Creative writing majors will focus on the generation of new literature, whether that be short story, poetry, novel, memoir, or any of the other literary forms. Focusing in creative writing will also involve analyzation of process and techniques of previously published work, as well as constructive criticism of fellow classmates’ work.
Majors in this area are, more often not, aspiring novelists, poets, scriptwriters, and the like, none of which actually require a degree to pursue, but entering the career without a degree is traditionally difficult. The the true perk of undertaking a degree in creative writing is simply this: the writer’s community. The expectation is to learn from published individuals (professors), receive a hearty supply of feedback on passages of your own writing (from professors and peers), and learn the art of discipline.
While often included in the same bucket as an English major, creative writing is the other side of the coin. English majors analyze and interpret literature, rarely being required to write anything original. Creative writing is the flipside—while students will be consistently reading and examining previously written work, as well, the primary focus will be on using the tools presented in literature to generate bona fide work. Creative writing comes in a variety of degrees, multiple types of associates, baccalaureates, and masters, as well in doctorate form.
Associate Level
While less common, some community colleges will offer an Associate of Arts (AA) in Creative Writing or, even more rarely, an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Creative Writing. Almost every college offers a 2-year degree in professional writing, which can often include the option of creative writing courses.
Creative writing at this level will likely require 60 credits that include a variety of liberal arts courses. Within the major, students will often take workshops which center around peer review, as well as at least one interest-specific course such as playwriting or poetry. The AFA will likely culminate in a capstone project.
Baccalaureate
The baccalaureate level will contain the same types of classes, but more in-depth. The opportunities to take specialized classes will increase and graduation often requires a thesis project that’s publication-ready.
Creative writing degrees are conferred one of two ways at this level, either as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing. The difference between a BA and a BFA in this major is the same as any other major. A BA will have a ratio of of 60/40, liberal arts core classes to creative writing courses, while a BFA inverts that number, spending about 60% of students’ time in their designated major courses. BFAs are often classified as pre-professional degrees, designed to send students directly into the working world.
Careers for graduates with a BA/BFA in Creative Writing: Advertising Copywriter, Digital Copywriter, Editorial Assistant, Magazine Journalist, Newspaper Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Speechwriter, Technical Writer, Book Editor, Proposal Writer, Marketing Communications Specialist, Grant Writer, Content Strategist, Translator, Video Game Writer, Film Critic, Copy Editor, Social Media Specialist, Proofreader, Web Content Writer, Greeting Card Writer, Ghostwriter, Travel Writer
Master Level
There’s a small caveat when it comes to obtaining a degree in creative writing at the master’s level. A Master of Arts degree is typically offered in English Literature with a concentration in some facet of creative writing. It’s largely considered an academic degree with heavy research overtones. Again, as with an English degree, the focus is on analyzing already-published literature rather than creation. MAs in English typically take 2 years to complete attending full time.
The more direct approach to a graduate degree in creative writing major is a Master’s in Fine Arts. The whole focus is generally on creation of new work and intense workshops. Residencies or writer’s retreats are typically involved at this level, as well, and the degree culminates in a publication-ready dissertation varying anywhere between 40 to 200 pages. MFAs take anywhere between 2 to 3 years to complete.
The introduction of the MFA as the terminal degree in the creative writing world is more recent and there are still PhD programs available, though a doctorate as a requirement for work in the field is fading. Earning an MFA makes students eligible to teach at the university level, but publication is also often required to attain such a position.
Careers for graduates with an MA or MFA: Professor, Arts Administrator, Web Content Manager, Creative Director
Doctorate Level
A PhD in Creative Writing is much like an MFA with more emphasis on literary theory and research. There will likely be a heavy critical component to the final dissertation, which is, again, publication-ready, but more often book-length at this level of education. PhD programs take between 4 to 6 years to complete.
Careers for graduates with a PhD in Creative Writing include: Professor, Program Director
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An Educational Ideal
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As a student of International Relations, I don't think I could have chosen a better school. My professors were not only well-versed on theory, but they had made (and were STILL making) valuable contributions to their fields. Relative to other schools...
” – Justine from Topeka, KS
Florida International University is the only public research university in Miami. FIU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 190 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom facilities, the FIU campus houses the International Hurricane Research...
FIU is, first and foremost, a University. It's not a college. It can be tough on its students, and it has a 'no-nonsense' attitude when it comes to exams. You'll find few to no teachers there who are willing to baby their students. As such, it would...
” – Milagros from Miami, FL
With campus a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Atlantic University is a 4-year public university in southeast Florida. FAU houses 10 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition to...
This University has an extremely high academic level. Professors are dedicated, and provide their students with all necessary material for them to have a complete understanding of their subject.
Many classes include discussions, or online sections...
Brigham Young University-Provo is a private research institution located in Provo, Utah, and founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU offers study abroad programs through their satellite campuses in more than 20 sites...
All of the professors are experts in their fields, and are willing to go the extra mile to help make sure you learn what you want to.
” – Michelle from Provo, UT
A top-ranked medical program and business school crown Dartmouth College’s liberal arts education. This Ivy League school, the second youngest but also the smallest, is located in Hanover, NH, where it’s easily the main attraction in town.
The...
I am continually impressed by the quality of the teaching at Dartmouth. Since it is a college, faculty members really do focus on undergraduates as opposed to solely pursuing their research. However, that is not to say that there are no research...
” – Jessica
Originally founded as a small branch college, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a 4-year public university and an Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving institution. UNLV encompasses 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in...
The classes offer an incredible amount of insight and new information. Classes tend to start off a little slow in my experience, but when they did get going they got going quickly and I learned a lot in short amounts of time.
In addition, classes...
” – Adam from Las Vegas, NV
The University of Utah is a public research instititution situated in Salt Lake City that offers more than 100 undergraduate majors. The U is home to three professional arts organizations to complement the College of Fine Arts, and even features a 3...
I'm very impressed with the way the professors are so willing to help students. I have had several instances in classes where I have not understood the material given, and I'm pleased to say that I have felt totally comfortable in going to my...
” – Katie from Sandy, UT
Hofstra University boasts small classes, dedicated faculty, and an energized campus within reach of New York City. Students can choose from about 160 undergraduate programs and about 165 graduate programs, in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business...
Hofstra has been everything I wanted in a school and more! Literally it's a fairly small sized school, but the resources and connections are endless. Their programs are very well established and it's easy to study diverse subjects.
” – Mary from Murfreesboro, TN
The University of California-Riverside is a public institution on 1,200 acres of land in Southern California’s Inland Empire. A part of the UC system, UCR is home to colleges of Humanities, Engineering, and Natural Sciences conferring undergraduate...
Academics at UCR is fast paced because it is on the quarter system, but that doesn't make it easier. Students are expected to learn the material and learn it fast. There are several ways to get help and to further understanding in a subject...
” – Kimberley from Tracy, CA
Carnegie Mellon University stands among the world's most renowned educational institutions, and we tap into our diverse community and world-leading digital technologies across business, engineering, the sciences, the humanities and the arts to chart...
The amount of things you learn throughout your classes is amazing to me. Just this past 2 weeks, I've learned so many things about programming that it has made a noticeable change in how I approach problems.
” – Mathew from Jensen Beach, FL
The University of North Texas is a public institution featuring a main campus in Denton. Ranked as a Tier One research university, UNT is home to an Office of Research and Innovation, as well as the Institutes of Research Excellence, which include...
Overall, the University of North Texas is a very accredited institution. However, every now and then you will find a blow off class or professor that might be alot easier/harder than others at the same level.
” – Laura from Kingwood, TX
Sam Houston University is a public, 4-year institution located in Huntsville, Texas. Founded in 1879, SHSU is the third oldest public university in the state and a member of the Texas State University System. The university provides 170 fields of...
College is a time to expand the knowledge you already have and pursue new knowledge for use through the rest of your life. Sam Houston has allowed me to do both. In just the two semesters I have been here, I have learned more than I ever did in High...
” – Jessica from Spring, TX
Originally founded to educate returning World War II veterans, Portland State University is a 4-year public institution in the heart of Portland. The PSU campus encompasses eight colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 120...
When it comes to how much you learn I believe that it is up to you to take classes that are interesting and a little bit challenging, because the classes that are easy tend to get boring and not teach you as much.
” – Brittany from Tigard, OR
Founded in 1809, Miami University is a 4-year public research institution in southwest Ohio and the state’s second oldest university. Miami of Ohio confers bachelor’s degrees in over 120 fields of study. For recreation, Miami is home to a unique...
Several teachers teach from the course textbook, but also draw from their own experiences and other media/texts. Miami gives a well-rounded education because they stress that non academic activities are important, too. Learning comes from the...
” – Samantha from Erlanger, KY
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public, liberal arts university founded in 1891. The urban research campus offers 175 undergraduate degrees through six colleges and schools, as well as 150 master’s programs and 50 doctoral...
Great Teachers (only one crazy teacher yet haha) and in addition to great courses I have had many so many life changes experiences I really couldn't explain in this box
” – Javier from High Point, NC
From its main campus located atop a hilltop in Wisconsin’s state capital, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UW system. Founded in 1848 at the same time that Wisconsin achieved statehood...
I have learned so much since I began my schooling at University of Wisconsin-Madison. There is such a variety of classes to choose from which makes it easy for you to find classes that you are interested in. The professors here challenge you to think...
” – Hannah from Andover, MN
San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the west coast, and is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University System. Located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose, SJSU offers more than 145 areas of study with an...
I have taken English 1A, Latino Identity (psycology), Remedial Math, and Intro to Sociology. English 1A is the GE English class required for undergrad students. My teacher, Mr. Mujal, was amazing. It was a small class of 25, and he made sure everyone...
” – Tatiana from San Francisco, CA
Northern Arizona University is a four-year public research institution in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is consistently named among the nation’s best college towns. A variety of award-winning student resources and support are available to all students...
The teachers that I have had for the most part have been amazing. Use upperclassman and online prof. grading sites as a resource though, because there are a few snoozers out here. If you can catch the right professor at this school, they can change...
” – Christian from Las Vegas, NV
At the University of Oklahoma, we put our pride to work. We strive for excellence beyond the classroom, beyond the lab, and beyond the playing field. We transcend borders and create a place of belonging for all. There's Only One Oklahoma.
From the...
OU professors really teach you to think for yourself, especially your English professors. OU professor also teach you different research skills. You really do have to study a lot to make the grade but it is worth it. There are so many diverse...
” – Jayla from Tulsa, OK
Originally founded as a teacher training college, San Francisco State University is a 4-year public institution and a Bay Area-based campus of the California State University System. SF State offers bachelor’s degrees in 77 fields of study and...
I have enjoyed all but one teacher in my first year here at SF State. My teachers are committed to giving me the best education they can and that's a lot to ask for from a state school.
” – Liza from Bolinas, CA
Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning, offering rigorous programs that span the undergraduate liberal arts to doctoral level degrees. While offering a breadth of programs found at much...
Mercer provides students' a comprehensive liberal arts education comprised of engaging discussions, service learning and professors who care about your overall well-being. Classes are primarily discussion based and allow for student input and one-on...
” – Molly from Garnet Valley, PA
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Butler University is a nationally recognized university with seven academic colleges and more than 90 majors, spanning the arts, business, communication, education, liberal arts and sciences, and pharmacy and health...
Butler University is a small school with all of the benefits of a large school. The professors know me by name, the students truly care about each other, and the university makes it easy to feel at home. It is perfectly located close enough to...
” – Miranda from Maple Grove, MN
Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, CUNY Hunter College is a public college and the largest school in the City University of New York System. Hunter is home to six colleges and schools conferring degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition...
The professors here at Hunter are very knowledgeable and are also very diverse. Most of the professors that I have had so far are very fair and are also very helpful. Just make sure you read your syllabus before hand so that you are never behind...
” – Oluwadara from Brentwood, NY
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ozark Mountains, the University of Arkansas is the flagship campus of the UA system and the largest university in the state. Arkansas is home to six colleges and schools hosting undergraduate degree-granting...
I am an International Business student in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Throughout my time at the University of Arkansas I have learned more than I ever imagined. My business classes were focused and interactive...
” – April from Fort Smith, AR
Formerly known as Southwest Missouri State, Missouri State University is a 4-year public institution in southwest Missouri and the second largest university in the state by enrollment. The main campus of the MSU system, MSU Springfield is home to...
I have learned a lot about my physical body and nutrition in our PE Class and about the world economy in my Economics class. Textiles has been interesting to see the different kinds of material that clothes can be made from. Art has been a learning...
” – Jessica from Chillicothe, MO
California State University-Fresno is a 4-year public school and the second largest university in the Cal State system. Fresno State encompasses eight colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees. In addition, Fresno State has been designated...
Even when taking my general ed. classes, I've learned more than what I've expected. The teachers that I've had this semester all seem thrilled about teaching and hearing student responses.
” – Zachary from Fresno, CA
The College of Charleston, founded in 1770, is a public university and is the oldest campus in South Carolina. The university offers 62 undergraduate majors and 80 minors from six schools, plus 23 master's degree programs and 9 graduate-level...
Professors at CofC are truly invested in their students. They urge students to get help during office hours and do their best to make sure you are learning the material. The majority of the courses I have taken are challenging yet interesting which...
” – Sophomore Biology Major
Chapman University is a private, liberal arts institution in Orange, California, that offers 110 areas of study through 11 schools and colleges. Chapman is also home to several independent research centers, as well as creative research centers...
Chapman University is an up-and-coming school, as seen through not only the expansion of campus facilities but the growth in student resources. Chapman will continue to grow for the simple reason that people with not just higher SAT scores but higher...
” – theCollegeKid
At WashU, you will draw strength from a community of achievers who inspire each other with their creativity and tenacity. You’ll acquire the confidence and skills to succeed as a professional and as a person, ready to change the world. You’ll learn...
The classes I have taken have been interesting and challenging. It's a good idea to do some research on the professor, but generally you can expect a good experience. Class size really varies. I've had classes with 12 students, but also classes with...
” – Catlyne from Wheaton, IL
Emerson College is liberal arts college focusing on communication and the arts located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1880 as a "school of oratory," Emerson still focuses largely on communication, just through 26 majors that culminate in a...
Emerson is teaching me a great deal about the arts that I was never able to learn in my basic college-prep high school program. As a Writing, Literature, and Publishing major, I'm learning a lot about how real world events influence the creation of...
” – Erika from Trainer, PA
The Pratt Institute is a private college based in Brooklyn, NY. Pratt offers more than 25 undergraduate degree programs and concentrations, more than 26 graduate degree programs, and six programs leading to an Advanced Certificate award. The 25-acre...
I am a freshman foundation student; most students are required to take the same foundation classes except if you're an architecture, photo or fashion major. Although that might sound boring and unnecessary, it really is. I've learnt more about art...
” – Kanisorn from BROOKLYN, NY
Oberlin College is a liberal arts institution that was founded in 1833 in Oberlin, OH. Only two colleges operate on this private university’s campus, a College of Arts and Sciences and the oldest continuously operating Conservatory of Music in the...
The range of what you can learn here is vast. I'm currently kicking it with the true liberal arts experience taking cinema classes, photography, computer programming, Literature courses, and still being able to find incredible opportunities to...
” – Elliot from Somers Point, NJ
Originally founded as a teacher-training school, Kent State University is a 4-year public research university in northeast Ohio. Kent State hosts ten colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in more than 300 areas of study. Additionally, KSU is home...
At Kent I am able to challenge myself at whatever level I choose. Academically for my major, I learn a fair amount, and on top of that there are thousands of other courses I can take that are not mandatory, but just great learning experiences. With...
” – Steven from Parma, OH
Bucknell University is a highly selective, private liberal arts college located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. As one of the nation's preeminent liberal arts universities and Division I schools, Bucknell offers a world-class learning experience where...
As a small private school, Bucknell pays attention to their students. I have never had a hard time talking or staying after with professors. They truly care that you learn the material and know your name. Taking on average five courses a semester...
” – Margaret from Islip, NY
Founded in 1849 as a teachers college, Eastern Michigan University is now a 4-year public school in Ypsilanti, MI. EMU is home to five colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic majors and minors. In addition to classroom space, EMU...
Eastern has such a wide variety of majors and minors. Professors are personable, but still don't make it easy. You have to work for your grades.
” – Brittaney from Dexter, MI
The largest public university in New England, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the original campus in the UM System. UMass is a land-grant university with the “Highest Research Activity" and the U.S. News & World Report ranks the UMass...
For a great undergraduate education you don't need to spend tons of money, especially if you are planing to continue you education after undergrad. UMass Amherst has understanding professors, knowledgeable teaching assistants, award winning dining...
” – Naja from Millville, MA
Old Dominion University is a 4-year public institution in Norfolk and a doctoral high research activity university. ODU hosts colleges of Arts & Letters, Business, Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Health Sciences as well as an Honors College...
Old Dominion Professors are very professional and informative when it comes to detailed lectures & assignments.
” – Efrem from Chantilly, VA