Similar to other creative professions, there is usually not much educational background to become a write. However, this depends on the type of writing you are interested in and how much natural talent you already possess.
Journalism
In the early days of journalism, there were very few reporters with an actual college degree. Most of the seasoned news veterans simply had a natural knack for writing and a penchant for sniffing out a good story. Things have changed since that time and while there are still some vets around with these types of organic journalism skill, many of today's journalists have a college degree. In fact, more and more media outlets have made this a requirement of employment.
English
A degree in English is certainly not a requirement to become a successful author or even a good writer, but it can help tremendously. The pursuit of just a BA in English is guaranteed to expose you to a range of literature that can open your mind to all of the wonderful components of writing. A degree in English is also a terrific way to get a job as an education instructor with an emphasis in writing.
Philosophy
One of the best things a writer can do is to become educated in philosophy. While there are few job openings for philosopher these days, the things you can learn from studying the great minds of the past from Socrates to Althusser range from the concrete to the abstract. Philosophy is mainly useful for exposing the writer to perspectives quite different from their own and few things are more useful for a writer, especially a writer of fiction, than learning think like others.
Acting
Acting classes are not typically part of a writer's resume, however, for anyone that has ever dreamed of drafting a screenplay, they should be. Taking acting lessons as a writer exposes one to another side of their chosen professional. Writers of fiction should take acting lessons because it is another method for learning how think through a thought process that is different from their own.
History
History is a vital part of the writer's curricula even if he has no intention of writing historical fiction. For that writer, of course, history is essential. For the fiction writer, a knowledge of history can provide a deeper and richer sense of time and place and motivation. The writer of non-fiction articles should study history because knowing what has taken place before can provide explanations for what is happening now as well as offer the opportunity to predict future events.
Technical Writer
Technical writing is one of those writing jobs where a college degree is almost always required, though there will always be exceptions. Most employers looking to hire a technical writer, which is simply a writer who is hired to transform highly technical information into more readily accessible forms, begin by looking for a candidate with a degree in English, communications, or journalism. Employers then narrow those candidates down by focusing on what kind of education they have attained within a narrow field of speciality: law, technology, engineering, design and so forth.
Copywriting
Copywriters prepare writing intended to sell, advertise, or market goods or services. As a result, a writer with a background in marketing or advertising is more likely to impress than one without that educational experience. Writers interest in copy writing jobs should also pursue any classes specifically geared toward editing and grammar. Finally, a copywriter should consider classes in consumer psychology.
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