June 23, 2025
Well before I began freelance writing, I received a degree in journalism and worked editorial staff gigs at major national magazines and websites. But I frequently get asked if that sort of background is actually necessary to land freelance writing jobs, and if it isn’t needed, how do you become a writer in the first place? (Check out these other freelancer FAQs.)
Find out what a freelancer with a college journalism degree thinks, do you need to have a college degree to become a freelance writer?
Simply put, I don’t think you need a degree to become a paid freelance writer. If you have solid writing skills, have a willingness to send out pitches (and study article pitch examples), and are able to work your connections and your network, I think you can kick-start a career as a freelance writer.
And no, you don’t need to be the world’s best writer to become a freelance writer or to secure freelance writing jobs online.
I don’t even think I’m an amazing writer. (Yup, I said it.) I know that I work hard, maintain my relationships with clients, turn in the work my clients want on time, ensure I’m hitting their benchmarks and exceeding expectations, and I keep following up. (BTW, get this freelance FAQ answered: How to Write an Article Pitch)
There are some instances in which it could be beneficial to get some training on journalism, though. If you feel like you’re not going to become a freelance writer until you enroll in courses or get a certificate, or you need that structure or “kick in the butt” to kind of keep you accountable, then I think it can be helpful to becoming a freelance writer. (Wait, how much do magazine writers make?)
Taking a few classes can also be useful if you’re hoping to do highly reported articles. I think it’s good to learn the basics of reporting and media ethics through some journalism classes.
Just having basic knowledge of article writing is important, but I don’t think you need a Master’s degree in journalism. (Seriously, my freelance writing online course tells you how to get started freelance writing and HOW to write an article.)
Most often, I think an editor reading your article pitch doesn’t care if you have a degree or not. You’re not going to lead with that in your subject line, and you’re not going to mention that journalism degree in your pitch. The editor is going to want to see what samples you have, not a degree.
In general, I think you can be a high school student and start freelance writing. Just don’t tell anybody you’re a high school student. Start writing stuff for your website, and even let the sources you’re interviewing know that you’re writing for your website. I think that’s one of the easiest ways to get some clips. (If you’re a beginner, you’ll also want to check out these freelance writing tips.)
Can you write a pitch and can you deliver on the work? Can you interview sources? Can you write strongly? Then you can be a freelance writer.
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