How to write articles about getting a {Degree Type}

How to choose the right degree is one of the most common article themes you'll find on Noodle. When thorough and well-executed—which yours will be, if you follow this guide—articles comparing, choosing between, and deciding on degrees are immensely helpful to readers.

In this guide to writing articles about degree types, we explain:

• How to define your audience
• Questions your audience is asking
• How to use those questions to structure your article
• How to answer those questions thoroughly and effectively
• How to write strong headlines, introductions, and conclusions
• Strategies to make your article easy to read
• What the "right" images look like
• Additional resources for writers

Writing isn't easy, but the good news is that there's no right or wrong way to do it. The below template is our version of Google Maps: We'll point you toward the most efficient and effective route(s), but ultimately you decide how to get there. While many of the best authors of degree-specific articles are people who have earned those degrees themselves, any writer willing to do the research can cover this subject.

Before you get started, check out how other authors tackled this subject. FWIW, just because someone else has already written about "your" degree type shouldn't stop you from trying to do it better.

• Why Get an MBA in Healthcare Administration?
• 7 Great Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Computer Science
• Why Get a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education: Top 10 Reasons

__Also, in order to self-publish articles on Noodle, you need to create a profile.__

Know your audience before you start writing.

By identifying the most likely readers of your article—and why they need articles like yours—you'll establish a compass you can revisit if and when you hit a writer's block or veer off track. Some articles may have multiple audiences. If you cannot identify an audience, there's a good chance your article isn't worth writing. Very few articles are universally relatable, so avoid using "everyone" as your reader.

Why are people searching this topic?

• To find reasons to get this degree type
• To understand the requirements for this degree type
• To learn how to get this degree type
• To find possible career paths for people with this degree type

Who are the audiences for this article?

• Students looking for colleges or graduate schools
• Parents or guardians of students looking for colleges or graduate schools

What questions should this article answer?

These are the questions readers want to see answered in articles about choosing a degree. Use these questions to guide your writing, and review them once you have finished writing your first draft to make sure you have addressed them all (not the ones that are redundant or irrelevant).

• Why should you get this degree type?
• How much does this degree type typically cost?
• How long does it take to earn this degree type?
• Can you earn this degree type online?
• How long does it take to complete this degree online?
• Where can people with this degree of work?
• What fields and career paths require this degree?
• How much do people with this degree type earn?
• What industries have jobs for people with this degree type?
• What is the typical career path for people with this degree?
• What are the most prestigious schools that offer this degree?
• What are the graduation requirements for this degree?
• What are the best programs for this degree?
• Which schools have the best scholarships for this degree?

Use search terms to guide subheadings.

The below subheadings are guided by the most common search terms for articles about careers. This means most readers who find your article will be looking for answers to specific questions. By using common search terms as subheadings, you'll make it easy for readers to skim your article for the information they need.

We strongly recommend using the below subheadings for articles about careers—with only minor tweaks, when necessary—to ensure you're on track to produce the most helpful stuff possible. As with headlines, keep all subheadings clear and direct. Again, most readers skim articles for the information they need, and quirky subheadings can get lost in translation.

Common search terms for articles about degrees:

• Who typically gets a {Degree Type}?
• Best careers for people with a {Degree Type}
• Steps to earning a {Degree Type}
• Best {Degree Type} programs
• Why to get a {Degree Type} online
• Resources for earning a {Degree Type}

Why keywords matter (and which ones to use).

What is a keyword?

A keyword is a word or phrase that people are likely to use when they search for the article you are writing. When someone wants to learn how to become a bilingual teacher, for example, they are likely to include some of these words and phrases in their search: ESL, graduate degree, early childhood education, licensure, etc.

Why are keywords important?

Including key terms in your article improves the chances Google will rank your article higher, making it more likely that a reader will see it on the first page of search results and click through to it (a process called organic search in the SEO world, as opposed to paid search, i.e. advertising). If you think it is weird to refer to a process that is entirely digital as "organic," you are probably not alone.

What are the best keywords for your article?

There are many ways to identify the best keywords for your article. One of our favorite websites for keyword research is called SEOBook, which also has a keyword density tool to see if you're using too many (also known as "keyword stuffing," which Google and other search engines penalize websites for), or too few keywords.

How to source reliable data and research.

Unless you're writing an article based entirely on personal experience, you'll need research to back up your statements.

For information about education, reliable sources include:

• College and university websites
• Accreditation organizations
• Professional associations
• Major media (e.g. US News and World Report, The Chronicle of Higher Education)
• White papers

When researching job markets and earnings data, reliable sources include:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Salary.com
• Glassdoor.com
• Payscale.com
• Indeed.com
• Ziprecruiter.com

P.S. Noodle does not write about or recommend for-profit universities and colleges, and we suggest you do the same.

The best subheadings for articles about degrees.

For each of the below subheadings, we've listed the kinds of questions those sections should cover. Edit as necessary. We've also included a suggested word count, which should serve as a guide and not a prescription (focus more on addressing key points).

Subhead 1: Who typically gets a {Degree Type}?

Questions this section should answer (in ~225 words):

• Why should you get this degree type?
• How much does this degree type typically cost?
• How long does it take to earn this degree type?
• Can you earn this degree type online?
• How long does it take to complete this degree online?

Subhead 2: Careers for people with a {Degree Type}

Questions this section should answer (in ~400 words):

• What kinds of jobs do people with this {Degree Type} do?
• Which industries have the most jobs for people with this {Degree Type}?
• How much do people with this {Degree Type} typically earn? Cite averages, and include any factors that can influence earnings (like years of experience, and where you live).
• What fields and career paths require this {Degree Type}?
• What nontraditional jobs can people with this {Degree Type} do?

Subhead 3: Steps to earning a {Degree Type}

Questions this section should answer (in ~300 words):

• What is the typical timeline for earning a {Degree Type}?
• What education level must you reach before you can apply to a {Degree Type} program?
• What exams do you have to take before being accepted to a {Degree Type} program?
• What is the typical curriculum in a {Degree Type} program?
• What are the graduation requirements for this {Degree Type}?

Subhead 4: Best {Degree Type} programs

Questions this section should answer (in ~450 words):

• How hard is it to get into a {Degree Type} program?
• What to look for when choosing a {Degree Type} program
• What are the easiest {Degree Type} programs?
• What are the hardest {Degree Type} programs?
• What are the cheapest {Degree Type} programs?
• What are the fastest {Degree Type} programs?
• What are the most prestigious schools that offer this {Degree Type}?
• What are the best programs for this {Degree Type}?
• Which schools have the best scholarships for this degree?

Subhead 5: Why to get a {Degree Type} online

Questions this section should answer (in ~300 words):

• What are the pros and cons of earning this {Degree Type} online?
• Who typically earns this {Degree Type} online?
• How much does it cost to earn this {Degree Type} online?
• How long does it take to earn this {Degree Type} online?
• What are the best online {Degree Type} programs?

Subhead 5: Resources for earning a {Degree Type}

Questions this section should answer (in ~175 words):

• Where can you find good resources for earning a {Degree Type}? Include general websites, specific links to articles, books, podcasts, and anything else that makes sense. It's generally best to present these in a list format, with one sentence explaining why each resource is worthwhile.
• Where can you help choosing the right {Degree Type} program? Noodle experts! Also, college/university program pages are a good start.
• Who are the best people to talk to about earning a {Degree Type}? Offer both general advice (the titles of people who you'd recommend) as well as specifics (groups, websites, clubs, etc).

What makes introductions and conclusions strong?

• Bold the most important key terms in the first 200 words of your article, so readers can quickly identify what's to come.
• Communicate the purpose of the article clearly, but with a least a little flair.
• Transition the introduction to the body of the article in a smooth and articulate way.
• Transition the body of the article to the conclusion by tying up loose ends, giving the reader something to think about, and inspiring action.

Strategies for writing effective headlines.

• Good headlines are specific, unique, easy to understand, and communicate "the spirit" of the article.
• Headlines with numbers tend to generate higher engagement, because our brains are attracted to logic and order. Use numerals ("5") instead of spelling numbers out ("five").
• Tell readers what's in it for them. Why should they click your headline? Use words like: tips, tricks, secrets, ideas, strategies, lessons, and mistakes. Be specific, so they know what to expect.
• An article that teaches you how to do something is good, but an article that teaches you how to do something in a set period of time is better. Many readers—especially those reading about years-long things, like getting an education—are incentivized by timelines. "Get this degree in 2 years or less" is an example.

What kinds of headlines are popular for articles about earning a degree?

While your gut might tell you to avoid popular headlines, remember that prospective students are looking for very specific information to help make the right choices about when, where, and why to go to school. If the below headlines feel a little "meh" for you, consider making small tweaks to add style, without abandoning the basic concept or sacrificing clarity. If you do decide to write a totally different headline, be sure the message is as direct as the headlines below.

• Why Should You Get a {Degree Type}?
• Is a {Degree Type} Worth It?
• Reasons to Get a {Degree Type}
• Getting a {Degree Type}

The best ways to format your article.

Use bullets and bolded copy so your article is easy to read.

Bolded copy, bullets, and numbers make articles easier to skim so, without forcing it, use them whenever possible.

Common ways to use bullets and numbers in articles include:

• Step-by-step guides
• Listing skills, requirements, considerations
• Comparing careers, schools, degrees
• Breaking down the pros and cons
• Sharing recommended resources

Use external links to show the depth of your research.

Hyperlink all data, direct quotes, and any fact or opinion that is disputable/controversial enough to require substantiation. Linking is a great way to show search engines your topical authority. Relevant external links are good for your audience and search engines expect to see them in trustworthy articles.

External links "confer topical authority" (although not universally) and should cite reliable sources. As a general rule: mainstream news sources (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Chronicle of Higher Education), college and university websites, and government websites are always good, while sites shilling a product or service are not.

Use internal links to recirculate traffic and to build authority.

Have you written similar articles for Noodle in the past? If they make sense in this article, link to them. Internal links circulate readers across Noodle and increase our authority as a trusted source of information. These are both things we want to encourage. Check out this page for a full list of articles you can link to.

Don't forget about school links.

In the first mention of a college or university, we hyperlink to the school's Noodle page (all of which can be found here). After that, we link to the school's own website.

Know why anchor text matters.

The content of your anchor text—the highlighted, clickable words that link to another page—is important. Whenever possible, your anchor text should describe the content. For example, in the sentence "Social workers' average salary is $52,000, according to Payscale" the anchor text should be "Social workers' average salary," not "$52,000" or "Payscale." As a general rule, the shorter the better with anchor text.

Tell readers how to find you.

If you feel so inclined, include a short, 2-3 sentence author bio in italics at the bottom of your article, summarizing your experience and expertise, pointing readers to your website and social media handles, and telling them how to contact you (email, usually, if you're into that).

How to select compelling images.

When it comes to publishing articles about careers and education, certain kinds of images are grossly overused. It's not always possible to find an image that perfectly matches your article theme, but if you follow the tips below you'll be in a good spot.

General tips on selecting good images:

• Think about how the photo will look when it's a teeny tiny thumbnail on somebody's phone. If you can't figure out what the image is when it's super small, it's not a good image.
• Never use images that are offensive, insensitive, or sexually explicit… because this isn't Tumblr.
• Avoid images whose subjects are too off-center. Article photos are automatically resized to 1200 by 630 pixels, so if the subject is too off-center (say, in the corner of the photo) it won't crop well.
• Have a sense of humor.

Avoid images that:

• Trigger thirst
• Look like awkward family portraits
• Abuse mood lighting
• Lean into what influencers do
• Could be found in a picture frame on the clearance rack at Target or on the front of a Hallmark card
• Are predictable (see also: pencils, books, glasses, children, and graduation caps)

Embrace images that are unexpected, like:

• Libraries
• Crosswalks
• Backpacks
• Neon signs
• Bikes
• Legos
• Street art
• Stairs
• Eye contact

Resources for Noodle writers

If, at any point, you have questions about how to write your article, feel free to email editor@noodle.com or check out the below:

• How to Write Articles Students Want to Read
• Step-by-Step Article Templates to Beat Writer's Block
• Noodle Articles FAQ
• A complete list of every college and university in the United States

Finally, if you have lots to say about any of the aforementioned subheading suggestions, consider writing an article that is 100% dedicated to everything there is to know about that subject.

Done?

Share your article with everyone you know (seriously) and tag Noodle on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, so we can re-share it with our followers.