English (Creative Writing), BA

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At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

program math intensity general

  • Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map on-campus archive

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Program Description

The BA in English with a concentration in creative writing focuses on the study and practice of the literary arts, with courses in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.

Students gain practical experience through writing workshops and internship opportunities.

The undergraduate program features an outstanding faculty whose many books have received major national and international recognition.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Admission to the Creative Writing Concentration (Fiction & Poetry)

Portfolio submission period opens: february 20, 2023, portfolios due: march 17, 2023 by 5:00pm, submit here: spring 2023 creative writing concentration  .

Note: You need to be logged into your ASU Gmail account to connect to the portfolio submission form.  

About the Creative Writing Concentration

The Creative Writing Program encourages all interested students, regardless of their field of study, to join our community of writers through beginning and intermediate workshops in fiction and poetry (ENG 287/ENG 288 , ENG 387/ENG 388), diverse special topics courses (ENG 394/ENG 494), and various, exciting writing events held on campus. 

Interested students*, who have already taken beginning and intermediate workshops, and are committed to continuing their study of Creative Writing, have an opportunity to develop their skills in supportive, highly focused workshops through the Creative Writing Concentration. Instruction in the tradition(s) to which concentration students can aspire and uphold, and from which they may draw inspiration, will be provided by the Creative Writing Program's nationally recognized faculty of writers.

Please note that acceptance into the Creative Writing Concentration is restricted.   Students must submit a portfolio for review and be offered a seat in the advanced workshops. (Please see the "Portfolio Review Guidelines" below.) 

*Students interested in pursuing both fiction and poetry at the 400-level, must check with their academic advisor to ensure that the necessary courses (ENG 487, ENG 488, ENG 498: Fiction, ENG 498: Poetry) will fit their degree plan. Students must submit two portfolios--one in fiction, one in poetry--to be considered for admittance into advanced coursework in both areas. 

Students pursuing the Creative Writing Concentration must either select as their major the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing upon being admitted to ASU or, after entering the university, meet with an English advisor to change to this major and concentration.  Non English-majors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • To complete the concentration, English majors who have already declared themselves in the creative writing concentration must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in their major.
  • Concentration students must complete the two advanced courses in their genre (ENG 487 and ENG 498 in poetry, or ENG 488 and ENG 498 in fiction). Note that enrollment into these courses is restricted. Spaces are limited. Students must submit a portfolio and be selected to move forward.  (See the "Portfolio Review Guidelines" below.)
  • Transfer students must seek advisement as to whether they will be able to successfully fulfill the creative writing concentration requirements.
  • PLEASE NOTE :  Students admitted to begin 400-level coursework through the Fall 2020 Portfolio Review will start their coursework in Spring 2021. ENG 488 (fiction) will be taken in the Spring semester. The capstone course, ENG 498, will be taken in the Fall 2021 semester. ENG 487/488 and ENG 498 may not be taken simultaneously. 
  • The next portfolio review for fiction will be offered in Fall 2022. The next portfolio review for fiction and poetry will be offered in Spring 2023.
  • Students are only allowed to apply for the creative writing concentration twice during their time at ASU.

Portfolio Submission: How to Apply

Submit your completed portfolio online via the link below. Your portfolio should include:

1.     COVER SHEET (Available Online)

2.     CREATIVE WRITING SAMPLE

     a.      Poetry Sample: 5 poems

     b.      Fiction Sample: 1 piece of fiction of at least 5 double-spaced pages and not longer than 10 double-spaced pages

3.     PERSONAL STATEMENT (2 double spaced pages or 500 words)

     a.    Discuss your interest in the relevant genre (poetry or fiction)

     b.     What do you hope to gain from the creative writing concentration

4.     CRAFT ESSAY (2 double spaced pages or 500 words)

     a.     Submit an essay on a single poem or short story focusing an element(s) of craft you learned from the piece, how that craft element(s) works within the poem/story, and  why this aspect of craft is pertinent to your own writing

     b.     Please provide textual examples from the creative piece in your essay

5 .      SUBMIT: SPRING 2023 CREATIVE WRITING CONCENTRATION

        NOTE: You need to be logged into your ASU Gmail account to connect to the portfolio submission form. 

Further Information  

To receive further information about the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing, make an appointment to speak with English undergraduate advisor at 480-965-3168. You may also contact Creative Writing Program Manager, Justin Petropoulos ( [email protected] ), RBH 152.

Portfolio Review Guidelines

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options.

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

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Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, affording college, tuition calculator, scholarships, financial aid, career outlook.

Degree programs in English prepare students for graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They also lead to a variety of careers in diverse fields. Employers seek those with strong writing, communication and critical thinking skills. Some of the most common professions for English majors are in the fields of:

  • nonprofit service

Graduates often find roles where they spend time:

  • developing web content
  • managing public relations
  • writing professional and technical content

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Writers and Authors

  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 73150
  • Growth: -4%
  • Median Salary*: 73080

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 1.2%
  • Median Salary*: 74280

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education.

  • Median Salary*: 62360

Public Relations Specialists

  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 67440

Bright Outlook

Search Marketing Strategists

  • Growth: 13.4%
  • Median Salary*: 68230

Technical Writers

  • Growth: 6.9%
  • Median Salary*: 79960

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright Outlook

Global Opportunities

Global experience.

Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore the English language at a deeper level through an extended lens of dialects, literature and terminology in one of more than 300 study abroad programs.

Students can enhance their resumes with the educational experience and heightened cultural competency, communication and critical thinking skills they acquire through study abroad programs.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing .

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

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Mariel Embry, a 2022 graduate of SNHU's online BA in Creative Writing degree program, writing on a tablet.

Creative Writing Degree Online Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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Write Your Own Story 

  • $330/credit (120 credits)
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Receive credit for prior learning
  • 4 genre options for concentrations
  • Advanced writing workshops
  • No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

Creative Writing Degree Program Overview

If you have a passion for storytelling and want to pursue a career using your writing talents, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program can help you get on the right path.

You'll develop your writing skills alongside students from across the country, who represent an incredible range of voices and experiences. Together, you'll participate in workshops, producing work and presenting it to your peers for commentary and discussion.

"Everything I learned during my degree journey added to my understanding of how to write and boosted my creativity," said Aubrie Arnold '20 , a graduate of the creative writing program. "I now feel like I can and will write novels – I’m working on that now – and I feel like I have the correct tools to make those novels successful.”

This degree is also an attractive option for transfer students, as it offers a number of free electives.

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What You'll Learn

  • Essential writing and critical-thinking skill sets
  • Literary analysis to inform the application of storytelling elements
  • Literary form, genre, structure and style
  • Conventions and techniques used by varying genres

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How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

An Online Creative Writing Degree Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Whether you are looking to advance your career or simply want to pursue your passion for writing, the online creative writing bachelor's program at SNHU offers a supportive community, comprehensive curriculum, and flexible format that can help you achieve your goals.

Concentration Options

When you choose to study creative writing at SNHU, you have the option to stay with the general track – which gives you the flexibility to study a variety of genres – or you can opt to add one of our 4 concentrations to your degree : fiction, nonfiction, poetry or screenwriting.

Fiction Aspiring authors and storytellers who are looking for a way to gain inspiration and foster their imaginations will find the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Fiction Writing to be the perfect balance of craft and critical analysis. This BA program emphasizes the craft of fiction writing and helps you develop an appreciation for all forms of fiction while honing your writing skills and philosophy of composition. You'll gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry as you enhance your fundamental knowledge of fiction writing's most crucial elements. This comprehensive program gives you a powerful understanding of plot, character development, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. Studying fiction writing at Southern New Hampshire University doesn't just focus on developing your skill and technique. This program also gives you the opportunity to explore your creative boundaries, perfect your craft and dive deeper into your preferred genre. From fantasy to sci-fi and mystery to young adult, you can embrace the style of writing that you're drawn to and bring your original stories to life. The format of this BA program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Nicholas Patterson '22 found peer interaction through writing workshops to be a favorite part of his program. "I have learned tons of new skills," he said, "but most importantly learned how to grow from constructive criticism." Career outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022. 1 The BLS notes that a degree and publication is typically required for a full-time writing position. Writers who concentrate in fiction have career opportunities in a range of professions, including content writing, editing, copywriting, publishing, communications and more. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Fiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Fiction Writing Workshop Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Nonfiction Discover your niche with a nonfiction writing degree online at Southern New Hampshire University. Our online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Nonfiction delves into a wide variety of styles and subjects – everything from the personal essay to autobiography, memoir, travel writing and magazine features. Our creative writing online program can help you combine research and reflection with compelling storytelling. You'll also gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry, explore your creative boundaries and develop a unique voice. A solid foundation in the broader scope of creative writing is critical to the craft of nonfiction writing. In our comprehensive nonfiction writing program, you'll acquire a powerful understanding of research, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. The online nonfiction writing degree program's format encourages collaboration and ongoing interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: The median annual salary for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 Nonfiction writers can publish in magazines, newspapers, and literary journals, as well as find career opportunities in digital content writing, social media/communications, copywriting and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Nonfiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Nonfiction Writing Workshop Advanced Nonfiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Poetry The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry degree program is an opportunity for aspiring poets to find inspiration, engagement and creative collaboration with peers and faculty alike. Our specialized program enables you to hone your craft and unleash your imagination, helping you create imagery in verse. While a poetry degree is valuable in and of itself, it can also prepare you for many professional paths. You can explore careers in creative writing, advertising, journalism, publishing and advertising copywriting. Southern New Hampshire University also offers an online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry. As a student in our poetry degree online program, you'll begin taking writing courses during your first year. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Career paths with a BA in creative writing include work as a creative writer, advertising copywriter, journalist, publisher or poet. Writers have also found careers in communications, digital content writing and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Poetry Writing Workshop Intermediate Poetry Writing Workshop Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Screenwriting Whether you have dreams of writing blockbusters, developing documentaries or working with other writers on sitcoms, the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Screenwriting is an excellent way to hone your writing skills and put your passion to work. The classes in this specialized online screenwriting degree are based on a comprehensive study of creative writing, with a special focus on story structure, character development and the visual medium of film. You'll have the opportunity to explore all of the forms that screenwriting takes – feature-length and short films, television episodes and miniseries, commercial and internet-based video. While creative writing is at the core of this program, your screenwriting classes will place a special emphasis on visual storytelling. Designed by experienced and distinguished faculty, this creative writing program will give you a powerful understanding of how story, character, theme, action, visuals and dialogue intertwine to create a compelling moment in time. The format for the screenwriting degree online program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Blockbuster movies, independent films and shorts, commercials, television dramas and sitcoms all rest their success on the backbone of their scripts. Screenwriters have lots of options when it comes to navigating their careers. You could pursue independent work and make your stories come to life – or you could develop scripts for specific projects that need a writer's touch. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors earned a median annual salary of $73,150 in 2022. 1 Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop Intermediate Screenwriting Workshop Advanced Screenwriting Workshop Request Info Apply Now if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('a7db942c2ff94e9783a92e9b328572c0')); Career Outlook

Use storytelling skills to write everything from children’s books and novels to biographies, essays and memoirs.

Apply your understanding of the written word to plan, review and revise content for publication in books, periodicals or online platforms.

Promote a product, service or organization with content for advertisements, marketing campaigns or websites.

Research topics, investigate story ideas and interview sources to write compelling nonfiction articles for newspapers, magazines, blogs and television news programs.

Screenwriter

Use the power of writing to create visual and auditory experiences for everything from major blockbuster films to television episodes and commercials.

Speechwriter

Write speeches for business leaders, politicians and others, using words to engage with and move an audience.

And with today's technology, it's easy for writers and authors to work from just about anywhere as long as they have internet access – meaning jobs aren't limited to major cities anymore.

In addition to the writing skills you'll develop in a creative writing degree program, you could also pick up a handful of other career skills 1 the workforce desperately needs, like:

  • Adaptability: Adapt to updates in software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).
  • Creativity: Develop interesting plots, characters or ideas for new stories.
  • Critical-thinking skills: Understand concepts that must be conveyed through writing.
  • Determination: Gain the focus to meet deadlines.
  • Persuasion: Convince others to feel a certain way about a good or service – especially if you choose a career in advertising.
  • Social perceptiveness: Develop an understanding of how readers respond to and connect with your work.

"This [program] not only allowed me to explore my creativity through writing," said Nicholas Patterson '22 . "It taught me the fundamentals of the industry and how to pursue a career in it."

Job Growth and Salary

Prospects for writer and author occupations appear promising in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry shift from print to online media should result in employment growth. 1

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for writers and authors are projected to grow 4% through 2032 — that's as fast as average for all occupations. 1

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In 2022, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150 . 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Creative Writing Degree

Why snhu for your creative writing degree flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. you could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience , or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you. respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: u.s. news & world report named snhu the 2021 most innovative university in the north and one of the nation's "best regional universities" awarded the 21st century distance learning award for excellence in online technology by the united states distance learning association (usdla) a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. opportunities you'll have the chance to share your work with the vibrant creative writing community at snhu: the penmen review , our online journal that accepts submissions 12 times a year word for word, a bimonthly livestream event featuring published writers reading from their work fall fiction contest, a short-story competition that offers snhu scholarships among its prizes student writers spotlight, a livestream reading showcasing the best of snhu's creative writing students 93.6% of online students would recommend snhu (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free undergraduate application prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you test scores are not required as part of your application acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms . how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete a free undergraduate application submit any additional documents required work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through the application process if you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email [email protected] . if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('06235c05b74e467bb258c6a2eee81259')); what snhu students are saying.

Nicholas Patterson, a 2022 online creative writing degree graduate and current SNHU staff member

"I came [to SNHU] originally to have more freedoms and explore my creativity in a new environment. This program has given me that and more – this program has enabled me to improve myself in every facet of writing, from brainstorming a new idea to learning about genres and even how to market myself and my writing."

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120 Credits

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8-Week Terms

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100% Online

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No Set Class Times

Southern New Hampshire University is home to one of the largest creative writing programs in the country.

Our unique online creative writing degree allows you to take writing courses from the start. The program features 4 writing workshops, including an advanced workshop in which you'll complete a polished piece in the genre of your choice.

The courses in our BA in Creative Writing can help develop your talent for creating stories, novels and characters and turning them into finished, professional pieces. Whether you choose the general track or a specific genre, you'll learn from published writers with valuable industry insights.

In addition to the courses and electives within the major, SNHU's online writing degree program includes 30 credits of free electives. This leaves you with room to choose courses or a minor in an area of study that you'd like to write about – like history or psychology – or the opportunity to complement your studies with career skills, such as graphic design or marketing. The amount of free electives also makes our creative writing degree an attractive option for transfer students.

Throughout your program, you'll learn from published writers, professional editors, publishers and established literary critics – subject-matter experts who can help guide you to improving your craft.

As a bonus at SNHU, you can choose to further your study of creative writing with one of our popular graduate programs:

  • Online MA in English and Creative Writing: Building on the learnings from your bachelor's degree, you can choose from the same 4 concentrations – fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting or poetry – in this 36-credit online master's in writing  program,  which allows you to develop creative works that can contribute to your professional advancement.
  • Online MFA in Creative Writing: Gain both the writing skills and the professional skills to succeed in areas like marketing, publishing, content writing, teaching and freelancing in this fully online, 48-credit online MFA in creative writing  program. You can also focus on a wide range of fiction genres – such as contemporary, romance, young adult or speculative – plus you'll add one of two embedded certificates to your program: professional writing or the online teaching of writing.
  • Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction: This highly focused 2-year program consists of 4 workshops and 4 in-person, weeklong residencies in New Hampshire. Within the 60-credit low-residency MFA  program, you'll complete both a manuscript suitable for submission to editors and a critical essay that's ideal for literary journals.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General education.

All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses , which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments .

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type   PC (Windows OS)   Apple (Mac OS)   Operating System  Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.   Currently supported operating system from Apple.  Memory (RAM)  8GB or higher  8GB or higher  Hard Drive  100GB or higher  100GB or higher  Antivirus Software  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  SNHU Purchase Programs  Visit Dell   Visit Apple   Internet/ Bandwidth  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); What to Expect as an Online Student No set class times: Asynchronous classes let you do your coursework when and where you want Pick your pace: Choose between full time (2 courses) or part time (1 course) each term Student support: 24/7 access to online student services like the library, tech and academic support if (typeof carouselContainer === "undefined") { window.carouselContainer = new carousel(); } let vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a = document.getElementById('carousel-0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a') if (vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a !== null) { carouselContainer.init(vc_0a2c09e41977426b8f3008e18ed9a68a); } University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Creative Writing

Stanford’s Creative Writing Program--one of the best-known in the country--cultivates the power of individual expression within a vibrant community of writers. Many of our English majors pursue a concentration in creative writing, and the minor in Creative Writing is among the most popular minors on campus. These majors and minors participate in workshop-based courses or independent tutorials with Stegner Fellows, Stanford’s distinguished writers-in-residence.

English Major with a Creative Writing Emphasis

The English major with a Creative Writing emphasis is a fourteen-course major. These fourteen courses comprise eight English courses and six Creative Writing courses.

English majors with a Creative Writing emphasis should note the following:

All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Courses taken abroad or at other institutions may not be counted towards the workshop requirements.

Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191 series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the 190, 191, or 192 requirement.

PWR 1 is a prerequisite for all creative writing courses.

Minor in Creative Writing

The Minor in Creative Writing offers a structured environment in which students interested in writing fiction or poetry develop their skills while receiving an introduction to literary forms. Students may choose a concentration in fiction, poetry.

In order to graduate with a minor in Creative Writing, students must complete the following three courses plus three courses in either the prose or poetry tracks. Courses counted towards the requirements for the minor may not be applied to student's major requirements. 30 units are required. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Prose Track

Suggested order of requirements:

English 90. Fiction Writing or English 91. Creative Nonfiction

English 146S Secret Lives of the Short Story

One 5-unit English literature elective course

English 190. Intermediate Fiction Writing or English 191. Intermediate Creative Nonfiction Writing

English 92. Reading and Writing Poetry

Another English 190, 191, 290. Advanced Fiction, 291. Advanced Nonfiction, or 198L. Levinthal Tutorial

Poetry Track

English 92.Reading and Writing Poetry

English 160. Poetry and Poetics

English 192. Intermediate Poetry Writing

Another English 192, or 292.Advanced Poetry or 198L.Levinthal Tutorial

Creative Writing minors should note the following:

To declare a Creative Writing minor, visit the Student page in Axess. To expedite your declaration, make sure to list all 6 courses you have taken or plan to take for your minor.

Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the 190, 191, or 192 requirement.

For more information, visit the Stanford Creative Writing Program.

What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees

Many creative writing degree recipients pursue careers as authors while others work as copywriters or ghostwriters.

Tips on Creative Writing Degrees

A student sitting beside the bed in bedroom with her coffee cup and writing on the note pad.

Getty Images

Prospective writing students should think about their goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Many people see something magical in a beautiful work of art, and artists of all kinds often take pride in their craftsmanship. Creative writers say they find fulfillment in the writing process.

"I believe that making art is a human need, and so to get to do that is amazing," says Andrea Lawlor, an author who this year received a Whiting Award – a national $50,000 prize that recognizes 10 excellent emerging authors each year – and who is also the Clara Willis Phillips Assistant Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

"We all are seeing more and more of the way that writing can help us understand perspectives we don't share," says Lawlor, whose recent novel "Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl" addresses the issue of gender identity.

"Writing can help us cope with hard situations," Lawlor says. "We can find people who we have something in common with even if there's nobody around us who shares our experience through writing. It's a really powerful tool for connection and social change and understanding."

Creative writing faculty, many of whom are acclaimed published authors, say that people are well-suited toward degrees in creative writing if they are highly verbal and enjoy expressing themselves.

"Creative imaginative types who have stories burning inside them and who gravitate toward stories and language might want to pursue a degree in creative writing," Jessica Bane Robert, who teaches Introduction to Creative Writing at Clark University in Massachusetts, wrote in an email. "Through formal study you will hone your voice, gain confidence, find a support system for what can otherwise be a lonely endeavor."

Read the guide below to gain more insight into what it means to pursue a creative writing education, how writing impacts society and whether it is prudent to invest in a creative writing degree. Learn about the difference between degree-based and non-degree creative writing programs, how to craft a solid application to a top-notch creative writing program and how to figure out which program is the best fit.

Why Creative Writing Matters and Reasons to Study It

Creative writers say a common misconception about their job is that their work is frivolous and impractical, but they emphasize that creative writing is an extremely effective way to convey messages that are hard to share in any other way.

Kelly Caldwell, dean of faculty at Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City, says prospective writing students are often discouraged from taking writing courses because of concerns about whether a writing life is somehow unattainable or "unrealistic."

Although creative writers are sometimes unable to financially support themselves entirely on the basis of their creative projects, Caldwell says, they often juggle that work with other types of jobs and lead successful careers.

She says that many students in her introductory creative writing class were previously forbidden by parents to study creative writing. "You have to give yourself permission for the simple reason that you want to do it," she suggests.

Creative writing faculty acknowledge that a formal academic credential in creative writing is not needed in order to get writing published. However, they suggest, creative writing programs help aspiring authors develop their writing skills and allow space and time to complete long-term writing projects.

Working writers often juggle multiple projects at once and sometimes have more than one gig, which can make it difficult to finish an especially ambitious undertaking such as a novel, a play for the screen or stage, or a well-assembled collection of poems, short stories or essays. Grants and fellowships for authors are often designed to ensure that those authors can afford to concentrate on their writing.

Samuel Ace, a published poet and a visiting lecturer in poetry at Mount Holyoke, says his goal is to show students how to write in an authentic way that conveys real feeling. "It helps students to become more direct, not to bury their thoughts under a cascade of academic language, to be more forthright," he says.

Tips on Choosing Between a Non-Degree or Degree-Based Creative Writing Program

Experts note that someone needs to be ready to get immersed in the writing process and devote significant time to writing projects before pursuing a creative writing degree. Prospective writing students should not sign up for a degree program until they have reached that sense of preparedness, warns Kim Todd, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts and director of its creative writing program.

She says prospective writing students need to think about their personal goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Aspiring writers who are not ready to invest in a creative writing degree program may want to sign up for a one-off writing class or begin participating in an informal writing workshop so they can test their level of interest in the field, Todd suggests.

How to Choose and Apply to a Creative Writing Program

In many cases, the most important component of an application to a writing program is the writing portfolio, writing program experts say. Prospective writing students need to think about which pieces of writing they include in their portfolio and need to be especially mindful about which item they put at the beginning of their portfolio. They should have a trusted mentor critique the portfolio before they submit it, experts suggest.

Because creative writing often involves self-expression, it is important for aspiring writing students to find a program where they feel comfortable expressing their true identity.

This is particularly pertinent to aspiring authors who are members of minority groups, including people of color or LGBTQ individuals, says Lawlor, who identifies as queer, transgender and nonbinary.

How to Use a Creative Writing Degree

Creative writing program professors and alumni say creative writing programs cultivate a variety of in-demand skills, including the ability to communicate effectively.

"While yes, many creative writers are idealists and dreamers, these are also typically highly flexible and competent people with a range of personal strengths. And a good creative writing program helps them understand their particular strengths and marketability and translate these for potential employers, alongside the more traditional craft development work," Melissa Ridley Elmes, an assistant professor of English at Lindenwood University in Missouri, wrote in an email.

Elmes – an author who writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction – says creative writing programs force students to develop personal discipline because they have to consistently produce a significant amount of writing. In addition, participating in writing workshops requires writing students "to give and receive constructive feedback," Elmes says.

Cindy Childress, who has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Louisiana—Lafayatte and did a creative writing dissertation where she submitted poetry, says creative writing grads are well-equipped for good-paying positions as advertising and marketing copywriters, speechwriters, grant writers and ghostwriters.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for writers and authors was $63,200 as of May 2019.

"I think the Internet, and writing communities online and in social media, have been very helpful for debunking the idea that if you publish a New York Times Bestseller you will have 'made it' and can quit your day job and write full time," Elmes explains. "Unless you are independently wealthy, the odds are very much against you in this regard."

Childress emphasizes that creative writing degree recipients have "skills that are absolutely transferable to the real world." For example, the same storytelling techniques that copywriters use to shape public perceptions about a commercial brand are often taught in introductory creative writing courses, she says. The ability to tell a good story does not necessarily come easily to people who haven't been trained on how to do it, she explains.

Childress says she was able to translate her creative writing education into a lucrative career and start her own ghostwriting and book editing company, where she earns a six-figure salary. She says her background in poetry taught her how to be pithy.

"Anything that we want to write nowadays, particularly for social media, is going to have to be immediately understood, so there is a sense of immediacy," she says."The language has to be crisp and direct and exact, and really those are exactly the same kind of ways you would describe a successful poem."

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Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

One 1- or 3-week residency in summer

$3,220 per course

Unlock your creative potential and hone your unique voice.

Build a strong foundation in literary criticism and writing across multiple genres — including fiction, nonfiction, and drama — in our live online writing and literature program with an in-person writer’s residency at Harvard.

Program Overview

Through the master’s degree in creative writing and literature, you’ll hone your skills as a storyteller — crafting publishable original scripts, novels, and stories.

In small, workshop-style classes, you’ll master key elements of narrative craft, including characterization, story and plot structure, point of view, dialogue, and description. And you’ll learn to approach literary works as both a writer and scholar by developing skills in critical analysis.

Program Benefits

Instructors who are published authors of drama, fiction, and nonfiction

A community of writers who support your growth in live online classes

Writer's residency with agent & editor networking opportunities

Personalized academic and career advising

Thesis or capstone options that lead to publishable creative work

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

As you work through the program’s courses, you’ll enhance your creative writing skills and knowledge of literary concepts and strategies. You’ll practice the art of revision to hone your voice as a writer in courses like Writing the Short Personal Essay and Writing Flash Fiction.

Within the creative writing and literature program, you will choose between a thesis or capstone track. You’ll also experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

11 Online Courses

  • Primarily synchronous
  • Fall, spring, January, and summer options

Writer’s Residency

A 1- or 3-week summer master class taught by a notable instructor, followed by an agents-and-editors weekend

Thesis or Capstone Track

  • Thesis: features a 9-month independent creative project with a faculty advisor
  • Capstone: includes crafting a fiction or nonfiction manuscript in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

A Faculty of Creative Writing Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are renowned academics in literary analysis, storytelling, manuscript writing, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Bryan Delaney

Playwright and Screenwriter

Talaya Adrienne Delaney

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Our community at a glance.

80% of our creative writing and literature students are enrolled in our master’s degree program for either personal enrichment or to make a career change. Most (74%) are employed full time while pursuing their degree and work across a variety of industries.

Download: Creative Writing & Literature Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Personal Enrichment

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Program have writing, research, and communication jobs in the fields of publishing, advertising/marketing, fundraising, secondary and higher education, and more.

Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Boston University, Brandeis University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cambridge University.

Our alumni hold titles as:

  • Marketing Manager
  • Director of Publishing
  • Senior Research Writer

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

  • Little, Brown & Company
  • New York University (NYU)
  • Bentley Publishers

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the annual on-campus Harvard Humanities, Media, Marketing, and Creative Careers Expo.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Creative Writing and Literature.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

Harvard is closer than one might think. You can be anywhere and still be part of this world.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

What can you do with a master’s degree in creative writing and literature?

A master’s degree in creative writing and literature prepares you for a variety of career paths in writing, literature, and communication — it’s up to you to decide where your interests will take you.

You could become a professional writer, editor, literary agent, marketing copywriter, or communications specialist.

You could also go the academic route and bring your knowledge to the classroom to teach creative writing or literature courses.

Is a degree in creative writing and literature worth it?

The value you find in our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program will depend on your unique goals, interests, and circumstances.

The curriculum provides a range of courses that allow you to graduate with knowledge and skills transferable to various industries and careers.

How long does completing the creative writing and literature graduate program take?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What skills do you need prior to applying for the creative writing and literature degree program?

Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills if you are considering a creative writing and literature master’s degree.

Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our creative writing and literature master’s degree requirements page .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 12 best creative writing colleges and programs.

College Info

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Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

  • #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
  • #2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
  • #3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
  • #4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
  • #5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

body_columbia

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

body_brown-1

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

body_nyu

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

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Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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Bachelor of Science in English and Creative Writing Online

B.S. in English and Writing – Creative Writing

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Bachelor of Science in English and Writing – Creative Writing

Your career in creative writing starts now.

Many people write because they are required to for school or work – many, but not you. Ever since you could read, you knew you had a deeper appreciation for English and writing. Now imagine taking that passion and making it your life’s work. With the proper training and credentials, you can create a career dedicated to an art you love.

Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in English and Writing is designed for writers like you. Our program focuses on providing you with the skills you’ll need for success, like critical thinking, technical writing, literary analysis, and methods of research. And with a specialization in creative writing, you can complete courses on what interests you most – creating captivating stories.

An exciting part of our bachelor’s degree in creative writing is that you will have the opportunity to learn from #1 New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist, Karen Kingsbury. Karen has contributed course content to this degree, providing firsthand training in all areas of interest. We are proud to partner with Karen through our Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing .

Employers today are in need of professionals who have strong writing skills, so whether you use your degree to land an editorial job or become a traveling freelance writer, your ability to effectively use the English language will set you apart. And while you hone your skills in Liberty’s English degree, you’ll be learning under professors who are just as passionate about writing as you are.

What Will You Learn in an English and Creative Writing Degree Online?

As you pursue Liberty’s online creative writing degree, you will study history’s famous writers and authors with courses focused on some of the greatest works of literature. And with training in advanced grammar and technical writing, you can demonstrate your ability to write at all levels and styles.

Liberty’s B.S. in English and Writing – Creative Writing degree also provides training on:

  • How to write compelling stories that engage readers
  • Organizing writing and adapting it to different genres
  • Tailoring writing to specific audiences and markets
  • How to market your projects and receive new writing opportunities

Career Opportunities for English and Creative Writing Degree Graduates

  • Professional blogger
  • Public relations
  • Social media coordinator

Benefits of Our Online Creative Writing Program

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online B.S. in English and Writing degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • To continue our mission of providing affordable education , electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
  • The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
  • You can complete this English and writing program in as little as 3.5 years!
  • Liberty University has partnered with New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist, Karen Kingsbury, to create the Karen Kingsbury Center for Writing. Your curriculum includes content developed by Karen Kingsbury herself.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

  • Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/retirees
  • Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
  • Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
  • Potential college credit for military training

Credit Hours

creative writing and english degree

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Mar 18, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

creative writing and english degree

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

  • Affordability
  • Accessibility
  • Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

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Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our online library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

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creative writing and english degree

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Be inspired by world-renowned speakers at Convocation

Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

  • Undergraduate
  • Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Major

creative writing and english degree

The Creative Writing Major is an undergraduate concentration within the English Department at Northwestern University and one of the first and finest undergraduate Creative Writing programs in the country. Its reputation is based on the accomplishments of its graduates, the generosity of its accomplished professors, and a pedagogy that creates a fruitful symbiosis between close reading and inventive writing. Award-winning authors teach poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as courses that cross genres, guiding students to examine literary works as writers and encouraging them to study the best literary models. Professors and students work in a close-knit community as they write their own stories, novellas, poems and essays within the living tradition of literature.

Most Creative Writing Majors begin taking creative writing courses in their sophomore year and complete the yearlong “sequence” of study during their junior year, and some have the opportunity to complete an additional honors project before graduation (see Recommended Schedule for Prospective Writing Majors below). Students also learn from prominent visiting writers at our annual Festival of Writing in the Spring.  Recent graduates of the program include MacArthur “Genius” Award Winner Karen Russell; Veronica Roth, whose bestselling novel “Divergent” was first drafted while she was a student; poet Peter Kline; and award-winning essayist Angela Mears.

Current Creative Writing faculty include   Chris Abani ,  Brian Bouldrey ,   John Bresland ,   Averill Curdy ,   Sheila Donohue ,   Reginald Gibbons , Juan Martinez , Shauna Seliy , Charif Shanahan ,  Natasha Trethewey , Daisy Hernández ,  and   Rachel Jamison Webster .

The Creative Writing program also offers two minors; the Sequence-based Minor and, for those not pursuing one of the year-long sequences, the non-application based Cross-genre Minor in Creative Writing .

See past and upcoming Creative Writing events.

Undergraduate publication opportunities

Recommended Schedule for Prospective Writing Majors

Courses for prospective creative writing majors, in a recommended order..

*Denotes courses that are REQUIRED for the Creative Writing Major

ENG 202-Introduction to Creative Writing

(can be taken in Fall quarter of Freshman year. This provides an introduction to all three genres and prepares you for our other CW courses.)

ENG 210-1,2 - English Literary Traditions       or ENG 270-1,2 - American Literary Traditions

(While not required for creative writing, these are excellent background courses for writing students, and also serve as prerequisites for the English literature major.)

* ENG 206 - Reading and Writing Poetry

* ENG 207 - Reading and Writing Fiction    

* ENG 208 - Reading & Writing Creative Nonfiction

(You may take 206, 207, or 208 in any order.  You should have taken or be enrolled in any one of these when you're applying. )

Students may apply to the Creative Writing Program in the Spring of your Sophomore Year or in the Spring of your Junior Year.

Some students fulfill their requirements--of 206, 207 and 208--well before the time of application to the program. If that happens, we recommend that you stay in writing practice and continue building your portfolio by taking one of our 300-level writing courses, English 306, 307, 308, or 309. Please see Juan Martinez , Director of Creative Writing, for further suggestions and help with course planning.

Initial Required Courses

All students interested in the Creative Writing Major must take two introductory writing courses--poetry (ENG 206), fiction (207), or creative nonfiction (208)--before applying to the major. Students can only apply to the major in a genre for which they've completed (or are enrolled) in its 200-level component; you can only apply for poetry after having taken or enrolling in ENG 206, for fiction after ENG 207, for creative nonfiction after ENG 208.

At the 200-level, no prior knowledge of a genre is required to enroll.

  • No English Department creative writing course may be audited or taken pass/fail.
  • School of Professional Studies courses offered under the titles ENG 206, 207 and 208 do not count toward any course of study within the Creative Writing program.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the next stage of the Creative Writing Major or the Sequence-based Minor in Creative Writing, the year-long 300-level advanced course sequences, is competitive. Admission to the program is granted primarily on the basis of manuscript quality and the student’s promise. An applicant may be admitted to study as a major, a minor, or a sequence-only student.

No preference in admission is currently given to those who apply to the sequences, though there are later opportunities open only to Creative Writing Majors, including participation in senior honors, one-on-one conferences with visiting writers-in-residence, and the winter senior readings series.  Students may apply for admission to the sequence courses no earlier than the spring of their sophomore year.   

Applications will open Spring 2024.

The Sequences

Theory and Practice of Poetry (ENG 393), Fiction (394), and Creative Nonfiction (395):

These year-long sequences of courses ask students to pursue a rigorous program that includes explication and critical writing, imitation and modeling, close reading of literary texts, and the creation of original creative work.  The sequences are arranged in three consecutive quarters.

They begin in the fall with specialized courses in the fundamental technical and rhetorical bases of each genre. Poetry students study the uses of metaphor and mode, and the theory of prosody (including both the major form of poetry in English-accentual-syllabic verse-and the minor forms, accentual, syllabic, and free verse). Fiction students consider the tenets of realism and its alternatives, and practice different approaches to style, characterization, structure, and point of view. Creative nonfiction students focus on essay forms, logical method, authorial tone, and techniques of discourse and description. In all genres, imitations and models of great writers are assigned.

The second half of the sequence in each genre is devoted to intensive writing of a longer original work-a poem of at least 120 lines or an essay or novella of 25 to 35 pages.

Note that in the event further work in fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry is desired outside the year-long sequence, ENG 206, 207, and 208 may be repeated up to two times for WCAS credit. Advanced one-quarter courses in creative writing (ENG 306, 307, 308, 309) are also offered for non-majors.

The application is available here . Applications will open at 8am on March 26th and will close on April 29th at midnight.

Other Required Courses for MAJOR Students

In addition to the sequences, creative writing majors must take:

ENG 392 - The Situation of Writing

“The Situation of Writing,” which is typically offered in the winter quarter, investigates the writer’s relation to the culture, both currently and historically. The course addresses such questions as the relation of criticism to imaginative literature, the rise and fall of specific literary genres, the effect of the university on the production and consumption of literary works, the state of the publishing industry, and international literary contexts.

The “Third-Genre Intro” Course 

English 207 or 208, whichever introductory course was not completed before application to the sequences. This requirement ensures that writing majors will have had experience reading and writing in all three major non-dramatic modes of imaginative writing.

Six 300-level literature classes

These courses must be “pure literature”; that is, courses in which the bulk of the reading is literature and not criticism or theory. They must be selected from English Department offerings ONLY:

  • Two on material written prior to 1830
  • Two on material written after 1830
  • Two from either period

Two non-literature courses related to one another, taught in other department(s).

These courses, in areas such as history, art, classics, and gender studies, broaden the student’s background for the study of literature. These must be approved by a creative writing advisor.

Other Required Courses for Sequence-Based MINOR students

In addition to the sequences, creative writing sequence-based minors must take:

Two 300-level literature classes

  • One on material written prior to 1830
  • One on material written after 1830

The Cross-genre Minor in Creative Writing

Other program features.

The Annual Writers Festival gives students the chance to learn from and interact with guest Writers-in-Residence for a three-day celebration of master classes, public readings, and a panel discussion on craft. The festival is situated within the larger Evanston Literary Festival, which hosts a number of literary events throughout the city.

Writing by students at Northwestern is recognized by the award-winning student literary magazine, Helicon, and by the  Department of English Annual Writing Competition , held in the spring.

Creative Writing Alumni Testimonials

-- Veronica Roth, author of the bestselling Divergent series

“I still believe our program at Northwestern is as good as any graduate program in the country. It was nice to have the opportunity when I was 19 to spend so much time reading and writing with these other writers. There was such a serious sense of purpose. That’s a testament to Brian and Sheila and the rest of the faculty. They really could create a community.” --Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia!, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and winner of a MacArthur Genius Award.

“As a Creative Nonfiction student in the Creative Writing program, I was pushed hard -- by my professors and fellow writers -- to find my voice. Not just my voice as a writer, but as a person and advocate of my life and experiences. More than anything else, I learned that I am still learning. I am still finding that voice, and always will be. I learned that this fact is okay, it is right, it is what makes me write.”   --Danielle Littman, 2013 graduate.

"We're not just educating people for professional tracks; we're educating them for their lives." --Professor Mary Kinzie, Founder of the Creative Writing Program and award-winning poet.

student writing in library with Iowa sweatshirt

Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing

Great readers make great writers—and great writers build fulfilling lives and successful careers.

In the English and Creative Writing major, you'll explore literature in all its forms—and apply what you discover to your own expression. 

You may write poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, or something totally unique. Maybe you've been writing for years, or you might dream of starting. No matter your background or your goals, in this popular major you'll learn to transform the craft of writing into the artistry of literature. 

Your professors will be some of today's hottest bestselling authors and magazine journalists. You'll experience small classes and personalized attention. You'll learn the methods of Iowa's world-famous Writers' Workshop, Nonfiction Writing Program, and Playwrights Workshop. And you'll belong to a supportive, inclusive, and engaged community. 

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Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing requires a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including at least 42 s.h. of work for the major. Of the 42 s.h., at least 36 s.h. must be selected from the Department of English courses (prefix ENGL, CNW, CW). Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core . 

Transfer students must earn at least 30 s.h. work for the major at the University of Iowa, with at least 15 s.h. of course work in English literary study and 15 s.h. of course work in creative writing taken in residence at the University of Iowa.

Students are encouraged to explore multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting.

Students earning the major in English may not earn the major in English and Creative Writing and students completing the English and Creative Writing major may not earn a second major in English. Please note that "creative writing" encompasses ENGL 37** and 47** (creative writing courses in fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, translation, poetry, and special topics), CW courses (fiction and poetry), CNW (creative non-fiction), and some THTR (playwriting) and CINE (screenwriting). Search accordingly when looking for coursework.

For more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing, visit the UI General Catalog .

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

creative writing and english degree

English (BA) – Creative Writing

Program at a glance.

  • In State Tuition
  • Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2024

English (B.A.) - Creative Writing may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

Admission Requirements

Degree requirements.

  • Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog
  • Students must earn at least a "C" (2.0) in each required course
  • Co-op or internship credit cannot be used in the major without prior approval from the department
  • Students should consult with a departmental advisor
  • Departmental Residency Requirement consists of at least 15 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the UCF English Department
  • Courses designated in General Education Program and Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.

Online English - Creative Writing, BA

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

  • International

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Career opportunities.

  • ESL Teacher
  • Educational Publishing Researcher
  • Grant Writer
  • High School English Teacher
  • Higher Education Personnel
  • Marketing/Communications Content Creator
  • Technical Writer

University of Central Florida Colleges

creative writing and english degree

Core Requirements: Basic Level

  • CRW3013 - Creative Writing for English Majors (3)
  • ENG3014 - Theories and Techniques of Literature Study (3)
  • CRW3053 - Theory & Practice of Creative Writing (3)
  • *ENG 3014 - This is a prerequisite for all 4000 level AML, ENG, ENL, or LIT courses

Core Requirements: Advanced Level

  • Literary History Requirement
  • Choose four courses total from these two groupings
  • Select at least one of these pre-1865 literature courses
  • Note: Each semester, additional courses may satisfy these requirements. Check with an advisor for details.
  • AML3031 - American Literature I (3)
  • AML3613 - Narratives of Slavery (3)
  • ENL2012 - English Literature I (3)
  • ENL3220 - English Renaissance Poetry and Prose (3)
  • ENL4230 - Eighteenth-Century Studies (3)
  • ENL4240 - English Romantic Writers (3)
  • ENL4311 - Chaucer (3)
  • ENL4333 - Shakespeare Studies (3)
  • ENL4341 - Milton and His Age (3)
  • AML3286 - Early American Women's Words (3)
  • AML3640 - Native American Literature (3)
  • LIT4374 - The Literature of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles (3)
  • ENL3296 - Gothic Literature (3)
  • Select at least one of these post-1865 literature courses
  • Each semester, additional courses may satisfy this requirement. Check with an advisor for details.
  • AML3041 - American Literature II (3)
  • AML3261 - Literature of the South (3)
  • AML3614 - Topics in African-American Literature (3)
  • AML3615 - Harlem, Haiti, and Havana (3)
  • AML3643 - Contemporary Native American Prose and Poetry (3)
  • AML4101 - American Novel (3)
  • AML4155 - Modern American Poetry (3)
  • AML4265 - Florida Writers (3)
  • AML4321 - Modern American Literature (3)
  • AML3630 - Latinx Literature (3)
  • ENL2022 - English Literature II (3)
  • ENL4101 - English Novel (3)
  • ENL4253 - The Victorian Age (3)
  • ENL4262 - Nineteenth Century British Prose (3)
  • ENL4273 - Modern British Literature (3)
  • LIT3082 - Continental European Fiction Since 1900 (3)
  • LIT3192 - Caribbean Literature (3)
  • LIT4043 - Modern Drama As Literature (3)
  • LIT4184 - Irish Literature (3)
  • LIT4303 - Post-World War II Fiction (3)
  • LIT3823 - Hispanic Women Writers (3)
  • Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Pre-1865 Literature courses or Post-1865 Literature courses

Restricted Electives

  • Please note that students must take 4 but no more than 6 of the courses listed in a. and b. below.
  • A list of approved restricted elective courses is found in the myKnight audit.
  • CRW3120 - Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
  • CRW3211 - Creative Nonfiction Writing (3)
  • CRW3310 - Poetry Writing Workshop (3)
  • CRW3610 - Writing Scripts (3)
  • CRW4122 - Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
  • CRW4224 - Advanced Nonfiction Workshop (3)
  • CRW4320 - Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop (3)
  • CRW4616 - Advanced Scriptwriting Workshop (3)
  • *May take ENC 4360 - Nature Writing instead of CRW 4224 but not both.
  • CRW3311 - Readings in Poetry for Creative Writing (3)
  • CRW3540 - Literary Magazines (3)
  • CRW4114 - History of Prose Style (3)
  • CRW4724 - The Florida Review (3)
  • CRW4722 - Editing for Creative Writers (3)
  • any other CRW elective or Special Topics course Credit Hours: 3

Grand Total Credits: 36

Capstone requirements.

  • Select primarily from upper level courses, with departmental advisor's approval. May be outside of the department.

Foreign Language Requirements

  • Met by graduation requirement
  • Proficiency equivalent to three semesters of college instruction in a foreign language taught by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or the Department of History (Hebrew). Standardized examinations for foreign languages may be used to meet the requirement. With departmental approval, a cultural/multicultural or related course offered by the Department of English may be used to satisfy one semester of the Graduation requirement.

Additional Requirements

  • The English Department offers multiple opportunities to complete the signature experience requirement. Please consult the Undergraduate Advisor for a full listing.

Required Minors

Departmental exit requirements.

  • Maintain and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses used towards the major.

University Minimum Exit Requirements

  • A 2.0 UCF GPA
  • 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
  • 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded
  • 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
  • A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
  • Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.

Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 120

Additional information, honors in major (9 credit hours).

  • Application and admission through the English Honors Committee and the Honors College.
  • Fulfill University requirements for Honors in the Major.
  • Grade of "B" (3.0) or better in an English graduate or undergraduate course or in a graduate or undergraduate course outside the major that relates to thesis with approval (3 hrs), Directed Readings (3 hrs), and Thesis hours (3 hrs).
  • Successful completion and oral defense of Honors thesis.

Related Programs

  • English, Technical Communication (B.A.)
  • English, Literature (B.A.)

Certificates

  • Editing and Publishing Certificate

Related Minors

  • English, Linguistics Minor
  • English, Technical Communication Minor
  • Writing and Rhetoric Minor
  • English, Literature Minor

Advising Notes

Transfer notes.

  • Lower division courses do not substitute for upper division courses.
  • Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit. The student must provide all supporting information.

Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses

Program academic learning compacts.

  • Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: https://oeas.ucf.edu/about/academiclearningcompacts/

Plan of Study

Freshman Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)

  • ENC 1101 - Composition I Credit Hours: 3
  • GEP Credit Hours: 3

Freshman Year - Spring (16 Credit Hours)

  • ENC 1102 - Composition II Credit Hours: 3
  • Foreign Language Elementary I Credit Hours: 4

Sophomore Year - Fall (16 Credit Hours)

  • LIT 2110 or LIT 2120 Credit Hours: 3
  • Foreign Language Elementary II Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 3

Sophomore Year - Spring (15 Credit Hours)

  • CRW 3013 - Creative Writing for English Majors Credit Hours: 3
  • CRW 3053 - Theory & Practice of Creative Writing Credit Hours: 3
  • Pre-1865 Literary History Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Pre- or Post-1865 Literary History Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Foreign Language Intermediate I or English Diversity or Elective Credit Hours: 3

Junior Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)

  • ENG 3014 - Theories and Techniques of Literature Study Credit Hours: 3
  • Post-1865 Literary History Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Writing Workshop Credit Hours: 3

Junior Year - Spring (15 Credit Hours)

  • Advanced Writing Workshop Credit Hours: 3

Senior Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)

  • Creative Writing Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Upper Level Elective Credit Hours: 3

Senior Year - Spring (13 Credit Hours)

  • Elective Credit Hours: 1
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creative writing and english degree

English Creative Writing Degree

Want more info.

We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.

Why Earn an English Creative Writing Degree?

The English major is one of the largest in UNT's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. It is widely recognized as a foundational liberal arts degree, preparing you not only for graduate study in literature or creative writing, but for a range of careers - including teaching, the law, publishing and business - in which the skills of analytical thinking and effective communication are at a premium.

The curriculum develops your writing, critical thinking and analytical skills while introducing you to American, British and world literatures, creative writing, literary theory, composition, language arts and rhetoric.

Whatever path you choose, you'll also gain something invaluable: a fuller sense of the possibilities of life, expanded intellectual and imaginative horizons, and a greater capacity for understanding both yourself and others.

  • Write clearly, concisely and compellingly
  • Communicate meaningfully to diverse audiences
  • Develop solutions to complex problems
  • Think critically, creatively and independently
  • Identify and evaluate credible sources

English Creative Writing Degree Highlights

What can you do with an english creative writing degree.

  • An editor with Rolling Stone magazine
  • A curator in the Rare Book Division of the New York Public Library
  • A member of the public relations staff at PricewaterhouseCoopers accounting firm
  • Novelists Karleen Koen, David Lindsey and Larry McMurtry
  • Poets Chad Davidson and John Poch
  • Screenplay writer and director Ken Harrison
  • Various employees of government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Government Printing Office

English Creative Writing Degree Courses You Could Take

Learn More About UNT

Explore more options.

English Literature Degree

English Writing and Rhetoric Degree

It’s easy to apply online. Join us and discover why we’re the choice of over 46,000  students.

English and creative writing degrees

Creative Writing and English Degrees

Creative writing degrees.

Are you a wordsmith who loves to tell fascinating stories? Does writing just come naturally to you, or are you looking to improve on your written communication skills? Saint Leo University proudly offers a variety of creative writing and English degrees.

Undergraduate Creative Writing Degree Programs

At the undergraduate level, our strong English program prepares graduates to excel in a wide variety of fields. Gain a strong backbone writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, or skills to help you succeed as a writer in a corporate setting with our campus-based English programs.

Online Master's Program in Creative Writing

Our master’s program in creative writing is conveniently delivered through our online format, allowing students to choose from several writing tracks. This graduate program helps students become masters at their writing craft through unique faculty and peer support. Taught by highly experienced faculty with a wealth of writing and publishing experience, this program can help to transform your writing career.

What is a Creative Writing and English degree?

Saint Leo’s undergraduate English program prepares students to move on to achieving a master’s degree in creative writing. In our master’s program, aspiring fiction writers, essayists, memoirists and poets are taught the skills needed to begin a new phase of their creative life. Students will even learn writing skills that will help them succeed in a corporate environment.

Can you Earn an Online Creative Writing English Degree?

Saint Leo’s English degree programs can be completed on our University Campus. The master’s degree in creative writing program can be completed online, which provides extreme flexibility for working adults without interrupting your existing commitments to family and career. All of Saint Leo’s creative writing faculty are published writers of national reputation.

What are the Best Creative Writing and English Degree Jobs?

There are plenty of job opportunities in a variety of fields for students who earn their English degrees. Some of those English degree jobs include journalism, publishing, marketing and more. Job titles in this field can include:

  • News reporter
  • Grant writer
  • English teacher
  • Marketing specialist
  • Literacy program coordinator

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Bachelor's degree in english.

  • College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
  • Creative Writing and English

Bachelor's Degree in English - Education Minor

Bachelor's degree in english - professional writing, bachelor's degree in middle grades education (grades 5-9) - english.

  • College of Education and Social Services

Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (grades 6-12) - English

Minor in creative writing, minor in english.

  • Arts and Sciences

Minor in Journalism

Minor in legal studies.

  • Criminal Justice
  • Human Services

Graduate Degree Programs

Master's degree in creative writing.

Department of English

Dietrich college of humanities and social sciences, creative writing program, carnegie mellon university houses one of a small number of english departments in the country offering a major in creative writing..

In the Creative Writing program, undergraduate students will develop talents in writing fiction, poetry, screenwriting , and creative nonfiction. While studying with faculty members who are writers, Creative Writing majors will read a wide range of literature and genres, sharpen critical and verbal skills, better explore the resources and potential of imagination, and develop a professional attitude towards writing. The extracurricular writing activities and a variety of writing internships available on and off campus provide valuable experiences for planning both professional and academic futures.  After graduation, many Creative Writing majors go on to graduate writing programs and to careers in teaching, publishing, public relations, advertising, TV and film, or freelance writing and editing.

Declare Creative Writing

Introduction to Fiction

Explore Creative Writing

Primary major, additional major, creative writing faculty.

  • Undergraduate Admissions

Questions? Reach out to Laura Donaldson, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs and Academic Advisor at  [email protected]

Want To Visit? Schedule a visit to the Creative Writing program through  this form.

Spotlight: Kevin González

Associate professor of english kevin gonzález awarded the whiting creative nonfiction grant..

Associate Professor of English Kevin González has been awarded the 2021 Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant for his upcoming memoir, Juracán .

This grant from The Whiting Foundation is awarded annually to writers who are completing cultural nonfiction books. González’s memoir focuses on his experiences growing up in Puerto Rico in the ‘80s and ‘90s, then immigrating to the United States.

Read more about Professor González's award.

Kevin González headshot

  • Faculty and Staff Resources
  • Current Student Resources
  • Carnegie Mellon University Press
  • Arts Greenhouse
  • Oakland Review
  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Best UK universities for creative writing – league table

  • About studying this subject
  • Overall league table
  • How to use the tables

Illustration: Yukai Du

Find a course

All fields optional

UK universities ranked by subject area: creative writing

creative writing and english degree

Bachelor of Arts in English Professional and Creative Writing

About the English Professional and Creative Writing, BA

In the Professional and Creative Writing major, you will nurture your creative potential and sharpen your writing skills to excel as an accomplished writer, communicator, and professional. Through a blend of workshops, seminars, internship opportunities, and a lot of writing, you will cultivate the skills you need to thrive in today's dynamic job market. We are committed to the idea that with persistence, dedication, and passion, you will make a significant impact on the world through your writing.

Why Study English Professional and Creative Writing at CWU?

In the Creative Writing major, our faculty members are accomplished writers, published authors, and experienced educators.

Through a wide range of genres and forms, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction, you will receive personalized guidance, mentorship, and valuable insights to help you succeed in your creative endeavors.

Where is this program offered?

How much does this program cost.

Explore information on  Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information.

Careers and Opportunities

At CWU, we will help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact through your writing.

  • Writer or Author: Work as freelance writers, journalists, or novelists, creating content for newspapers, magazines, websites, or books. This is a wonderful job if you are interested in remote work.
  • Copywriter: Consider using your skills in advertising, marketing, or public relations, crafting compelling copy for ads, social media, or other marketing materials.
  • Technical Writer: Fields like healthcare, engineering, or technology, need skilled writers to create user manuals, technical documentation, or instructional materials.
  • Editor: You could work as an editor for publishing houses, literary magazines, or online publications

Take the Next Steps

Visit central.

  • Schedule an In-Person Tour
  • Explore Campus Virtually

Admissions & Aid

  • Apply to CWU
  • Cost, Aid, Value

Interested in CWU?

  • Request Information

"The English department at CWU equipped me with both the creativity and critical thinking skills necessary to engage the future generation. I was taught the importance of self-reflection and how crucial it is for effective teaching. I now have gained the confidence to be an educator who both understands and can convey the importance of English to students." Haley Cottingham graduated in 2022 with a degree in English Language Arts Teaching.

A Wealth of Scholarships in English

At Central Washington University, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality education, regardless of their financial background. View Department of English Scholarships today. You belong at CWU.

Related Programs

Students working on art projects in the hallway

Join a dynamic and vibrant community of artists and a faculty of accomplished professionals in the Art, BA at CWU.

Students learning about art at a Poster Show

Art Education, BA

Your future as an art educator starts here, and we can't wait for you to teach the next generation of artists.

Questions? Contact Us.

English department.

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COMMENTS

  1. What To Know About Earning A Creative Writing Degree

    A creative writing degree teaches you the techniques behind many writing projects, including fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, biographies and poems. A bachelor's degree in creative writing ...

  2. English (Creative Writing), BA

    To receive further information about the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing, make an appointment to speak with English undergraduate advisor at 480-965-3168. You may also contact Creative Writing Program Manager, Justin Petropoulos ( [email protected] ), RBH 152. Portfolio Review Guidelines.

  3. Creative Writing Degree, Online Writing Courses

    Creative Writing Degree Program Overview. If you have a passion for storytelling and want to pursue a career using your writing talents, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program can help you get on the right path.. You'll develop your writing skills alongside students from across the country, who represent an incredible range of voices and experiences.

  4. Creative Writing

    English majors with a Creative Writing emphasis should note the following: All courses must be taken for a letter grade. Courses taken abroad or at other institutions may not be counted towards the workshop requirements. Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191 series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the ...

  5. Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing

    As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks! You can complete this online creative writing degree in as little as 3.5 years! You can mix and match ...

  6. English Creative Writing BA

    Through UCF Online's creative writing courses, you'll become an expert communicator with a deep appreciation of fiction, poetry and non-fiction prose. This program will guide you through an understanding of rhetoric, communication and literary structure within a diverse array of texts. You'll also stretch your imagination as you hone your ...

  7. What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees

    Many creative writing degree recipients pursue careers as authors while others work as copywriters or ghostwriters. Prospective writing students should think about their goals and figure out if a ...

  8. Bachelor's in English

    Highlights of Our Online English and Creative Writing Degree. We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.Our commitment to excellence ...

  9. Creative Writing and Literature Master's Degree Program

    Program Overview. Through the master's degree in creative writing and literature, you'll hone your skills as a storyteller — crafting publishable original scripts, novels, and stories. In small, workshop-style classes, you'll master key elements of narrative craft, including characterization, story and plot structure, point of view ...

  10. The 12 Best Creative Writing Colleges and Programs

    In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria: #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities.

  11. B.S. in English and Writing

    An exciting part of our bachelor's degree in creative writing is that you will have the opportunity to learn from #1 New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist, Karen Kingsbury.

  12. 2024 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees

    Online Enrollment: 5,216. Annual Tuition: $16,644. Location: Ogden (UT) Learn More. At Weber State University (WSU), students interested in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing. Each course of this degree lends to professional writing portfolios.

  13. The Creative Writing Major

    The Creative Writing Major. English Course Listing. ... Most Creative Writing Majors begin taking creative writing courses in their sophomore year and complete the yearlong "sequence" of study during their junior year, and some have the opportunity to complete an additional honors project before graduation (see Recommended Schedule for ...

  14. Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing

    The Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing requires a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including at least 42 s.h. of work for the major. Of the 42 s.h., at least 36 s.h. must be selected from the Department of English courses (prefix ENGL, CNW, CW). Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in ...

  15. English (BA)

    English. In State. Out of State. $212.28 per credit hour. Learn more about the cost to attend UCF. English (B.A.) - Creative Writing may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may ...

  16. English (Creative Writing)

    Program Description. Students in the creative writing concentration of the BA program in English study and practice the art of writing poetry and fiction. Students gain practical experience through writing workshops and internship opportunities that prepare them for an ever-expanding variety of careers in writing, publishing, editing, teaching ...

  17. English Creative Writing B.A.

    The English major is one of the largest in UNT's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. It is widely recognized as a foundational liberal arts degree, preparing you not only for graduate study in literature or creative writing, but for a range of careers - including teaching, the law, publishing and business - in which the skills of analytical thinking and effective communication are at ...

  18. Creative Writing and English Degrees

    Saint Leo's English degree programs can be completed on our University Campus. The master's degree in creative writing program can be completed online, which provides extreme flexibility for working adults without interrupting your existing commitments to family and career. All of Saint Leo's creative writing faculty are published writers ...

  19. Creative Writing

    The extracurricular writing activities and a variety of writing internships available on and off campus provide valuable experiences for planning both professional and academic futures. After graduation, many Creative Writing majors go on to graduate writing programs and to careers in teaching, publishing, public relations, advertising, TV and ...

  20. Best UK universities for creative writing

    6 courses. BA (hons) screenwriting with film, TV & radio (optional foundation year, optional sandwich year) BA (hons) English literature & creative writing (foundation year, optional year abroad)

  21. UCO: Majors

    English - Creative Writing. The mission of the Department of English is to provide transformative learning experiences in the multiple fields that comprise English studies. To fulfill this mission, faculty teach students to read and think critically about texts, to write effectively and creatively for multiple audiences and in multiple contexts ...

  22. Central Washington University

    English Department. [email protected]. (509) 963-1546. In the Professional and Creative Writing, BA at CWU, you will sharpen your writing skills to excel as an accomplished writer.

  23. 12 Jobs You Can Do With a Degree in Creative Writing

    There are many skills that you can learn through a creative writing degree program and others that you could work on to advance your career, such as: Storytelling abilities. Time management. Networking. Editing and proofreading skills. Creative thinking. Technology. Organization. Independent working.