colleges with creative writing minors

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List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.

Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.

Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.

Overview of the Creative Writing Major

Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.

Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. 

To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.

A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.

Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major

Published authors on faculty.

Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):

• Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
• Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
• Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
• Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
• Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
• Toni Morrison (Princeton University)

Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.

Genres Offered

While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.

Workshopping Opportunities

The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.

Showcasing Opportunities

Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students. 

List of All U.S. Colleges With a Creative Writing Major

What are your chances of acceptance.

No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.

You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.

Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!

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2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in America

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1-25 of 335 results

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA •

• • Rating 4.16 out of 5   663 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 663 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $30,958

SAT range 1510-1580

#3 Best Colleges in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

663 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 663 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $30,958 ,

SAT Range : 1510-1580 ,

Columbia University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   1,349 reviews

Junior: The campus is beautiful and the curriculum is challenging. However, the undergraduate professors do not care very much for undergraduate students, and you have to really advocate for yourself frequently. The deans are very helpful in getting professors in motion, so I recommend getting to know your deans and academic advisors. If your schedule allows you to go to office hours, do it! ... Read 1,349 reviews

Net price $12,411

SAT range 1470-1570

#6 Best Colleges in America .

Blue checkmark.

NEW YORK, NY ,

1349 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says The campus is beautiful and the curriculum is challenging. However, the undergraduate professors do not care very much for undergraduate students, and you have to really advocate for yourself... .

Read 1349 reviews.

Net Price : $12,411 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,356 reviews

Alum: I'm so grateful to have spent four years at Penn, a school that gave me opportunities I couldn't have imagined possible before. I studied abroad in France twice. I recorded two albums with my a cappella group. I conducted research for my thesis in Los Angeles. I performed The Vagina Monologues in front of thousands of people. I published academic and creative work for journals, magazines, and one of Penn's libraries. I had unlimited access to free coffee at the most welcoming work-study job. In the same night, I pranced about on one stage as an 18th-century man and rocked out in a ball gown with a band on another stage in downtown Philadelphia. I met some of my best friends on the very first day of my freshman orientation. This was my Penn story from 2012 to 2016. The university looks a lot different for students today, especially in terms of feeling safe to practice their religion, protest peacefully, and voice concerns. I hope Penn prioritizes its students' well-being moving forward. ... Read 1,356 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $14,578

SAT range 1480-1570

#7 Best Colleges in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1356 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I'm so grateful to have spent four years at Penn, a school that gave me opportunities I couldn't have imagined possible before. I studied abroad in France twice. I recorded two albums with my a... .

Read 1356 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $14,578 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1570 ,

George Mason University

FAIRFAX, VA

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   5,028

Western Wyoming Community College

ROCK SPRINGS, WY

• • Rating 4.04 out of 5   286

Seattle University

SEATTLE, WA

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,010

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   745 reviews

Freshman: Great school! Not super diverse, but it’s easy to find your people. Profs are for the most part amazing and super inspirational. Definitely less competitive than the other Ivies. I have truly had the best time here and gotten to come out of my shell. ... Read 745 reviews

Net price $24,078

SAT range 1440-1560

#8 Best Colleges in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

745 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Great school! Not super diverse, but it’s easy to find your people. Profs are for the most part amazing and super inspirational. Definitely less competitive than the other Ivies. I have truly had the... .

Read 745 reviews.

Net Price : $24,078 ,

SAT Range : 1440-1560 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,079 reviews

Freshman: Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections and personal growth. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about students' academic and personal development. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking and the encouragement to question assumptions. However, I would suggest enhancing resources for mental health support and increasing accessibility to financial aid for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Overall, Brown provided a nurturing environment that empowered me to thrive academically and personally. ... Read 1,079 reviews

Net price $25,028

SAT range 1460-1570

#10 Best Colleges in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1079 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to... .

Read 1079 reviews.

Net Price : $25,028 ,

SAT Range : 1460-1570 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,485 reviews

Alum: Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would name as not a good professor, and that review is simply isolated to their teaching ability, not their subject knowledge. The learning support system is also extensive, and students are incredibly supportive as well. There is a culture of enabling yourself and those around you to reach new heights. While all the academics and research are amazing, I would say Northwestern needs to work on its accessibility to mental healthcare and ties to the greater Chicagoland community. There could be many more community outreach programs designed to benefit the diverse and interesting Chicago population, from academics to student life. ... Read 1,485 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $29,999

#15 Best Colleges in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1485 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would... .

Read 1485 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $29,999 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO •

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,570 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life. ... Read 1,570 reviews

Acceptance rate 13%

Net price $28,298

SAT range 1490-1570

#16 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT LOUIS, MO ,

1570 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your... The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen,... .

Read 1570 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 13% ,

Net Price : $28,298 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,477 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,477 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $37,450

SAT range 1480-1560

#20 Best Colleges in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1477 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1477 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $37,450 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1560 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• • Rating 3.95 out of 5   4,699 reviews

Freshman: The University of Michigan has so many amazing things to offer. For starters, the academics are really good and well structured (with some exceptions of course). Additionally, the academic advisors in the nursing program are very helpful. I have heard from close friends that some departments, especially LSA are not as helpful as nursing advisors. The housing on campus isn't perfect and could use updating, but is overall a nice place to live and is convenient, especially as a freshman. There also could be an improvement in the amount of campus housing. The party and social scenes are also incredibly attractive to those who enjoy school spirit and involvement. There is always something happening on campus that you will have fun doing (although sometimes they can get overcrowded), as well as tons of student orgs to get involved with. Transportation around campus is also pretty good with an easily walkable, or bikable campus, and buses that run all over central and north campus. ... Read 4,699 reviews

Acceptance rate 20%

Net price $19,205

SAT range 1340-1520

#21 Best Colleges in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4699 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says The University of Michigan has so many amazing things to offer. For starters, the academics are really good and well structured (with some exceptions of course). Additionally, the academic advisors... .

Read 4699 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 20% ,

Net Price : $19,205 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1520 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,295 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,295 reviews

Net price $33,727

#23 Best Colleges in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1295 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1295 reviews.

Net Price : $33,727 ,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,405 reviews

Alum: Johns Hopkins has top-notch academics/faculty and a truly global reach. Hopkins was a great place to go to graduate school (although definitely very challenging at times due to grade deflation and accelerated program workloads). There are maybe 2-3 other schools (Harvard, UPenn, Stanford) in the world where you can get a world-class graduate degree (MS, MBA, PhD, etc.) while having the opportunity to cross-pollinate with classes at the world #1 Public Health/#1 Nursing School/#1 International Studies schools, as well as top 15 Engineering/Science/Education/A&S schools as well as an innovative and rapidly rising Business School. I know it's not everyone's thing, but I truly fell in love with Baltimore after living their for an extended period of time. I try to get back to Fells Point, Canton, Charles Village, Mount Vernon, and the East Baltimore JHMI campus (which has really come a long way in the last 10 years) at least once or twice every few years. ... Read 1,405 reviews

Acceptance rate 8%

Net price $20,680

SAT range 1470-1560

#24 Best Colleges in America .

BALTIMORE, MD ,

1405 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Johns Hopkins has top-notch academics/faculty and a truly global reach. Hopkins was a great place to go to graduate school (although definitely very challenging at times due to grade deflation and... .

Read 1405 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 8% ,

Net Price : $20,680 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1560 ,

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,034 reviews

Freshman: I like the diverse, really friendly community, thoughtful curriculum, experienced teachers, and good campus life. I feel that the community is supportive and that I have many avenues to learn, change and grow here. The people are really nice! What I would like to see changed is a better work environment for the students and staff, more mediated spaces for discussions on difficult topics, and a better-organized structure for knowing what opportunities I have to contribute to the community or make the most of my educational experience. ... Read 4,034 reviews

Net price $26,021

SAT range 1410-1540

#26 Best Colleges in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4034 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I like the diverse, really friendly community, thoughtful curriculum, experienced teachers, and good campus life. I feel that the community is supportive and that I have many avenues to learn, change... What I would like to see changed is a better work environment for the students and staff, more mediated spaces for discussions on difficult topics, and a better-organized structure for knowing what... .

Read 4034 reviews.

Net Price : $26,021 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1540 ,

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Emory University

Atlanta, GA •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   1,605 reviews

Senior: My experience at Emory has been nothing short of amazing. The people you will meet, the professors you have the opportunity to interact with are incredibly enriching. The school is also close to the heart of Atlanta so there is always something to do whether it's a farmers market, the park, downtown, or concerts there's something for everyone. ... Read 1,605 reviews

Net price $28,367

SAT range 1420-1540

#36 Best Colleges in America .

ATLANTA, GA ,

1605 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says My experience at Emory has been nothing short of amazing. The people you will meet, the professors you have the opportunity to interact with are incredibly enriching. The school is also close to the... .

Read 1605 reviews.

Net Price : $28,367 ,

SAT Range : 1420-1540 ,

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   634 reviews

Sophomore: I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and even better people. Conversations with peers are just as nuanced as the people and although the campus could still do with some diversity, I think we're definitely on the better end (I say this as a half Black and half-Asian student from a very predominantly white town). I've found that it's really easy to make friends because the campus and class sizes are so small (that being said, I'm also more extroverted). However, even my more introverted friends have said that they were eventually able to find close friends as their first or second year progressed -- the key is to be involved in campus or go to events and intentionally talk to people and reach out. ... Read 634 reviews

Acceptance rate 16%

Net price $21,862

SAT range 1400-1540

#37 Best Colleges in America .

WELLESLEY, MA ,

634 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and... .

Read 634 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 16% ,

Net Price : $21,862 ,

SAT Range : 1400-1540 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,760 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,760 reviews

Acceptance rate 29%

Net price $16,589

SAT range 1230-1500

#42 Best Colleges in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6760 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6760 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 29% ,

Net Price : $16,589 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   3,067 reviews

Junior: University of Miami has been the bast thing to happen to me. After growing up in a small town, I knew going to a big city was the best choice for me. Attending the University of Miami has opened my eyes to many things. I feel more able and ready to take on the world. University of Miami takes the best cares of their students and puts meaning into academics. I’m so thankful to attend the University of Miami. Go canes! ... Read 3,067 reviews

Acceptance rate 28%

Net price $34,492

SAT range 1300-1460

#52 Best Colleges in America .

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

3067 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says University of Miami has been the bast thing to happen to me. After growing up in a small town, I knew going to a big city was the best choice for me. Attending the University of Miami has opened my... .

Read 3067 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 28% ,

Net Price : $34,492 ,

SAT Range : 1300-1460 ,

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   486 reviews

Alum: Home. A 4-year residential campus, almost always less than a mile from my best friends turns Hamilton from an institution into a community. From the amazing maintenance teams always happy to show you the roof and underbelly of buildings when you’re curious to explore, to the professors who ask you if you want to grab coffee (or maybe a beer if you and them partake) after class - it is impossible to capture Hamilton’s depth. They say if you spend a second at each exhibit in the Smithsonian museums, you’ll pass away before you see them all - and this rings true of Hamilton, its student body, the many educational departments, and the campus as a whole; you cannot do/see/experience it all during your time here. It keeps it exciting, and the deeper you look more cool things you find. The bad reviews here on Niche about administration, although warranted as every administration should live with checks and balances, are not reflective of the many but the loud few. ... Read 486 reviews

Net price $26,803

#54 Best Colleges in America .

CLINTON, NY ,

486 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Home. A 4-year residential campus, almost always less than a mile from my best friends turns Hamilton from an institution into a community. From the amazing maintenance teams always happy to show you the... They say if you spend a second at each exhibit in the Smithsonian museums, you’ll pass away before you see them all - and this rings true of Hamilton, its student body, the many educational... The bad reviews here on Niche about administration, although warranted as every administration should live with checks and balances, are not reflective of the many but the loud few. .

Read 486 reviews.

Net Price : $26,803 ,

University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,667 reviews

Alum: First off, GO DAWGS! If you want to attend a university with a large community and are up for the academic challenge, the UW is more than worth considering. From my experience, this university heavily relies on research and if you are into a STEM major, you will get plenty of exposure to it. Many opportunities are available for students to expand their experience and gain on-campus part-time jobs, regardless of their standing. I attended this university for my 4 years of undergrad and am excited to say that I am returning to the university for my graduate program. Once a Husky, always a Husky. ... Read 4,667 reviews

Acceptance rate 53%

Net price $8,701

SAT range 1200-1470

#60 Best Colleges in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4667 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says First off, GO DAWGS! If you want to attend a university with a large community and are up for the academic challenge, the UW is more than worth considering. From my experience, this university heavily relies on research... .

Read 4667 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 53% ,

Net Price : $8,701 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1470 ,

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   474 reviews

Freshman: I'm only a freshman, so take my opinions with that in mind, but I am immensely fortunate to have chosen to attend Mac. Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and experiences. I have yet to perceive any air of frustration or misery on campus—even during finals season—and the upperclassmen I've spoken to have had similar experiences. The food isn't great, but I consider it adequate for the most part (although I would love to see food options that are more compatible with some of the dietary restrictions on campus). There are always numerous events to attend on campus so you have endless opportunities to learn new skills, have new experiences, and meet new people. Even if it takes some time, I can almost guarantee that you can find your "group" on campus. The academics are exceptional and I have had so many lovely interactions with professors. You really can join in on research projects in your freshman year! Just beware the cold and you'll thrive here. ... Read 474 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $30,939

SAT range 1340-1480

#62 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT PAUL, MN ,

474 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I'm only a freshman, so take my opinions with that in mind, but I am immensely fortunate to have chosen to attend Mac. Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and... .

Read 474 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $30,939 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1480 ,

Haverford College

Haverford, PA •

• • Rating 3.93 out of 5   268 reviews

Junior: My experience at Haverford College has been wonderful. The Honor Code definitely plays a huge role with this. I have always felt safe walking at night on campus and am able to leave my belongings without fear it of it being taken. I feel as though I can approach my professors when I need support or accommodations and have never been turned down. It's clear that most people here respect others, faculty and the space around them (of course exceptions exist like anywhere else but are a small minority). Generally, I would say, the student population is happy, motivated, and eager to help others. Unlike Swarthmore or other selective colleges, students are collaborative, laid back, yet still strive to maintain academic excellence. Rather than only focusing on grades, Haverford students are eager to learn and contribute to the community. I would say it's fair to say that Haverford is a smaller liberal arts college version of Brown University. ... Read 268 reviews

Acceptance rate 18%

Net price $24,462

#70 Best Colleges in America .

HAVERFORD, PA ,

268 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience at Haverford College has been wonderful. The Honor Code definitely plays a huge role with this. I have always felt safe walking at night on campus and am able to leave my belongings... .

Read 268 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 18% ,

Net Price : $24,462 ,

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   5,126 reviews

Freshman: So far, Purdue University has been a fantastic place to get an excellent education and make new connections. I have made many new friends and made it my second home. So far, I am involved with leadership positions on campus and becoming involved in different cultural events/clubs. Purdue has the resources to become involved on campus, and as long as people are willing to become involved, they do! There are many activities around campus, places to eat, and places to hang out. Even though Purdue is not a big party scene, many events make people feel excited and involved, especially closer to the summertime! I have no regrets about choosing Purdue, and I am especially proud of our athletics teams here on campus, with basketball being our best sport and the most fun game to go with friends. ... Read 5,126 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 69%

Net price $14,619

SAT range 1190-1430

#79 Best Colleges in America .

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN ,

5126 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says So far, Purdue University has been a fantastic place to get an excellent education and make new connections. I have made many new friends and made it my second home. So far, I am involved with... .

Read 5126 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 69% ,

Net Price : $14,619 ,

SAT Range : 1190-1430 ,

Colby College

Waterville, ME •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   617 reviews

Junior: I've loved it here. I feel as if I've grown so much since I first arrived at Colby. Some things to note: -The academics are much harder than I thought, prepare to be working for most of the week. -Despite some people saying this is a "party school", the parties don't live up to the hype. The party scene here is really small and the parties themselves are very lackluster. (The one exception to this is doghead) -The college really is isolated, and it takes a while to get to any large urban center Those are the only things I can think of that are bad about colby; I've loved the rest of the experience! Basically every other aspect of the college is perfect, hence the 5 stars. ... Read 617 reviews

Acceptance rate 9%

Net price $17,912

SAT range 1400-1530

#80 Best Colleges in America .

WATERVILLE, ME ,

617 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I've loved it here. I feel as if I've grown so much since I first arrived at Colby. Some things to note: -The academics are much harder than I thought, prepare to be working for most of the week. -Despite some people saying this is a "party school", the parties don't live up to the hype. The party scene here is really small and the parties themselves are very lackluster. (The one exception to... -The college really is isolated, and it takes a while to get to any large urban center Those are the only things I can think of that are bad about colby; I've loved the rest of the experience! Basically every other aspect of the college is perfect, hence the 5 stars. .

Read 617 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 9% ,

Net Price : $17,912 ,

SAT Range : 1400-1530 ,

University of Pittsburgh

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4,343 reviews

Freshman: Socially, the university has multitudes to offer, countless clubs and organization and events from farmers markets to concerts, fireworks, food trucks and group fitness classes there is always something to do on campus. However, if campus recreation is not what you are interested in, the university is located in the perfect spot with access to downtown city, amazing restaurant, theaters, hiking trails and more. Academically there are several opportunities to be intellectually challenges both in the classroom and outside of the classroom with research, internships, lectures and more. I have admittedly had some qualms with a number of professors here, whether it be expecting unreasonable amount of commitment, writing unfair exams, or arrogant attitudes however I have also experience some professors that greatly impacted my collegiate experience. I would like to note that as someone who is gluten free I have not had a positive experience with dinning on campus. ... Read 4,343 reviews

Acceptance rate 67%

Net price $22,996

SAT range 1250-1470

#84 Best Colleges in America .

4343 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Socially, the university has multitudes to offer, countless clubs and organization and events from farmers markets to concerts, fireworks, food trucks and group fitness classes there is always... .

Read 4343 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 67% ,

Net Price : $22,996 ,

SAT Range : 1250-1470 ,

National University

La Jolla, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   1,171 reviews

Graduate Student: I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1 class at a time and the course progresses quickly so I don’t get bored and the course requirements are reasonable, especially since most of the class participants work full time and have families. This has been a wonderful experience! ... Read 1,171 reviews

Acceptance rate 55%

Net price $9,966

SAT range 750-1170

#90 Best Colleges in America .

LA JOLLA, CA ,

1171 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I am in the teacher credential program and I am loving it. I used to get overwhelmed and bored with standard semester classes but at NU, I take 1 class every 4 weeks. I focus on the information for 1... .

Read 1171 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 55% ,

Net Price : $9,966 ,

SAT Range : 750-1170 ,

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX •

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   1,576 reviews

Freshman: I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees. SMU’s propounded Simmons school of Education’s Education program especially the Early childhood to 6 and the esteemed teaching faculty is the gravity force for me. After I graduate from college, I aspire to be a teacher in Texas and teach technology to kids with special needs. With the shortage of quality teachers in Texas, I conceive high caliber teachers can make the most impact in students to pursue their careers. Therefore, I am writing an application to get a degree from SMU and build a stronger society of future students. I want to be a proud Texan to serve the Texas education system by studying in the best Texas University. ... Read 1,576 reviews

Net price $41,986

SAT range 1340-1510

#95 Best Colleges in America .

DALLAS, TX ,

1576 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees.... .

Read 1576 reviews.

Net Price : $41,986 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1510 ,

La Sierra University

RIVERSIDE, CA

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   766

Bradley University

• • Rating 3.53 out of 5   1,242

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus

MADISON, NJ

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   862

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Creative Writing

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Cyn Kitchen

Chair & Associate Professor of English

2 East South Street

Galesburg, IL 61401

309-341-7269

ckitchen@​knox.edu

Major, Minor

How we work

1. We treat writing as an exercise in living . Our writers spend plenty of time writing and building their writing practice, honed in the workshop—but they also run reading series, work as reporters for the  student newspaper or DJs at the campus radio station , study other languages and cultures, start service projects , hold  internships , give whole days over to reading, play music, build sets and sculptures and computer code. 

2. We publish print and online journals.  And we sometimes even use our own printing press .  Catch , the oldest continuously published student literary journal in the country and won the 2014 National Program Directors' Prize from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs . All our journals—including Cellar Door , Quiver , and Common Room —are student designed and edited.

3. Our students and faculty regularly win major awards and other kudos . One example is the Nick Adams Short Story Contest , which our students have won more than students from any other competing college. Professor Chad Simpson won the University of Iowa’s John Simmons Short fiction award for his story collection. Professor Gina Franco was awarded the 2019 Canto Mundo Prize for poetry. 

4.  Our Grads Find Success.  Our alumni regularly go on to the nation’s top MFA and Ph.D. programs, edit national journals and run literary presses, publish books, work in journalism, advertising, law, education—any field that demands clear, forceful expression and creative thinking (which is nearly every field). Ander Monson ’97 is an award-winning author of eight books, and founder and editor of  DIAGRAM  (one of the first online literary journals). Will Boast ’02 won the Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and his book,  Power Ballads , won the 2011 Iowa Short Fiction Award. Boast was also a Stegner Fellow at Stanford Alex Keefe ’06 is the engagement editor of WBEZ-FM in Chicago and received a National Headliner Award and Edward R. Murrow Award. While pursuing an MFA, Noah Baldino ‘15 was chosen for a residency at the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center, and was recently named a 2019-20 Stadler Fellow at the Stadler Center for Poetry and Literary Arts. Monica Prince ‘12, a choreopoet, is an assistant professor of activist and performance writing at Susquehanna University.

5. We're good at being humble.  However, we will go ahead and admit that we’re one of the most active, accomplished, and engaging undergraduate writing programs in the country. (Coincidentally, Poets and Writers magazine agrees).

Estimated Salary of Alumni with Creative Writing Degrees

Knox Stories

Milk Route Reading Series 2021

The longtime student reading series is being conducted virtually this year but still draws eager audiences.

Supporting Our Work

The strength of the creative writing program at Knox begins with our faculty —gifted authors, poets, and scholars. These professors love to share their knowledge and bring out the best in each of our students, whether it's in the classroom, during writing workshops, or chatting over a cup of coffee.

They also work closely with students through Caxton Club —a student-run literary organization—to bring high-profile poets, novelists, and essayists to campus for readings and discussions. A few to visit Knox recently include:

• JoAnna Novak , 2020 Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Contest winner, poet and author of,  New Life ,  Noirmania and Abeyance , North America .
• Caitlin Horrocks , award winning author, author of the story collections  Life Among the Terranauts  and  This Is Not Your City ,  New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice selections.
• Bruce Fulton , the Young-Bin Min Chair in Korean Literature and Literary Translation, translator, editor, and co-author of  What Is Korean Literature?
• Rachel Swearingen , 2018 New American Press Fiction Prize winner.
• Laura Donnelly , the 2020 Richard Snyder Prize winner, author of Midwest Gothic.
• Josh Tvrdy ’17, 2021 Pushcart Prize winner, poet and teacher.

Our students also delve into the works of noted authors, poets, and scholars in Seymour Library's special collections, which include such notable holdings as the Hughes Collection of Ernest Hemingway and the Lost Generation—first editions, letters and rare periodical publications of Hemingway, Cummings, Passos, Eliot, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Joyce, Pound and Stein. Digital and analog collections of video and audio recordings of collections on American and international writers, Shakespeare's plays, and feature films are all available as well.

Works of Galesburg native Carl Sandburg and Edgar Lee Masters, a Knox alumnus, are also among the extensive holdings of Seymour Library—which houses more than 300,000 volumes and 700 periodicals.

Recognition

We have a policy of recognizing outstanding student work. Each year, the following prizes are awarded by outside judges:

• The Nina Marie Edwards Memorial Fund: provides assistance to juniors and seniors carrying out independent or Honors projects in English and Creative Writing
• The Davenport Awards in Poetry, Playwriting, and Fiction: for outstanding original work
• The Procter Fenn Sherwin Prize in Fiction: awarded to a senior who submits the best original short story
• The Bev White Prize in Fiction: given to a beginning writer for the most outstanding piece of creative writing
• Audrey Collet-Conard Prize in Poetry

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In Memoriam: Monica Berlin

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Creative Writing Events

Knox Writers' House Recording Project

Hoping to become a professor, Sophia is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in art history and architecture.

Read more about

Sophia Gimenez '15

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received in one year by The Knox Student

Read more about our student newspaper

https://www.knox.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/creative-writing

Printed on Thursday, April 11, 2024

Creative Writing Minor

What is a minor in creative writing.

Participate in a wide range of courses reflective of your creative interests. You'll learn about major writers, literary traditions, and contemporary innovations. Under the guidance of published writers, you'll also develop a portfolio of material showcasing your range and versatility as a creative writer.

What You'll Study

Our minor will help you hone your writing skills by working creatively with language in a variety of genres. Our program focuses on a workshop approach, engaging students in the craft of creative writing. You will complete five creative writing courses and one literature course.

18 hrs Total Credit Hours

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If you have questions about pursuing a creative writing minor, please contact:

Dawn Knight  [email protected]

• Flagler Forward

Creative Writing Minor

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Our creative writers are doers. They're makers. They imagine, create, and publish everything from poetry to flash fiction, short fiction to novels, film to drama.  Creative Writing minors can also work with FLARE , the student-run literary magazine. You'll do everything from read submissions to host the issue launch reading. You can also uncover editing and writing opportunities through internships in the community.

Flagler College is where your creative history begins. 

Program Requirements

You'll take classes in poetry and short fiction, of course, but you'll also have opportunities to study screenwriting, young adult novels, and creative nonfiction. Since good writers are always good readers, you'll also take literature courses to learn from the best of the best. Many Flagler students choose a major in English plus a minor in creative writing.

Every student at Flagler College also gets a broad-based education with Core , our groundbreaking general education program. At Flagler, we're dedicated to educating the whole person. We foster intellectual, social, and personal transformation in our students.

Find a list of all your courses and four-year plan below. 

Minor Coursework      Four-Year Plan

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Our faculty will teach, challenge, and inspire you. Find out who your next mentor might be.

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Why Flagler?

High-impact programs, taught by world-class faculty. A tight-knit, inclusive academic community where all people and ideas are welcome. All in a historically rich, uniquely beautiful Atlantic coast setting. 

Forge your path in this world. Start here.

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An exceptional, affordable education

Tuition at Flagler College is below the national average. You’ll receive an exceptional private education at an affordable cost. 

Explore options for available financial aid and scholarships to the right. 

Choose Your Test

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

College Info

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.

#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.

#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.

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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Creative Writing Minor

Department of English 1128 Tawes Hall Phone: 301-405-3825 [email protected] http://english.umd.edu

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Scott Trudell, Ph.D.

The minor in Creative Writing offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with their own writing and that of their peers in a graduated series of workshops led by professional writers of poetry and prose.

To make an appointment to explore or declare a minor, go to http://arhu.umd.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/minors/  and complete a minor contact form, or contact the English Undergraduate Studies Office at [email protected] .

The Creative Writing minor's 15 credits consist of the following:

After admission to the minor, students choose to specialize in either prose ( ENGL352 ,  ENGL498 ) or poetry ( ENGL353 ,  ENGL499 ).  Students admitted directly to a 3xx-level workshop must take three workshops (9 credits) at the 4xx-level.

No course grade below the grade of "C-" may count toward the minor. An overall GPA of 2.0 in the minor is required for graduation.

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Department of English & Creative Writing

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• English & Creative Writing

Types of English Minors

We offer four minors, as well as a secondary education sequence:

Minor in Technical and Professional Writing (18 hours)

Open to all majors at SFA, the technical and professional writing minor is designed to prepare students with the skills to pursue a career as a technical or professional writier. For students with major concentrations in technical fields, this minor complements your technical training with the in-demand writing skills for those professions. Learn more about the minor in technical and professional writing .

Minor in English (21 hours)

Open to all majors at SFA, the English minor focuses on American, British, and World literature, methods of literary analysis, linguistics, and writing about literary texts. This minor allows students to delve into classic and contemporary literature from all over the world and deepens their understanding of the historical and contemporary relationship of literature and culture.

Minor in Creative Writing (18 hours)

Open to all majors at SFA, the minor in creative writing is designed to develop your skills in the creation of original fiction, poetry and/or creative nonfiction. You’ll hone your writing skills, improve your craft and create original works of poetry, fiction and nonfiction in your courses that can build your portfolio. With the consent of the coordinator of the creative writing program, students can also take playwriting to fulfill credits for the creative writing minor

Minor in Literature (21 hours)

The minor in literature was created to complement SFA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and is mandatory for all BFA students. The continued practice of reading widely is essential to developing and honing your own writing abilities.

The literature minor focuses on historical literature from around the world, linguistics, language and more. You’ll take deep dives into classic and contemporary literature from all over the world, gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of the writer’s craft along the way.

Secondary Education Sequence

English BA majors who are in the English Language Arts Teaching track are required to take an education course sequence in the College of Education that prepares them for state certification. This course sequence is, essentially, a minor in secondary education. Together, this combination of English BA and secondary education minor provides future middle and high school educators with the comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training needed to succeed in the English classroom. With this degree program, you’ll be eligible to seek certification with the Texas Education Agency to teach middle school and high school English. 

A teaching career with lifelong impact 

With a secondary education teaching certificate in English, you can share your passion for language and literature, and have a lifelong impact on young students’ lives. As an English teacher, you’ll foster their love of reading and writing while you prepare them to be successful communicators.

The gateway to literacy for secondary students 

Literacy is a fundamental skill for every student and an important component of a quality education. The ability to read and write clearly is essential to personal achievement and business success. English teachers have a critical role in giving students the skills to communicate meaningfully through the written word.

In addition, this program includes professional education coursework, such as pedagogy and designing curriculum, which together with the content of the English BA program, prepares you for the certification exam offered by the Texas Education Agency.

For more information on becoming eligible to seek certification, visit the Secondary Education web page .

Our minors can complement a wide variety of majors and help you succeed in many career fields, including corporate communications, documentation and training, online and social media design, advertising, law, systems research and development, higher education, and the teaching of English in secondary and middle school.

Department of English and Creative Writing 936.468.2101 Dr. Liz Tasker Davis, Chair [email protected]

Dugas Liberal Arts North Room 203

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13007, SFA Station Nacogdoches, Texas 75962

Creative Writing Major and Minor

• Humanities and Teacher Education Division

The ability to write well is a highly valued specialization. Students enrolled in Seaver College's creative writing degree program find careers writing and editing in publishing companies and magazines, corporations, government agencies, and the creative arts. For three decades creative writing has been an integral part of the literary arts community at Pepperdine University. Today our creative writing program is at the center of a large and active community on campus and Pepperdine is proudly one of a few select universities that offer the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing.

Creative Writing Major (36-38 Units)

Our creative writing major is designed for students desiring careers as professional writers. During our sequential course of study, students develop their talents in fiction, poetry, and writing for screen and television. In addition, our students sharpen their verbal and critical skills and develop a professional attitude about their writing.

Creative Writing Minor (20 Units Required)

Interested students can also choose to minor in creative writing . A minor in creative writing offers students experience in the craft and analysis of writing, providing a strong foundation for professional and artistic lives in the literary arts.

What Humanities Division Grads Are Doing

Data collected from the 2022 class within six months of graduation.

Employed Full-Time or Part-Time

Admitted to Graduate School

Total Settled Graduates

Why Pepperdine

Pepperdine Seaver College is consistently recognized among the top-ranked universities in California and the United States. We are a Christian university where students grow in knowledge and character. As a liberal arts institution, we focus on providing rich opportunities for intellectual and spiritual exploration for students with a diverse community.

Located in Malibu, CA

13:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio

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Student Opportunities

Experiential learning.

Our campus's proximity to Los Angeles offers a unique and impressive combination of opportunities for our majors, including internships at major talent agencies, major movie production studios, national television shows, and a variety of independent and commercial publishers. In addition to these outside opportunities, Pepperdine offers its creative writing students the chance to work on four University publications: Expressionists , our student-run literary magazine; The Graphic , our award-winning campus newspaper; Currents Magazine , featuring student articles about campus and Malibu.

Visiting Writers

Each year our students meet and talk with nationally known writers who offer experience and insight. Visiting writers have included:

• Maya Angelou
• Carlos Fuentes
• Jorie Graham
• Donald Hall
• Maxine Hong Kingston
• W. S. Merwin
• Kathleen Norris
• W.D. Snodgrass
• Christian Wiman
• Tobias Wolff

Visiting Screen and Television Writers

With the development of our MFA in Writing for Screen and Television , we have brought celebrated screenwriters, directors, and actors to speak and teach courses at Pepperdine. These industry professionals have included:

• Robert Altman: A Prairie Home Companion, Gosford Park
• Garry Marshall: Princess Diaries, Happy Days
• Dean Batali: That 70s Show
• Tom Shadyac: Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, Ace Ventura
• Amy Ephron: A Little Princess
• Chuck Slocum: Writers Guild of America West
• Morgan Freeman: Dark Knight, Million Dollar Baby
• Dick Van Dyke: Dick Van Dyke Show, Diagnosis Murder
• Patricia Heaton: Everybody Loves Raymond
• Randall Wallace: Braveheart, Man in the Iron Mask
• Lester Holt: NBC Nightly News, Today Show

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Ramapo College of New Jersey Home Page » Academics » Majors/Minors & Concentrations A-Z » Majors » Creative Writing

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About creative writing.

The English and Literary Studies program offers a concentration in Creative Writing for our majors and a Creative Writing minor for non-majors. Our program combines intensive instruction in creative writing with conventional coursework in literary studies. In doing so, it prepares students for a life of thoughtful, informed, independent-minded citizenship. It is our position that students who write fiction, poetry, and nonfiction at the same time they are studying published and historical works of literature are uniquely positioned to gain insight into the writing process, the complexities of the verbal imagination, textual analysis, and the malleability of culture. Creative Writing students leave college ready to take on most challenges, and, indeed, our graduates have been as likely to make their mark in civic institutions or the corporate world as to devote their lives to authorship.

In addition to a complement of literature courses, students in Ramapo’s Creative Writing program enroll in workshops in which they produce original literary works, critique those of classmates, and learn how a variety of literary and nonliterary texts are constructed. While on this journey through the creative process, they have opportunities to meet and learn from nationally regarded authors who visit through the Readings at Ramapo Series. They meet fellow creative writers and interact through clubs and formal societies and organizations like Sigma Tau Delta and COPLAC, and they have opportunities to work on the college’s literary magazine Trillium, or, if they wish, to go off and make their own. They enjoy internships with New York publishers and literary organizations like Wiley and Sons or The Center for Fiction, use their coursework as preparation for graduate study or a career in editing and publishing or teaching, or simply take their knowledge, skills, and well-founded confidence into the world when they are ready to find it has been waiting for them.

Classes you can take:

See Full Program Requirements

English and Literary Studies majors are ready to embark on any number of exciting careers. English and Literary Studies graduates excel in government, business, law, and even science—wherever articulate and creative expression is valued. And of course, the study of literature is excellent preparation for elementary or secondary teaching.

Ramapo’s English and Literary Studies majors make valuable connections in the community and professional world through coursework, internships, co-ops, and service learning. They thrive in the worlds of publishing, writing, law, journalism, diplomacy, public relations, higher education, and library sciences.

Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges

* Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). For more information about careers and assistance in making your career plans, please contact Career Services ( [email protected] ) or visit www.ramapo.edu/careercenter/ .

Courtney Brach '12

Communications, Writing

The Creative Writing Concentration/Minor provides students the opportunity to explore the discipline of Literature by focusing on the production of literary works with courses in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.  By creating literature, students are asked to embody and express the formal, aesthetic and thematic concerns that we share with the scholarly aspects of literary study. Additionally, the Creative Writing minor fosters the knowledge and talents of students who have demonstrated promise as writers and allows others to find talents they did not know they had.

Creative Writing Minor

Besides pursuing a English and Literary Studies major, students may choose to minor or concentrate in Creative Writing.

Related Programs

English and literary studies, bachelor of arts.

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Minor in Writing & Public Engagement

Learn valuable skills, practices and tools that are crucial for communication, work and civic engagement in the 21st century.

The minor in writing and public engagement is designed to help students hone the arts of persuasive writing and storytelling in diverse public-facing genres and media. Through a curriculum offered by the Program for Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) and the Department of English, you’ll learn how to write for various purposes and public audiences; leverage a wide variety of digital technologies to design, produce and distribute multimodal compositions; write in professional settings and with community partners; and write collaboratively for social change.

 Synthesize and apply theories of writing, rhetoric and publics with critical race, decolonial, queer and other critical theories to a variety of rhetorical situations central to public life

 Understand and control how writing and information circulates and gets taken up in an era of misinformation, data overload, intense political division, racial intensity and algorithmic injustice

 Design, create and deliver persuasive compositions in a variety of genres, modes and media for diverse public audiences and rhetorical goals such as argument, advocacy, activism, policy change, community organizing, productive dialogue, networking and awareness raising

• Program for Rhetoric & Writing Studies
• Department of English
• College of Arts and Sciences

Related Programs

• Strategic Communication–BS
• Creative Writing–Minor
• Media Studies–Minor

19:1 student-faculty ratio

Free one–hour consultations with our professional staff at PWR’s Writing Center

PWR integrates current research and best practices to help students apply rhetorical skills in their academic, civic, and professional lives as writers and active thinkers

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by applying your rhetorical skills in a range of fields and media.  

Median annual pay for writers and authors

( Bureau of Labor Statistics , 2023)

Put writing into practice with a variety of other strategic tactics to engage effectively in political and nonpolitical actions central to public life

Use a wide range of research methods to investigate and address a variety of complex contemporary cultural, political and environmental issues on local, national and transnational scales

Academic Plan & Requirements

• Earn 18 credits in ENGL and WRTG courses with grades of C- or better. At least 12 credits must be in upper division, and at least 9 credits must be ENGL designated courses.
• Students may apply no more than 9 credit hours of transfer work, including no more than 6 upper-division credit hours, toward a minor. This is a college residency rule for an 18-credit minor.
• Students may apply one lower- or upper-division Creative Writing or Literature ENGL course of their choice to count toward the minor.
• Students must maintain at least a 2.00 (C) GPA in all courses counting toward the minor.
• All courses applied to the Writing and Public Engagement minor must be from the Department of English (ENGL) or the Program in Writing and Rhetoric (WRTG).
• English majors (Creative Writing or Literature and Cultural Studies) are not eligible to declare/earn this minor.
• Must have completed the 3-­credit lower-­division Written Communication requirement as required by all schools and colleges at CU Boulder prior to declaring the minor.
• Curriculum & Program Requirements

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University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

2024-2025 academic catalog, creative writing minor, introduction.

Please click here to see English department information.

Students who have an interest in writing poetry or fiction may enroll in the creative writing minor. The creative writing minor gives students the opportunity to complement their area of major study with experience writing and reading poetry or fiction.

These program requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their major, minor and CLAS advisors to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.

Program Delivery

• This is an on-campus program.

Declaring This Minor

• Please see your CLAS advisor.
• Click  here  to go to information about declaring a major/minor.

General Requirements

Students must satisfy all requirements as outlined below and by the department offering the minor.

• Click here for information about Academic Policies

Program Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 15 ENGL credit hours.
• Students must complete a minimum of six upper-division (3000-level and above) ENGL credit hours.
• Students must earn a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in all courses that apply to the minor and must achieve a minimum cumulative minor GPA of 2.0. Courses taken using P+/P/F or S/U grading cannot apply to minor requirements.
• Students must complete a minimum of nine ENGL credit hours with CU Denver faculty.

Program Allowances or Restrictions

• Courses counted in a minor cannot be counted toward any English Major or English Writing, Rhetoric,  and   Technology  Major.  

Students may complete both  ENGL 3020 Poetry Workshop  and  ENGL 3050 Fiction Workshop . One will apply as a required course and one will apply as an elective.

Students who complete both ENGL 3020 Poetry Workshop  and  ENGL 3050 Fiction Workshop  can choose an additional Poetry or Fiction elective course.

To learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes for this program, please visit our website .  

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Creative Writing Minor

The Creative Writing program invites students to explore their creative energies across a broad range of literary art forms.

The Creative Writing minor is designed to develop writing skills from the beginner to the advanced levels, providing for both casual writers from across the disciplines and more serious writers considering an MFA or a writing career.

The Creative Writing program’s professional poets and writers offer courses on these topics and more:

• Creative non-fiction
• Playwriting
• Literary journal production

Featured Creative Writing Courses

Topics in creative non-fiction, ‘zines, chapbooks and diy publishing, introduction to playwriting, english department advantages, stonehill undergraduate research experience, internship opportunities, english society, honor society: lambda epsilon sigma, outside partnerships & special programs.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

Contact us with any questions.

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Creative Writing Minor

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Program Type: Undergraduate

Minor Requirements: View Requirements

Department: English

If you're interested in creating literary worlds of your own, the minor in Creative Writing is for you! Classes are small and workshop oriented. You will work closely with your peers and instructor to develop and refine your skills at creative self-expression and in how to work in groups.  

Now more than ever, the powers of creativity, curiosity, and effective communication are not just highly valued workplace skills but life skills as well. Whether you continue to pursue creative writing as a profession or follow other career opportunities, your love of thinking imaginatively and your experience in the complex problem solving that defines the work of the artist will serve you well whatever path you travel.

Program Contacts

Dr. Andrea Gazzaniga Professor, English, Chair 859-572-5619 [email protected]

Students in the Spotlight

Josafina Garcia

Graduating Year: 2023

Education: B.A. in Integrative Studies, Focus in Creative Writing

Career: Planning on pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Necessary job skills: Writing and communication skills; creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and working in teams.

Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

• Focus on Interactive Workshop Experiences : In Creative Writing, the focus is on your writing, whether poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or scriptwriting. The interactive workshop model means that creative writing students form a fun and supportive community of artists with a passion for self-expression and imagining new worlds.
• Student Publications and Activities: As a Creative Writing minor or focus student, you will have the opportunity to work on and submit to Loch Norse Magazine, our student-run journal of creative writing, and to take part in our monthly open mic nights.
• Mentorship and Publishing: Creative writing students work closely with our award-winning and widely published creative writing faculty. Our instructors take pride in our tradition of mentorship, including advice and support to help you submit work for publication. 

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Minor or Concentration

Get in Touch    David Lloyd Program Director Reilly Hall 316 Le Moyne College 1419 Salt Springs Road Syracuse, NY 13214 (315) 445-4100 Request Information

Welcome to the Creative Writing Program!

• A concentration within the English major
• A minor available to any student

According to a recent poll, 1,500 CEOs think the number one “leadership competency” is creativity. From solving problems to doing in depth research, creativity matters in real world situations. While it takes critical thinking to identify a problem, it takes creative thinking to come up with solutions. Creative Writing at Le Moyne can help develop your creative side.

The Creative Writing Curriculum

• Playwriting
• Scriptwriting (TV and film)
• Creative Nonfiction
• Special topics (including “the short story cycle” or “food as metaphor”)
• Independent studies for specialized writing projects

Whether they share their passion with others or nourish a secret talent, many students write poems, stories, plays, and scripts. The Creative Writing Program offers a stimulating and supportive environment for students to pursue their passion for imaginative writing. We’ll help find the writer in you. Detailed information about the creative writing program can be found in the Le Moyne College catalog .

Meet the Faculty

• David Lloyd Program Director, Professor of English
• Patrick Lawler Writer-in-Residence
• Linda Pennisi Writer-in-Residence
• Dan Roche Associate Professor, Communication & Film Studies

The Writing Life

• student readings of original work
• the Creative Writing Student Club
• productions and staged readings of student-authored plays and scripts
• readings and craft talks by visiting authors
• editorial experience with the college literary magazine, the  Salamander
• collaborations with students working in other arts-related areas, such as film, drama, photography, and art

What's Next for Creative Writing Students?

Creative Writing Program students have been accepted into MFA and other graduate programs at top universities around the country. And they publish their work in nationally-distributed magazines, win awards, have their plays produced, and publish books. Graduates in Creative Writing have found employment in various careers, including:

• Management • Marketing • Law • Journalism • Film • Education • Library Science • Public Relations • Publishing • Medicine

"My creative writing courses taught me how to use the power of language and images to impress and convince. As Hemingway said, 'You don't need big words to create big emotions.'"

Newhouse Writing Awards

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients of the Newhouse Writing Awards. Please click on any title to read more about the judges and their comments on the winner's work. 

The Nine Mile Prize in Poetry

The Nine Mile Prize in Poetry recognizes an outstanding poem submitted by a Le Moyne College full-time undergraduate in the creative writing program. There are no criteria for “outstanding,” only an awareness of the craft and art of poetry, and faithfulness to the materials of the poem. The winner will be selected by Nine Mile magazine editors Robert Herz and Stephen Kuusisto, receive a $50 cash prize, and publication in a forthcoming issue of Nine Mile ( https://www.ninemile.org /). All submissions to the Newhouse Poetry Award by creative writing concentrators and minors are eligible for the Nine Mile Prize in Poetry.

The 2021 Nine Mile Prize in Poetry has been awarded to Nikita Sharkey for “My Father Smiles Like Fire and I Live in the Flicker.” Robert Herz and Stephen Kuusisto selected a runner-up, McKenna Dicamillo, whose poem “rock beats icarus” will also appear in Nine Mile.

How do I join the Creative Writing Program?

Students join the program by declaring a creative writing concentration (if an English major) or a creative writing minor (if a major in another department). In either case, the requirements are the same: 4 writing workshops and 1 literature course.

Mission Statement

The Creative Writing Program enables English majors with a concentration in Creative Writing and Creative Writing minors to become writers and critics of poetry, fiction, plays, nonfiction, and scripts through participation in writing workshops and individual tutorial sessions with instructors, and through the study of contemporary writing and traditional literature.

Learning Goals

Students who take the Creative Writing concentration should be able to:

• create and revise successive drafts of their own imaginative writing (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, plays, film scripts and/or new or hybrid forms such as the prose poem)
• employ techniques and strategies appropriate to imaginative writing in one or more genres (or a hybrid genre). For example a student poet might demonstrate facility with metaphors, sound patterns, enjambment; a fiction writer might do so with dialogue, plot development, flashback.
• express reasonable, balanced opinions of peer writing during class workshop discussion, along with constructive suggestions for revision
• complete and organize a manuscript of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, tv or film scripts, plays, or works in new or hybrid genres (such as the prose poem). This manuscript can consist of a single work or multiple works that demonstrate professional presentation of the creative writing, appropriate to the genre(s) represented. As a whole the manuscript should be correctly formatted and free of errors – of a quality that could be submitted to a professional journal for publication. Manuscript length will vary according to genre and instructors’ individual requirements.

Web Links to National Creative Writing Organizations

• http://awpwriter.org/ The mission of Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) is to foster literary talent & achievement, to advance the art of writing as essential to a good education, & to serve the makers, teachers, students, & readers of contemporary writing.
• http://www.pw.org/ Poets & Writers, Inc. is the primary source of information, support, and guidance for creative writers. Founded in 1970, it is the nation's largest nonprofit literary organization serving poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers. The national office is located in New York City.
• http://www.poetrysociety.org/psa/ The Poetry Society of America, the nation's oldest poetry organization, was founded in 1910. Its mission is to build a larger and more diverse audience for poetry, to encourage a deeper appreciation of the vitality and breadth of poetry in the cultural conversation, to support poets through an array of programs and awards, and to place poetry at the crossroads of American life.
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Creative Writing Minor

The Creative Writing Minor at Grace College offers an opportunity to open up your imagination to the world of words. Not everyone feels they can write a poem, essay, story, or novel, but we are all called to be creative. Every one of us needs stories and songs to enjoy and to experience life deeply. As Christians, we have a special connection to words because we worship a Creator who spoke the world into existence. Made in God’s image, we have the power to create worlds on the page that come alive via the imagination.

Works of literature do not come about by magic or luck but by studied practice of the craft. By practicing in a variety of genres, every aspect of your writing will improve; and that is a powerful quality to have in your portfolio—especially in an era of texting and shortcuts that can stifle clear and effective communication. Our minor directly prepares you for jobs in editing, publishing, copywriting, and teaching, but it also allows you to write more effectively and imaginatively in  any  vocation, whether that may be engineering, ministry, medicine, or business. 

Here at Grace College we engage your writing not just in revision, but in workshops, work beyond the classroom, and camaraderie. We publish a literary magazine,  The Inkspot , and we have esteemed and caring English faculty who want you to write the works that only you can write, work that we believe can be publishable and published. Through our lecture and reading series, you will meet a variety of the best visiting writers and scholars from around the country who will give you a fresh vision of what is happening in literature here and now. We also offer excursions to nearby cities for readings, professional development and publishing instruction, and letterpress printing of your work. Join us for a minor that is both foundational and dynamic.

Creative Writing is a Good Fit for Those Who Are:

• Vivid Imagination
• Self-Discipline

Featured Staff

John Poch, Ph.D.

Lauren G. Rich, Ph.D.

the grade received from Niche.com for our top-rated Winona Lake community

hands-on learning opportunities on campus and in the community

Experienced Faculty & Staff

Our Creative Writing Degree faculty and staff are expertly skilled in their fields and they care about your goals, future, and well being.

Education with a Biblical Worldview

At the heart of a Grace education are academically challenging courses that are specifically designed to foster a thirst for character, competence, and service within the hearts and minds of our students.

Being a transfer student, I felt God leading me to Grace because of its great academic programs, amazing professors, and its ever-present integration of faith and learning. Grant Lawrence, Current Grace College Student

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Creative Writing

Finding your own voice—that’s what the creative writing major at Earlham offers. You’ll do substantial work in the creative genre(s) of your choice, including a major guided portfolio project as a senior, and explore how your and others’ writing can make a positive difference in the world. 

Since good readers make good writers, you’ll also engage with a wide variety of literary texts from different periods and voices, together with a wide range of theoretical approaches on how and why literature matters. You’ll hone your craft as a writer, experiment with different writing techniques, and learn how to communicate with diverse audiences and engage the literary marketplace and publication process.

Start your adventure

Sign up for more information about Earlham College.

Earlham alums have earned MFAs at programs such as the University of California at Irvine, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Columbia University, and CUNY/ Queens College. Prize-winning alumni writers include Mat Johnson, Maurice Manning and Leah Naomi Green.

“Earlham’s creative writing workshops provided a safe and supportive space to explore not only genre, form, and method, but who I am as a writer. Sharing work and feedback with professors and peers helped me grow as a creator, a reader, and an editor.  I’ve now gone on to receive my MFA in Creative Writing so that I can continue this work that was the highlight of my college experience.”

Sunset Combs, ’19

“Poetry is more than just reciting words or understanding how to use literary devices. Poetry is life. I write about anything and everything that happens to me, both the good and the bad. Poetry is in me, and I’m thinking about it always.”

Charles Davis, ’18

“Earlham supported and valued my attentiveness to life with—and through—language. That support was integral to writing my first full-length book of poetry, The More Extravagant Feast , which won the Walt Whitman Award of the Academy of American Poets in 2019, and the Lucille Clifton Legacy Award, which followed.”

Leah Naomi Green, ’05

Walt Whitman Award winner

Writing in pursuit of truth

Creative writing allows us to pursue truth in a variety of forms. Through storytelling and the written word, writers are able to lay bare the truths we see in the world, bring forth new or underrepresented voices and create connection.

Opportunities

The Bain-Swigget Poetry Prize and the Gettman Prize award Earlhamites for their works of prose, fiction or poetry.

Earlham also offers its Creative Writing majors memberships to AWP (The Association of Writers and Writing Programs), which offers a host of online resources related to writing and publication, along with the chance to attend one national AWP conference during their undergraduate career.

Hands-on experience

The Crucible , established in 1956, is a student-run literary magazine that publishes works by Earlham students. As a student staff member, you will gain invaluable experience in editing and publishing.

Our faculty

Our faculty write and teach in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction and playwriting and serve as advisers for the student literary magazine, The Crucible .

Frequently asked questions

As a student in the creative writing program, you’ll take 11 four-credit courses, culminating in a capstone course. In the capstone, you’ll be asked to write a manifesto about why and how you write, as well as a creative piece that exemplifies this.

What types of jobs do creative writing graduates pursue?

The creative writing program prepares you for a number of careers in writing and communications—fields that are only growing as companies and individuals rely more and more on digital media.

As a graduate, you may pursue careers in editing, publishing, copywriting, technical writing, UX writing, journalism, marketing and communications, and a variety of other fields.

What kinds of off-campus study programs and internships are available?

In addition to off-campus study programs and research experiences with faculty in places like London and Tibet, students have also participated in a variety of internships. Recently, students have interned at the Indiana Review as a submissions intern, at GenNow as a media and writing intern, and at Writers House as an editorial intern.

Visit the Earlham Center for Global and Career Education to learn more about available off-campus study programs, research experiences and internships.

How do I know if this program is right for me?

The creative writing program is for students who have a passion for writing and want to hone their craft. If you love communicating ideas to others in effective and compelling ways, this is the major for you.

Happening on campus

Japanese table: aikido, a reading with lars horn, k-pop club tote bag decorating, fun home musical performance, brown bag recital, esg general meeting, eid al fitr, sounds of the caribbean soccer game, bsu and sab block party, college meeting for worship, gospel revs concert, debunking african myths, ihsa team informational meeting, resurrecting church with activist and author shane claiborne.

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Greensboro College

Creative Writing Minor

Students develop their creativity through creative writing coursework. In addition to becoming more innovative thinkers, creative writing minors develop more empathy and compassion for others through their writing and storytelling, which ultimately helps them gain a better understanding of the world.

Course Requirements

Students pursuing this minor must complete the requirements linked below.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP Wayne Johns Department Co-Chair 212 Cowan Building 336-272-7102 ext. 5415

“I loved the GC Honors program and Greensboro College. I felt safe and a sense of genuine belonging at the college. I worked closely with my thesis advisor and professors who helped inspire me to define my path and passion of interest. That path has led me to my doctoral studies in Engineering Mechanics.”

- Joshua Fitzgerald, Class of ’19, Mathematics Major

Joshua currently studies astrodynamics at Virginia Tech University and is an Engineering Mechanics Ph.D. Candidate.

Creative Writing

Creative writing menu.

Creative writing students have exciting opportunities to be published while at Wofford, including in the Journal, a student-run literary magazine, as well as through the Old Gold and Black student newspaper and the Benjamin Wofford Prize, an innovative competition that recognizes and publishes the best book-length works by students. Students also have an opportunity to work with renowned authors and editors, participate in campus and community readings and literary events and compete for Helmus prizes in creative writing.

Wofford offers a degree in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in creative writing for students who do not major in English. Drawing upon faculty success in both the teaching and practice of writing, Wofford provides courses and student publishing opportunities in fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays and the personal essay.

Creative Writing Program

At A Glance

Carthage encourages serious writers from all majors to develop a passion for creative writing and allows them to hone their skills in writing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. At Carthage, students can major in English with an emphasis in creative writing, or add a creative writing minor to their studies in another subject.

• Creative Writing

Minor 

• Creative Writing (non-English majors)

View Requirements ›

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• English at Carthage

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The English Department welcomes creative writers from all majors, whether through the English major with an emphasis in creative writing, the creative writing minor, or individual courses.

Students read and write a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in classes that take a studio approach, writing individually and collaboratively in the classroom community. Students develop sustainable writing and reading practices grounded in attention, beginning with the ground at their feet, the books in their hands, or the people around them. Advanced writing classes focus on a specific genre or genres and include fiction and non-fiction prose, poetry and hybrid prose, and playwriting.

Creative writing students at Carthage are part of an active, welcoming community of English majors and minors. They work closely with writing faculty and visiting professional writers, and have many opportunities to practice, share, and publish their work.

• <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.JPG 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.JPG 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.JPG" alt="Terrell Tremar Franklin" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.JPG 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/160,275,2905,3022/37818_8320_163701665847155.rev.1684857517.JPG 3x" data-max-w="2745" data-max-h="2747" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “Carthage faculty have been really easy to talk to and approach. They are excited to see a student pursue things within their department and always make the time to assist students in their career journey.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/2448-">Terrell Tremar Franklin</a> ’25</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
• <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.jpg" alt="Kj De Jesús" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1000,1000/37777_2022_APT2.rev.1684353001.jpg 3x" data-max-w="1000" data-max-h="1000" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I would not have gotten very far without my professors. My English and history teachers have helped me with more questions than anyone else on campus. When you find your people, they really take care of you.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/1913-">Kj De Jesús</a> ’24</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
• <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.jpg" alt="Elsie Berg" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1006,1006/37815_8363_163701665847155.rev.1684810261.jpg 3x" data-max-w="1006" data-max-h="1006" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I’ve always felt out of place in life, but here at Carthage, I feel like I’m finally starting to figure out how I fit into the world and what I can make of it.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/2440-">Elsie Berg</a> ’24</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
• <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.jpg" alt="Nikkiema Harris" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,51,2048,2099/38784_10803_163701665847155.rev.1699840377.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2048" data-max-h="2048" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “Other students should consider the English major with a creative writing emphasis because of the outstanding faculty and staff in the English Department. Literature also helps us to understand the societal and cultural aspects of life through plays, poetry, and short novels.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/2564-">Nikkiema Harris</a> ’24</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>

Beyond the Classroom

Student writers can join Poetry Underground, a student writing group that hosts weekly writing sessions and regular open mic nights. Students can also submit their work to Centrique, the College’s creative arts journal, and join the journal as editors and designers.

Carthage hosts acclaimed writers from across the country in our Visiting Writers Series . Curated by Writer in Residence Richard Meier , the series has welcomed dozens of nationally-renowned fiction writers and poets, including Danielle Evans, Joshua Beckman, Renee Gladman, David Trinidad, Julie Patton, Eileen Myles, Kate Greenstreet, Duriel Harris, Lisa Fishman, Bojan Louis, Jenny Gropp, Laura Solomon, Sidik Fofana, José Felipe Alvergue, and Lewis Freedman.

Off campus, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many literary events offered in the area. They can attend poetry readings, lectures, and plays both on campus and in renowned venues in nearby Milwaukee and Chicago. Every fall, English students and faculty travel to the acclaimed Stratford Festival in Ontario, where we see a variety of plays from Shakespearean tragedies to modern musicals.

See more student opportunities

Centrique Magazine, Carthage’s creative arts journal, publishes the work of some of Carthage’s most talented writers, artists, and photographers.

Students celebrating a new magazine edition at Centrique’s Publication Premiere Night.

Writing in the snow composed during Writing/Walking/Winter class.

Students discussing writing and books with visiting writer Jordan Dunn during a class visit.

Students viewing books made by visiting writer, bookmaker, and publisher Jordan Dunn.

Outstanding Achievements

Carthage recognizes students who have done outstanding creative writing work with scholarships and awards. Every year, the English Department awards the Chapin-Tague Creative Writing Awards for poetry and prose and the Centrique Editor’s Award for the best writing published in the journal.

Creative writing students graduate from Carthage with a collection of poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, playwriting, or a combination of genres. Every English major with an emphasis in creative writing and every creative writing minor creates a chapbook of their original work during the capstone Seminar in Creative Writing and presents a public reading on campus.

Carthage graduates have gone on to M.F.A. programs at the Art Institute of Chicago, Boise State University, Columbia College Chicago, and others. Additionally, our graduates continue to write and contribute to literary communities around the country.

Read more about careers in creative writing

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The minor in creative writing consists of at least 21 credit hours, not including “ ENG 101 Writing for College and Beyond - WC (3 credits)   ,” “ ENG 102 Writing and Research - WC (3 credits)   ,” or “ ENG 104 Honors College Writing - WC (3 credits)   .”

♦  Indicates prerequisite.

Requirements for Minor (21 credits)

Core requirements.

• ENG 231 Introduction to Creative Writing - AH (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 332 Fiction Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 334 Poetry Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 336 Creative Nonfiction Writing (3 credits) ♦

Select 9 credit hours from the following (9 credits)

• ENG 331 Persuasive Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 335 Craft of Creative Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 340 Business Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 347 Technical Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 348 Editing and Content Development (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 358 Writing in Creative Genres (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 430 Advanced Poetry Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 431 Screenwriting (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 432 Novel Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 433 Novel Writing II (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 436 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing (3 credits) ♦
• ENG 497 Projects: Writing (1-3 credits) ♦
• JOU 220 News Writing (3 credits) ♦
• JOU 340 Feature Writing (3 credits) ♦
• JOU 346 Copy Editing and Design (3 credits) ♦