely loved getting to glean from her. She has such a heart for the Lord and loves seeing young writers rise up for His glory!
Likewise, many other colleges only offer a generic English degree. They will offer a creative writing class or two, but LU’s writing degree goes beyond that! The courses are designed to sharpen your skills as a writer in every way, not just by reading books and writing papers about them. With LU, you are assigned to write in genres you haven’t dabbled in, and your writing will be challenged as you grow into a skilled writer. Even a class like Christian literature taught me how to further my skills as a writer, not just a reader. This degree is very hands-on, and you will actively receive constructive criticism from your professors and classmates.
Why Liberty?
LU is firmly determined to raise champions for Christ. Each of their degree paths is rooted in the Gospel. Even in a program like creative writing, the student will be introduced to the incorporation of Christianity in their writing and their everyday life. Alongside getting top-notch training and education, you are supported by professors and peers for the best online college experience anyone could ask for.
I have truly loved my years with Liberty, and I wouldn’t choose to exchange them for anything! If you’re looking for a Christ-centered college program that will strengthen you as a writer, I would highly suggest looking into LUO. Becoming a Flame is one of the best choices I have made; perhaps it will be for you, too!
All my love,
L. Taylor
Liberty University, class of 2023
For further information, I’ve attached a few links for you to explore!
Liberty University Homepage
Bachelor’s Degree in Writing
Degree Completion Plan
Course Catalog
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