english major vs creative writing major

School Finder

What’s the difference: english vs. creative writing.

In high school your favorite class was English, you loved to write, and you loved to read.  Now it’s time for college and your deciding which of our top Bachelor’s in English or Creative Writing degrees is best for you.  But the only problem is that your not quite sure exactly what the difference is between a Bachelor of Arts in English or a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing.  We decided to take the time to answer the question: What’s the different between a Bachelor’s of English and a Bachelor’s of Creative Writing.

Bachelor’s of English

As a student studying for a Bachelor of Arts in English degree, you will primarily be working with a variety of different types of literature.  English majors deal in the close reading, analysis, and interpretation of literature.  Students who are studying a Bachelor of English will more often than not be asked to critically think about and dissect works of literature.  If you were a student who enjoyed reading different types of books and stories in high school, a Bachelor’s of English will be right up your alley.  Through this type of program, students will develop soft skills including critical thinking, critical analysis, communication, and an appreciation and understanding of culture.  Typically, English majors will not be asked to create original works very often.

Featured Programs

Bachelor’s of creative writing.

By pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, students will be more concerned with the generation of writing.  Students will study works of literature but from the perspective of learning the craft of writing as to apply different techniques of the trade to their own writing.  Creative Writing majors will be tasked with writing a great deal of different pieces throughout their studies.  They will focus on honing their prose and their grammar.  In these programs, students will experiment with a variety of different genres and types of literature in order to get a feel for and find which is best for them.  Those in this type of degree program will find that most of their time is spent writing versus reading.  However, a large part of this program is learning to critique and review the works of your peers.

So what’s the difference?

Whether your choosing to study a Bachelor of Arts in English or a Bachelor of Arts in Creative writing, you will be following a degree program that is quite similar to one another save for a few nuances.  Those who choose to study English will be focused more on the study of existing literature.  They will learn to analyze, interpret, and understand a variety of different types of writings.  Those who choose to pursue a Creative Writing degree will be focused more on the generation of new literature.  They will still read and study existing works, but a large amount of the curriculum will focus on the development of one’s own writing ability.

Bottom line:

A Bachelor’s of English and a Bachelor’s of Creative Writing are like two different sides of the same coin. By pursuing either of these degrees, you will gain a skillset of interpreting, analyzing, and writing literature.  The main difference is whether your ambition lies in the academic pursuit of studying literature or the creative pursuit of producing literature.

• 10 Best Online Doctorates at Nonprofit Colleges
• Top 10 Nonprofit Online Colleges in Georgia
• Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
• Top 10 Nonprofit Online Colleges in Virginia
• DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEGAL STUDIES DEGREES
• 15 Best Paying Jobs in Energy
• 10 Top Organizational Leadership Jobs by Salary
• Top 10 Affordable Online Colleges in NYC

Infographics

• How To Focus Despite Distractions
• Online College Enrollment: By the Numbers
• Most Profitable Non-Profit Organizations
• College Tuition Around the World

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, should you really be a creative writing major.

College Info

So you’re thinking about majoring in creative writing! Completing an undergraduate creative writing program can be a great way to explore your love of fiction or poetry and hone your craft.

As edifying as a creative writing major can be, it may not be what you expect.  Dedicated creative writing majors are also quite uncommon, so if you're committed to getting your degree in that subject, you'll have a narrower pool of possible colleges. This post will help you decide whether a creative writing major is right for you.

Feature Image: Nilufer Gadgieva /Flickr

Many Great Schools (with Awesome Writing Classes) Don't Have a Creative Writing Major

As I mentioned above, creative writing is a relatively rare major, so if you're solely focused on schools with a dedicated creative writing degree, you might miss out on schools that could be a great fit for you. 

Keep in mind that a lot of school that don’t offer specific majors still have great opportunities to pursue creative writing, whether by completing a minor, contributing to the campus literary journal, or simply taking classes.

Even if you know you want to study creative writing, try researching the opportunities available at different schools with an open mind . You might be surprised by what you find!

You're Going to Have to Read — A Lot

I once had a friend who loved writing ;but hated reading—especially if he had to analyze the text. If you tend to agree with him, and would rather be submerged in a vat of ants than write a paper about Virginia Woolf's use of symbolism to comment on World War I in The Waves , this course of study isn't right for you. Most creative writing majors are run by the English department, and, in fact, many are special tracks within the English major. As such, they involve a lot of reading of all kinds , including fiction, plays, poetry, and literary theory.

I was an English major in undergrad, and we were expected to read a roughly book a week in each class . Some were long (I had one professor assign the longest single volume novel in the English language ) and some were short, but it added up to a lot of books! You’ll also have to write critical essays analyzing these works of literature—if you really only want to write your own fiction or poetry, consider majoring in something else and taking creative writing classes as electives.

You Don't Need a Specific Major to Be a Writer

Writing isn't like engineering: you don't need a specific degree to pursue it professionally. The only thing that you need to do to be a writer is to write.

Most writing jobs, whether in publishing, journalism or teaching, don’t require or even expect you to have majored in creative writing. For the few positions that do require a writing degree, which are almost exclusively in academia, you'll actually need a graduate degree (generally an MFA).

Studying writing in school is a great way to motivate you to work on your writing and to get constructive feedback (more on this below), but it’s not the only way. A lot of great writers studied something totally unrelated to writing or didn’t go to college at all.

You Can Learn A Lot From Really Focusing on Writing

So far I've focused mostly on reasons you might not want or need to major in creative writing, but there's one very good reason to do so: you'll spend a lot of time writing, talking about writing, and reading your peers' writing.

One of the key features of any creative writing major is the workshop —a small class where students closely read and dissect each other’s work. Workshops can be very productive, since they offer the opportunity for lots of revision and rewriting. However, they also involve a lot of criticism and can be challenging for very sensitive people. Consider how you'll react to someone not liking your writing or suggesting ways to improve it.

Many creative writing majors also require a capstone project or creative BA thesis, which requires you to complete a substantive piece of work that's at or near publication ready. For students who are genuinely committed to publishing their writing, this project is an invaluable stepping stone.

Some Schools Have Special Opportunities for Creative Writing Majors

At schools with particularly strong writing programs, majors may have the opportunity to attend special readings or meetings with authors that aren't open to non-majors. They may also have priority for activities like working at the literary journal or university press.

These kinds of perks are completely dependent on the school, however, so make sure to research the specific programs that you're interested in.

Final Thoughts

Creative writing majors offer a unique opportunity to focus on the craft of writing, but they aren't right for everyone. If the following statements apply to you, a creative writing major could be a great fit:

• You love to read and write.
• You take criticism well and don't mind other people reading your work.
• You want to pursue writing outside of the classroom as well as in it.

More Recommended Reading

Convinced you want to be a creative writing major? Check out our list of the best undergrad writing programs .

Creative writing majors go on to a wide range of jobs. If you're exploring different career ideas , check out our guides on how to become a lawyer and how to become a teacher .

If you're looking at colleges , also check out our guide on how to pick the best school for you and our list of the best college search websites .

For those of you interested in particularly selective schools , we have a guide to getting into Ivy League schools written by a Harvard grad.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

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

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing

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

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

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

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

Request Info

Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Outcomes

The goal is for students who graduate from the Department of English to demonstrate the skills of reflective reading, critical and creative thinking, compelling writing, and engaged citizenship.

Reflective Readers

• Analyze literary and cultural texts through close reading.
• Gain broad knowledge of several fields of literature.
• Grasp formal elements of key literary genres.
• Learn to read comparatively to illuminate aesthetic, social, and cultural contributions of texts.

Critical and Creative Thinkers

• Approach texts with a spirit of critical inquiry and flexibility.
• Formulate productive questions.
• Use textual evidence to support individual interpretations.
• Draw upon several different critical approaches to literature in English.
• Effective Speakers
• Express opinions about the texts they read through discussion and written assignments.
• Listen respectfully to others’ opinions.
• Work in class—whether through active listening or discussion—to learn by synthesizing a range of texts, insights, and opinions.

Compelling Writers

• Express themselves in clear, fluent, and lively writing.
• Organize their ideas effectively.
• Use textual evidence to illustrate and support their insights and arguments.
• Are able to write in different modes appropriate to varied genres and aesthetic traditions.
• Engage properly with relevant scholarship and creative work.
• Use research skills that include an understanding of methods, craft, technology, and conventions.
• Demonstrate the ability to create in modes that are appropriate to various genres.

Engaged World Citizens

• Communicate respect and understanding for the literatures and cultures of diverse historical periods, geographical regions, and cultures.
• Explore ethical issues raised by literature.
• Practice collaborative and ethical literary citizenship.
• Reflect on the ways that literature addresses issues of social justice.
• Use reading, speaking, and writing skills to engage with the ethical concerns raised by literature in their daily and professional lives.

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

Published April 14, 2023

A Guide to Writing Majors at NYU

Sam Whitley

New York City is one of the best places for aspiring writers! It is overflowing with inspiration for stories, from the tourists merging in Times Square to the unique and fashionable characters hopping on and off the subway. What’s more, as a headquarters for major publishing and media companies, there’s no limit to the opportunities writing students can take advantage of.

English and American Literature and Creative Writing Aren’t the Only Programs for Aspiring Writers!

I’m an aspiring television writer, and when I was researching schools, I found that most of them only offered degrees in English or Creative Writing. While there’s nothing wrong with these programs, I wanted to focus on writing scripts and learning about the entertainment industry in college. Now I’m a junior at NYU studying Dramatic Writing and concentrating in episodic writing!

There’s so many different forms and approaches to writing, and NYU’s major offerings reflect that difference. So whether you like to write poems or plays, you can find a major here that best suits what you! 

Some of the most common majors for aspiring writers include:

English and American Literature

Comparative literature, dramatic literature, dramatic writing.

To help you understand the differences between these majors, here’s an overview of the programs, class structures, and the kinds of writers who would thrive in them!

School: College of Arts and Science

Students studying English will learn how to examine literature written in English. Students will take four English literature classes, where they explore the different contexts of literature from the origins of English to the 21st century. 

Then, English and American Literature majors choose between two tracks: creative writing and literary studies. While creative writing students focus primarily on their own writing, literary studies students analyze the work of other writers. 

Students have more freedom to explore specific topics in literature in their junior and senior years. For example, English and American Literature majors can take classes like 20th-Century African American Literature, Myths and Cultures of the Ancient Celts, and Jane Austen. (Yes, there’s a whole course dedicated to analyzing her work!) 

Class Structure

Most courses are seminar style, which means they are discussion based. So students will read and examine texts for homework. Then they’ll have an open discussion during class time. Students on the creative writing track will have more workshops, where students will discuss each other’s work and how to improve their writing.

Types of Writers: Aspiring Novelists, Essayists, Screenwriters, Poets, and Many More!

Being an English and American Literature major allows for a broad understanding of literature that you can carry with you into any medium as a writer. In addition, you’ll develop analytical skills that can be used in any profession! I know people who have become lawyers, researchers, and professors using their English degree. 

English is for students who love to read and analyze literature. If you love analyzing texts from different cultures and time periods and studying timeless writers, you might like being an English and American Literature major!

In the Department of Comparative Literature , students analyze literature with a more interdisciplinary approach. Comparative literature (comp lit) students examine texts in fields like art history, linguistics, and philosophy from all over the world. 

Like the English and American Literature major, Comp Lit has two tracks: literature and literary and cultural studies. Both tracks study world literature, but students on the literature track focus mostly on literature and linguistics. Some of their classes are taught in languages other than English like Italian or German! Whereas students on the literary and cultural studies track focus on reading world literature that deals with specific topics like religion, history, politics, and cinema studies. Courses include Chinese Literature in Translation, Kafka and His Contexts, and Topics in Italian Culture.

Both tracks are mostly seminar style with few opportunities for workshops. This may mean fewer opportunities, at least in comp lit classes, to practice creative writing skills. But comp lit students strengthen their analytical skills through essays. 

Types of Writers: Aspiring Novelists, Essayists, Critics, and Academics

If you like to read texts written in different languages or discuss literature at the intersection of philosophy, linguistics, cinema studies, and art history, then comp lit may be for you!

The Dramatic Literature major focuses on the literary, historical, and critical aspects of theatre studies. This means students study the history of theatre, playwriting, cinema, and performance.

Dramatic literature (drama lit) students are required to take three history of theatre classes. Then they can pick classes in two areas: practical theatre and cinema. These areas aren’t specified tracks, but they allow students to tailor the major to what they’re interested in. For example, practical theatre classes give students more direct experience with creating for the stage. Cinema classes focus more on film analysis.

Like the Comp Lit and English and American Literature majors, students leave their programs with a global perspective of literature. Drama lit courses include Feminism and Theatre, Fundamentals of Acting I, and Theatre in Asia.

Most drama lit classes are seminar style. But students taking practical theatre classes will have more practice-based courses. Therefore, students will rehearse scenes and experiment on stage!

But seminars aren’t the only style of classes for Drama Lit majors. There are some playwriting workshops for students who want to work on their own plays.

Types of Writers: Aspiring Playwrights and (Theatre or Film) Critics

Drama lit is for students who love theatre and may have some interest in film. If you’re interested in the theory and history of theatre, drama lit may be a good fit for you! It’s also a good fit if you’re an aspiring playwright who is interested in theatre production.

The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute gives students the practical and theoretical skills they’ll need for a career in journalism. 

All journalism students will learn about ethical practices in journalistic writing, conducting research, and reporting. Later, students can pursue one of two tracks: the print/online track or broadcast track. The print/online track is for those who want to focus on writing for print and online media. Whereas the broadcast track is for those who want to focus on reporting and video production for broadcasts.

Journalism courses include Audio Storytelling, Photojournalism, and Minorities in the Media. 

At NYU, journalism students are required to double-major. But, since double-majoring is a program requirement, the curriculum is flexible.

Unlike the other majors previously discussed, the class styles vary here. Some are lecture and seminar style, but most of the courses have a practical approach. Students will come up with their own ideas, interview guests, and write their own stories. What’s more, those on the broadcast track will do the same but shoot and edit their pieces too!

Types of Writers: Aspiring Print or Digital Journalists

Journalism offers a lot of opportunity for students to build a strong portfolio of work and practice writing! If you’re interested in getting direct experience writing articles and segments or getting a well-rounded approach to journalism, the Journalism major may be the right fit for you!

School: Tisch School of the Arts

Dramatic Writing trains students in all areas of dramatic writing, which refers to pieces of writing meant to be acted or performed. All students will take at least one course in playwriting, screenwriting, and episodic writing, then concentrate on one discipline. 

The program’s focus is a mixture of analyzing scripts across all mediums and honing the craft. Courses include Writing for Late Night Television, Shakespeare for Writers, and The Romantic Comedy.

Most dramatic writing courses are workshop and seminar style. Students will work on their own scripts throughout each semester and receive feedback from the professor and their peers.

It’s also important to mention that students aren’t expected to write a full play or film as first-year students! First years won’t write more than 30 pages (unless they feel comfortable doing so). Throughout the years, the page count increases. By senior year, students will feel comfortable giving and receiving feedback, meeting deadlines, and working within the discipline of their choice.

Types of Writers: Aspiring Screenwriters, Playwrights, and TV Writers

The program’s scope is very focused on these three disciplines, so it might not be the best fit for those wanting a broader approach to literature and writing. But, if you’re like me, and you want to improve your script writing and/or find your voice as a dramatic writer, then the Dramatic Writing major may be for you!

Honorable Mentions

Here are some programs that offer writing classes but writing isn’t their main focus:

• Drama (Playwrights Horizons)
• Film and TV
• Cinema Studies
• Collaborative Arts
• Media, Culture, and Communication
• Individualized coursework

There’s No Limit to How You Can Study Writing Here

Even though I’ve discussed whom each program is for, no program is one-size-fits-all. I know people in the Dramatic Writing program who still have a passion for poetry and creative writing. So they pursue a minor in Creative Writing! 

It all boils down to how you want to improve your writing and which program will make you the happiest. If you’ve made it this far, I hope I’ve given you some insight into which major may best suit you.

Sam Whitley (she/her) is a senior studying Dramatic Writing at Tisch School of the Arts with minors in Computer Science and Integrated Design & Media. Whether she’s developing a website or writing a TV pilot, Sam aims to create things that help make life easier for people. Outside of class, she’s rewatching her favorite animated TV shows, hitting the gym, and taking the LIRR home to visit friends and family. Despite her introverted nature, she loves meeting new people while working as an Admissions Ambassador and exploring NYC!

More from :

Meet NYU Meyers

At Rory Meyers College of Nursing, students benefit from rigorous practical training—in the classroom, in the lab, and in clinical settings—combined with liberal arts exploration.

Health Equity at NYU

At NYU, we believe that health care is a basic human right. We are preparing students to become outspoken advocates for health equity through education, research, policy work, and outreach.

Meet NYU Gallatin

The NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study empowers students to create a multidisciplinary curriculum. Small class sizes create an intimate college experience while still tapping into all the resources NYU has to offer.

• Make a Gift
• Directories

Search form

You are here.

• Programs & Courses
• Creative Writing

The English Major: Creative Writing Option

Note!  The requirements below took effect in Summer 2022 .  If you declared your major before then, please see the old requirements .  If you have questions about which version of the major applies to you, please contact HAS .

The Creative Writing Concentration prepares students not only to be more effective communicators and artists, but also creative problem solvers and more nuanced critical thinkers. By situating small, student-oriented writing workshops alongside literary models, Creative Writing classes enhance the broader study of literature and critical theory, helping students gain a greater understanding of the social and cultural forces informing their work. A student completing the program is more able to situate themselves in a larger aesthetic and social context and make more meaningful, informed decisions about their own artistic practice. In addition, through the intense practice of creative writing, students are able to see the world more clearly, in a more nuanced and meaningful manner, and apply these skills to a wide variety of work and life situations.

This page describes the English Major Concentration in Creative Writing. For the major's other option, see English Language, Literature, and Culture ,.

Students enrolled in the Creative Writing Concentration will complete a major consisting of 65 ENGL credits, at least 30 of which must be completed in residence at the University of Washington. A maximum of 20 credits in 200-level courses may count toward the English major, and may be used to fulfill the distribution requirements.

Creative writing students’ coursework is distributed as follows:

• ENGL 202: Introduction to English Language and Literature
• A sequence of creative writing workshops: ENGL 283: Beginning Verse Writing, ENGL 284: Beginning Short Story Writing, ENGL 383: The Craft of Verse, and ENGL 384: The Craft of Prose
• 15 credits in Historical Depth
• 15 credits in Power and Difference
• Two 400-level Creative Writing seminars ( Please see the  400-level Creative Writing workshop registration instruction page  for instructions on registering for these courses)

Please note: Creative writing students do *not* need to complete either ENGL 302 (satisfied by 383 & 384) or the senior capstone (satisfied by two 400-level CW classes), required for the major in Language, Literature, and Culture. All creative writing courses satisfy the Genre, Method, and Language distribution area, so Creative Writing students do not need to complete this area separately.

Applying to Creative Writing:

Applicants to the Creative Writing option must have already declared, or be eligible to declare, the English: Language and Literature major .

Applications for the Creative Writing option are accepted in autumn, winter, and spring quarters only, and should be submitted through this online application form   by the third Friday of the quarter at 4:00pm . Applications to creative writing are not accepted in summer quarter.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Creative Writing option, you must

• have already declared, or be ready to declare, the English major program ;
• have completed ENGL 202, 283 (beginning verse writing) and ENGL 284 (beginning short story writing) or transfer equivalents.

Application Procedure:

Please submit online ONE complete attachment that includes the items below, by 4:00pm on the third Friday of autumn, winter, or spring quarter (no applications accepted in summer):

1. Undergraduate Creative Writing Option Application (PDF)

RIGHT-click the above link and save it as a PDF to your computer. Fill out the form using Acrobat Reader. Save your changes. Then combine it with the following materials:

Transcripts for all college work completed, both at the UW and elsewhere (these are additional sets of transcripts, separate from the transcripts you will have supplied as part of your application for the major):

• Unofficial UW Transcript : Even if this is your first quarter after transferring to the UW, you should submit an unofficial UW transcript, available through the MyUW system ;
• Complete set of Unofficial transcripts from all schools from which you have transfer credit : We need the information contained in the complete transcript from each transfer school; the transfer summary on a UW unofficial transcript is not sufficient. Photocopies of transcripts are acceptable.

2. A Writing Sample of 3-5 poems and 5-10 pages of fiction (preferably a complete story). Fiction should be double-spaced, with 12pt font (Times New Roman) and 1" margins:

• Review writing sample guidelines and be sure to submit literary fiction and poetry
• Be sure to proofread carefully.

Admission decisions are based primarily on the potential a student exhibits in his or her writing sample - grades and GPAs are usually not at issue. Admission decisions are sent to applicants by e-mail, normally within two weeks of the application deadline.

Completion of the requirements above does not guarantee admission.

Students who are denied admission to the Creative Writing option will continue to be English majors, and may complete the requirements for the literature BA in English. They may apply for the Creative Writing option one additional time, but if they are denied admission then, they must complete the literature major or elect another major in another department.

Distribution Areas:

The majority of English courses are distributed among three overlapping areas: Historical Depth, Power & Difference, and Genre, Method, and Language. Creative Writing students are required to complete 15 credits in two of these areas, Historical Depth and Power & Difference, with the remainder of their coursework focusing on Creative Writing workshops. 

Some courses can count towards both "Historical Depth" or "Power & Difference"; however, each course can ultimately only be used to fulfill one requirement. For example, ENGL 351 is listed under both “Historical Depth” and “Power and Difference" but it will only count in one of those categories in a student's degree progress. The student may choose (and can change their mind, shuffling courses as long as they are enrolled).  Students noticing issues with how these classes are applying to the distribution areas in their degree audit can contact an advisor at   Humanities Academic Services Center  (HAS), A-2-B Padelford Hall  for support. 

Descriptions of each area, along with the courses fulfilling it, are available below. 

Historical Depth:

People have been speaking, reading, and writing in English for more than a thousand years, producing literature that is at once timeless and deeply informed by the time in which it was written. Cultural artifacts from the English-speaking world have shaped, and been shaped by, social movements and historical conditions around the globe, as has the language itself. With this in mind, English majors are required to take 15 credits focused on materials produced before 1945, with at least 5 of those credits focused on materials produced before 1700. Distributing coursework in this way helps students to understand the depth, richness, and variability of English literature, language, and culture across time, and dramatizes how the ways we organize history affect the stories we tell about it. These courses open up past worlds that are in some ways totally alien and in others very similar to our own, revealing that what seems real and true to us can radically alter over time. Entering into these past realities offers a new perspective on the present and develops our capacity to imagine alternative futures.

Historical Depth Courses:

• ENGL 210 Medieval and Early Modern Literature, 400 to 1600
• ENGL 211 Literature, 1500-1800
• ENGL 225 Shakespeare
• ENGL 310 The Bible as Literature
• ENGL 320 English Literature: The Middle Ages
• ENGL 321 Chaucer
• ENGL 322 Medieval & Early Modern Literatures of Encounter (P&D)
• ENGL 323 Shakespeare to 1603
• ENGL 324 Shakespeare after 1603
• ENGL 325 Early Modern English Literature
• ENGL 326 Milton (GML)
• ENGL 351: Writing in the Contact Zone: North America 1492 - 1800 (P&D)
• ENGL 376: Introduction to Middle English Language (HD)
• ENGL 422 Arthurian Legends (GML)
• ENGL 212 Literature, 1700-1900
• ENGL 300: Reading Major Texts (can also count as pre-1700 depending on texts)
• ENGL 303 History of Literary Criticism and Theory I (GML)
• ENGL 312 Jewish Literature: Biblical to Modern (P&D)
• ENGL 314: Transatlantic Literature and Culture (P&D)
• ENGL 315: Literary Modernism (GML)
• ENGL 327 Narratives of Bondage & Freedom (P&D)
• ENGL 328 Eighteenth Century Literature & Culture
• ENGL 329 Rise of the English Novel (GML)
• ENGL 330 English Literature: The Romantic Age
• ENGL 331 Globalization & Nationalism in the Age of Empire (P&D)
• ENGL 332 Nineteenth Century Poetry (GML)
• ENGL 333 Nineteenth Century Novel (GML)
• ENGL 335 English Literature: The Victorian Age
• ENGL 336 English Literature: Early Twentieth Century
• ENGL 337 The Modern Novel (GML)
• ENGL 338 Modern Poetry (GML)
• ENGL 352 Literatures of the United States to 1865 (P&D)
• ENGL 353 American Literature: Later Nineteenth Century
• ENGL 354 American Literature: Early Twentieth Century
• ENGL 373: History of the English Language (GML)
• ENGL 380: Special Topics in History
• ENGL 385: Global Modernism (P&D)

Power and Difference:

Literature, language, and culture have been shaped by and in turn shape systems of power. Such systems include capitalism, colonialism, imperialism, and hierarchies of race, status, caste, sex, gender, and sexuality. Over time, systems of power elevate some voices and stories and marginalize and silence others. English majors are required to take at least 15 credits focused on how systems of power operate in and through literature, language, and culture. These courses explore the evolving relationship of literature, language, and culture to structures of violence and dispossession and center critical perspectives that have been marginalized or silenced. They embrace alternative ways of learning about the past and present, and the impress of the former on the latter. They highlight the complex, sometimes contradictory ways in which literature and culture mediate systems of power. In so doing, Power and Difference courses foster our imagination of more just and equitable futures.

Power and Difference Courses:

• ENGL 207: Introduction to Cultural Studies (GML)
• ENGL 208: Data and Narrative (GML)
• ENGL 256: Introduction to Queer Cultural Studies (DIV) (GML)
• ENGL 257: Introduction to Asian American Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 258: Introduction to African American Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 259: Literature and Social Difference (DIV)
• ENGL 265: Introduction to Environmental Humanities (DIV, GML)
• ENGL 307: Cultural Studies
• ENGL 308: Marxism and Literary Theory
• ENGL 311: Modern Jewish Literature in Translation
• ENGL 312: Jewish Literature: Biblical to Modern (HD)
• ENGL 314: Transatlantic Literature and Culture (HD)
• ENGL 316: Postcolonial Literature and Culture (DIV)
• ENGL 317: Literature of the Americas (DIV)
• ENGL 318: Black Literary Genres (DIV, GML)
• ENGL 319: African Literatures (DIV)
• ENGL 322 Medieval & Early Modern Literatures of Encounter (HD)
• ENGL 327 Narratives of Bondage & Freedom (HD)
• ENGL 331 Globalization & Nationalism in the Age of Empire (HD)
• ENGL 339: Globalization & Contemporary World Literature (GML)
• ENGL 340: Irish Literature (P&D)
• ENGL 349: Science Fiction & Fantasy
• ENGL 351: Writing in the Contact Zone: North America 1492 - 1800 (HD)
• ENGL 352: American Literatures to 1865 (HD)
• ENGL 355: Contemporary American Literature
• ENGL 357: Jewish American Literature and Culture (DIV)
• ENGL 358: African American Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 359: Contemporary American Indian Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 361: American Political Culture After 1865 (DIV)
• ENGL 362: Latino Literary Genres (DIV, GML)
• ENGL 364: Literature & Medicine
• ENGL 365: Literature & Environment (GML, DIV)
• ENGL 366: Literature & Law
• ENGL 367: Gender Studies in Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 368: Women Writers (DIV)
• ENGL 372: World Englishes (DIV) (GML)
• ENGL 379: Special Topics in Power & Difference
• ENGL 385: Global Modernism (HD)
• ENGL 386: Asian American Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 466: Queer and LGBT Literature (DIV)
• ENGL 478: Language and Social Policy (DIV) (GML)
• ENGL 479: Language Variation and Language Policy in North America (DIV, GML)
•   Instagram
•   Newsletter

Major: Creative Writing

Which colleges offer a major in creative writing.

Creative Writing majors weave a rich tapestry of storytelling, exploring forms such as poetry, personal essays, memoirs, short stories, scriptwriting, novels, literary journalism, and even video games. It could be a favorite line in a movie, play, or book that lures an audience in and changes their world. 

Telling a story can shed light on societal issues that would otherwise receive little or no attention. By evoking emotion, the story and its characters captivate the reader. People become invested in the story, the impact of the problem on the characters’ lives, and the outcome. Creative writing humanizes experiences in a way that may foster compassion for others. A compelling creative writer draws readers in so that they become engaged in the story.

Your imagination, mindset, and self-expression will be challenged and sharpened as a creative writing major. You’ll explore multiple creative writing forms. Creative writing challenges you to dig deep and learn about yourself and others. 

What does a student majoring in Creative Writing study? 

To develop their skills, creative writing majors will take courses in historical and contemporary literature and participate in writing workshops. Such courses or workshops include, among others: 

• American Literature
• Introduction to Creative Writing
• Reading and Writing Poetry
• Playwriting
• Screenwriting

What can I do with a Creative Writing degree?

You’ll develop a greater appreciation and understanding of various creative writing genres. Your research, writing, and creative thinking skills are desirable in  jobs such as the following:

• Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
• Advertising and Promotions Managers
• Art Directors
• Fundraisers
• Producers and Directors

Specializations for a Creative Writing major are:

• Film and Television Writing
• Photojournalism
• Creative Nonfiction

What are the requirements for a Creative Writing degree? 

The degree requirements at your college or university will consist of specific credits needed for major and elective courses in creative writing. You’ll participate in many writing workshops and apply the critiques of your work from peers and faculty to hone your creative writing skills.   

Explore Creative Writing Careers

Arts and humanities majors and degrees, related ap courses, find colleges with a creative writing major.

Creative Writing

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

English Major with a Creative Writing Emphasis

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

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

All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

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

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

PWR 1 is a prerequisite for all creative writing courses.

Minor in Creative Writing

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

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

Prose Track

Suggested order of requirements:

English 90. Fiction Writing or English 91. Creative Nonfiction

English 146S Secret Lives of the Short Story

One 5-unit English literature elective course

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

English 92. Reading and Writing Poetry

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

Poetry Track

English 92.Reading and Writing Poetry

English 160. Poetry and Poetics

English 192. Intermediate Poetry Writing

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

Creative Writing minors should note the following:

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

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

For more information, visit the Stanford Creative Writing Program.

What You Need to Know About Being an English Major

English majors work in fields like journalism, PR, fundraising and entertainment, and study creative writing, critical theory and literary history, among other topics.

Becoming an English Major

Getty Images

In undergraduate programs across the country, English majors learn how to read and think critically while developing their skills as a writer. English majors have plenty of room to pursue further education in the field, with some obtaining doctorate degrees in English. English majors can land jobs in various industries, including publishing, advertising, editing and teaching.

What Is an English Major?

Most English degree programs emphasize comprehension and analysis of literature. Students assess classic and modern literature and delve into how the literature intersects with other disciplines, such as history. Some programs may have a focus on the English language rather than literature.

In addition to strengthening reading and comprehension skills, English degrees can dramatically improve a student’s writing abilities. Some degree programs include courses to sharpen a student’s skills as a writer, whether that be through grammar or editing.

English major vs. communication major: What’s the difference? 

Some prospective students who are interested in utilizing their writing and reading skills professionally may be drawn to both English and communication degree programs. However, these programs have differences – primarily in the mode in which stories are told.

Communication degree programs focus on how messages and news are spread through media such as news articles, social media and television programs. As a result, communication programs are typically associated with media studies degrees. Communication degrees also place a larger emphasis on how technology may play a role in storytelling or spreading messages.

English majors learn about various genres of literature, ranging from fiction to poetry to theater. An English degree may be better suited for a student interested in analyzing existing literature or producing their own body of work, while a communication degree may be a better fit for those looking to work in the media field.

Common Coursework English Majors Can Expect 

Core coursework.

Programs can vary from college to college but typically include courses that focus on both the English language and literature. Some English degree programs offer core courses that emphasize aspects of English like grammar or writing style while simultaneously including courses aimed at teaching students about English literary periods. Many programs will have core classes on professional writing, as well as courses devoted to reading different types of literature.

Examples of core courses may include:

• Linguistics.
• Film studies.
• Writing fundamentals.
• Creative writing.

Concentrations

Specializations that colleges offer to English majors may include:

• Literary and cultural studies.
• Creative writing. 
• Language and linguistics.
• Editing, writing and publishing.
• Rhetoric and writing.
• Medieval/Renaissance literature. 
• Gender and sexuality studies.
• Nonfiction writing.

Is English a Good Major For Me?

While an English major has a wide range of different career paths, a few skills, such as creativity, copyediting and critical thinking translate to success in lots of specializations. Individuals who enjoy reading books of all types might be content pursuing an English degree. These programs often appeal to those who plan to write in the future, as many offer courses in creative writing.

English can also be a great major for students looking to pair it with another field, as a lot of the skills learned in English courses can be applied to many fields.

What Can I Do With an English Major?

Some common jobs English majors pursue after graduation involve working with literature, such as working as an English high school teacher or professor, librarian or publisher. Skills developed in English degree programs, such as critical thinking, analytic skills, writing skills and editing, can also be used in jobs outside of the realm of literature.

Some English majors work in the media industry as marketing associates or public relations managers. An English degree can also be applied in law school. As a result, some English majors find themselves working as attorneys or judges. Other careers that English majors can successfully pursue include working as a translator, copywriter or editor.

Data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

English majors can strengthen their skills in many ways outside of the classroom. Some English majors may gain a teaching certification in college to qualify them for teaching in K-12 schools. Others choose to attain a certificate to teach English as a second language (ESL). Certifications for technical writers also allow English majors to broaden their skills and prepare for the world of publishing.

What English Majors Say

“I think some people may think it’s super easy, like it’s English. While I loved my degree, I would say it was equally challenging and stimulating throughout my entire time at UF. It’s a lot of rigorous reading and a lot of critical thinking that goes into it. I wouldn’t say it’s easy by any means.“

- Malori Malone , University of Florida

“I think it’s a good fit for anyone interested in teaching, writing, law, education, etc. I would really encourage everyone in undergrad to consider an English minor or at least taking a few English courses as writing skills seem to be a bit of a lost art.”

- Ashley Lillich , University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

“My words of advice: Be persistent but be realistic. Some English-related fields, such as publishing, can be difficult to break into, but don’t let a few internship rejections kill your passion. Secondly, work on building a portfolio or resume for whatever field you want to work in. Most of my opportunities have come from networking or prior experience, not my degree subject. Finally, don’t let others dissuade you from pursuing a degree in the humanities if this is what you’re passionate about.”

- Taylor Barnhill , University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Schools Offering an English Major

Check out some schools below that offer English majors and find the full list of schools here that you can filter and sort.

2024 Best Colleges

Search for your perfect fit with the U.S. News rankings of colleges and universities.

College Admissions: Get a Step Ahead!

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S. News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Ask an Alum: Making the Most Out of College

You May Also Like

Supporting low-income college applicants.

Shavar Jeffries April 16, 2024

Supporting Black Women in Higher Ed

Zainab Okolo April 15, 2024

Law Schools With the Highest LSATs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 11, 2024

Today NAIA, Tomorrow Title IX?

Lauren Camera April 9, 2024

Grad School Housing Options

Anayat Durrani April 9, 2024

How to Decide if an MBA Is Worth it

Sarah Wood March 27, 2024

What to Wear to a Graduation

LaMont Jones, Jr. March 27, 2024

FAFSA Delays Alarm Families, Colleges

Sarah Wood March 25, 2024

Help Your Teen With the College Decision

Anayat Durrani March 25, 2024

Toward Semiconductor Gender Equity

Alexis McKittrick March 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

• Undergraduate
• Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Major

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

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

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

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

See past and upcoming Creative Writing events.

Undergraduate publication opportunities

Recommended Schedule for Prospective Writing Majors

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

*Denotes courses that are REQUIRED for the Creative Writing Major

ENG 202-Introduction to Creative Writing

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

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

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

* ENG 206 - Reading and Writing Poetry

* ENG 207 - Reading and Writing Fiction    

* ENG 208 - Reading & Writing Creative Nonfiction

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

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

Click here to apply. Applications close April 29th, 2024 at 11:59pm. 

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

Initial Required Courses

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

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

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

Admission to the Program

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

For fiction and nonfiction applications, your writing sample should be 7-15 pages.

For poetry applications, your writing sample should be 4-5 poems.

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

Click here to apply. Applications close April 29th, 2024 at 11:59pm.

The Sequences

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

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

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

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

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

The application is available here . Applications will close on April 29th at 11:59pm.

Other Required Courses for MAJOR Students

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

ENG 392 - The Situation of Writing

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

The “Third-Genre Intro” Course 

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

Six 300-level literature classes

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

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

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

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

Other Required Courses for Sequence-Based MINOR students

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

Two 300-level literature classes

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

The Cross-genre Minor in Creative Writing

Other program features.

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

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

Creative Writing Alumni Testimonials

-- Veronica Roth, author of the bestselling Divergent series

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

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

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

Major code BA5232

College of Arts and Sciences   English Department   Ellis 201 Athens, OH 45701 Fax: 740.593.2832 [email protected] www.ohio.edu/cas/english/

Dr. Carey Snyder , contact person [email protected]

Program Overview

In the English – Creative Writing major, you will engage with genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from the inside out, by generating and revising your own work as well as exploring closely how published work uses the techniques of craft. All creative writing students participate in workshops led by nationally recognized writers which focus on understanding and constructing different literary forms; to achieve these goals, workshops emphasize the study of texts by established writers as well as students’ experimentation with their own creative process. The major is also flexible enough to match your own interests and goals: you can fulfill up to 12 of the required hours in the major with courses focusing on literature, rhetoric, or literary theory, or by combining these with apprenticeship or internship experiences. To ensure a solid foundation in the skills and knowledge that employers and graduate schools expect from any English graduate, the English – Creative Writing major includes the English Core in analysis, research, and literary history. 

Admissions Information

Freshman/first-year admission.

Enrollment in an English major entails no requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

For students currently enrolled at Ohio University, transferring into an English major requires a 2.0 GPA. Students choosing to transfer into the English  – Creative Writing major should contact the director of undergraduate studies in the English department for assistance. Students who wish to add an English major in addition to another major program should seek assistance from the director of undergraduate studies; students with a second major outside the College of Arts and Sciences will be responsible for meeting the degree requirements of both the English – Creative Writing major and the College of Arts and Sciences.

External Transfer Admission

For students currently enrolled at institutions other than Ohio University, transferring into an English major entails no requirements beyond University admission requirements. Students should contact the director of undergraduate studies in the English Department for assistance.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

After a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and analytical reading as well as multiple genres of writing, English – Creative Writing students enjoy the same wide variety of opportunity upon graduation that other English majors have. Many of our graduates go on to graduate programs, not only M.A. or M.F.A. programs in Creative Writing but also programs in Information Science or Education. Others work in publishing, web content development, grant-writing and community organizing, advertising, or other creative industries. Having invested in developing their own creativity as well as in the well-rounded education that this degree requires, English – Creative Writing students can face the unexpected challenges of the 21 st -century job market with confidence.

Potential employers for those who hold a degree in Creative Writing include, but are certainly not limited to, newspaper and magazine organizations, the entertainment industry, government agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private K-12 schools, publishing companies, marketing agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, etc.

Browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake , OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, workshops, and professional development events.

Requirements

Universitywide graduation requirements.

Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other universitywide requirements, please review the  Graduation Requirements – Universitywide    page.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements   .

English Hours Requirement

For a B.A. degree with a major in English - Creative Writing , a student must complete a total of 42 semester credit hours in ENG coursework.

Intercultural Foundations

Complete the following course:

• ENG 1100 - Crossing Cultures with Text Credit Hours: 3

Literary Reading

Complete one of the following courses:

• ENG 2010 - Introduction to Prose Fiction and Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 2020 - Introduction to Poetry and Drama Credit Hours: 3

British or American Literature I

• ENG 2510 - British Literature I Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 2530 - American Literature I Credit Hours: 3

British or American Literature II

• ENG 2520 - British Literature II Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 2540 - American Literature II Credit Hours: 3

Intercultural Breadth

Complete one course from the following:

• ENG 3240 - Jewish American Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3250 - Women’s Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3260 - Queer Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3270 - Queer Rhetorics and Writing Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3370 - Black Literature to 1930 Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3380 - Ethnic American Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3390 - Black Literature from 1930 to the Present Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3450 - Intercultural Adaptations: Answering the Anglo-American Literary Canon Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3550 - Global Literature Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3850 - Writing About Culture and Society Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4660 - International Authors Credit Hours: 3

Writing and Research

• ENG 3070J - Writing and Research in English Studies Credit Hours: 3

Senior Seminar

• ENG 4600 - Topics in English Studies Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4640 - British Authors Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4650 - American Authors Credit Hours: 3

Creative Writing Workshops

Complete three of the following workshops with at least one intermediate or advanced workshop:

• ENG 3610 - Creative Writing: Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3620 - Creative Writing: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3630 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3

Intermediate:

• ENG 3950 - Creative Writing Workshop: Nonfiction II Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3960 - Creative Writing Workshop: Fiction II Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 3970 - Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4860 - Advanced Workshop in Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4870 - Advanced Workshop in Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4880 - Advanced Workshop in Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3

Creative Writing Form and Theory

• ENG 4810 - Form and Theory of Literary Genres: Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4820 - Form and Theory of Literary Genres: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENG 4830 - Form and Theory of Literary Genres: Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3

Major Electives

Complete three additional ENG courses for at least nine hours excluding ENG 2800   , ENG 3***J, ENG 4510   , ENG 4520   , ENG 4911   , and ENG 4912   . Six hours may be at the 2000-level or higher; three hours must be at the 3000-level or higher.

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Department of English

• Why English Studies?
• Why Creative Writing?
• Career Success
• BA in English/Creative Writing
• Graduate Admissions
• Undergraduate Studies
• MA/PhD in Literary/Writing Studies
• Undergraduate Course Offerings
• Graduate Course Offerings
• MFA in Creative Writing
• Blogs & Digital Projects
• Conferences & Series
• PhD Dissertations
• Reading, Research, & Discussion Groups
• Undergraduate Resources
• Graduate Resources
• Convocation
• Faculty Resources
• Department Calendar
• Department News
• Administration
• Faculty by Specialty Areas
• Affiliate Faculty
• Emeriti Faculty
• Specialized Faculty
• Graduate Students
• Stay Connected
• Get Involved
• Give to English
• Undergraduate Alumni Spotlight
• Graduate Alumni Spotlight

The Creative Writing Major

The undergraduate Creative Writing major at the University of Illinois, formerly known as the Rhetoric major, is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Now in its seventh decade, the major combines small workshops (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and a variety of literature courses.

Note: We also offer a Creative Writing minor. For an overview of our minor requirements, click here .

The undergraduate Creative Writing major at the University of Illinois, formerly known as the Rhetoric major, is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Now in its seventh decade, the major combines small workshops (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and a variety of literature courses. The result is a strong but flexible program of study that develops students' analytical and creative skills and prepares them for work or graduate study in any number of fields.

Students in the undergraduate program edit and publish an annual journal, Montage Arts Journal , which features poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art by University of Illinois undergraduate student writers and artists. For more information about Montage , visit montagejournal.wordpress.com .

Through our program, writers shape their literary voices, develop distinctive styles, and intensify their written, critical, and editorial skills. Students write about what matters most to them and learn about contemporary literary publishing through developing their imaginative, expressive, and dynamic writing.

Creative Writing Major Requirements

Literature for creative writers (6 credit hours).

• CW 100: Introduction to Creative Writing
• CW 200: Reading for Writers

Craft (3 credit hours)

• CW 243: The Craft Essay:  Creative Reading, Reflection, and Revision  

Creative Writing Workshops (12 credit hours)

Creative Writing majors must complete at least one of the following 3-course (9-hour) sequences:

• CW 106: Poetry Workshop I
• CW 206: Poetry Workshop II
• CW 406: Poetry Workshop III
• CW 104: Fiction Workshop I
• CW 204: Fiction Workshop II
• CW 404: Fiction Workshop III

The remaining 3 hours in this category can be satisfied by a fourth CW Workshop outside of the chosen sequence.  CW 404 and CW 406 may be repeated once for credit, but may not be repeated to fulfill this requirement.

Writing and Literature (3 credit hours)

3 hours of Writing and Literature coursework, either:

• 3 hours of non-Workshop CW coursework (CW 460, or another approved non-Workshop CW course)
• 3 hours of ENGL coursework

Additional Literature Coursework (12 credit hours)

12 additional hours of approved ENGL coursework, including:

• 9 hours of approved ENGL Literature coursework
• 3 hours of an ENGL Difference & Diaspora course

For more information on the Creative Writing major and minor, please visit our listings in the Academic Catalog:

• Creative Writing Major - full, detailed requirements
• Creative Writing Minor - full , detailed requirements
• Creative Writing Courses

The faculty of the Creative Writing Program represent a diverse range of writing and teaching styles and interests and are actively working in various genres and media, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, theater, and film. Faculty members have received numerous awards and fellowships. A small selection of these includes the Yale Series of Younger Poets, the Native Writers' Circle Award of the Americas Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in Fiction, the FC2 National Fiction Competition, a Whiting Award, the A. Poulin Jr. Poetry Prize, the Kate Tufts Discovery Prize, the William Peden Prize, the Academy of American Poets Award, the Bakeless Prize, Wallace Stegner fellowships, and fellowships from the NEA, Guggenheim Foundation, Yaddo, MacDowell, Bread Loaf, Sewanee, and many others.

Follow the links below to learn more about our undergraduate Creative Writing program's core faculty members:

Ángel García

Janice N. Harrington

Amy Hassinger

Christopher Kempf

Julie Price

John Rubins

Ted Sanders

Alex Shakar

Corey Van Landingham

David Wright

• The Creative Writing Minor
• UIUC's Creative Writing Club
• Our MFA in Creative Writing

• Skip to Content
• Bulletin Home
• Institution Home
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• Find a Degree
• Find People

Current and former students may login to show their courses completed, where relevant, in the Bulletin.

• Undergraduate Colleges /

English Major with a Creative Writing Concentration

Premised on the belief that the study of literature and the practice of writing are mutually reinforcing, the English major with a creative writing concentration emphasizes the interrelations among creative writing, digital media, criticism, and scholarship. As an integrated concentration in the English department with a dual focus on literature and creative work, the creative writing concentration combines literature courses, small writing workshops, and practical industry training to prepare students for advanced study or careers in writing, media, and publishing. In addition, our concentrators benefit from the resources provided by New York City, a worldwide center for literary publishing.

Students can apply for admission to the English major with a creative writing concentration in the fall semester of their sophomore or junior year. Applicants will submit a cover letter (1,000 words maximum) and a writing sample (prose, poetry, or any mixture of genres - 1,500 words maximum), to be reviewed by a panel of creative writing faculty. To access the online application, go to  http://bit.ly/fordhamcwmajor .

The English major with a Creative Writing concentration consists of a total of eleven required courses:

Requirements for the Class of 2026 and Beyond

A list of courses fulfilling the Texts and Contexts requirement can be seen on the  core curriculum page . Texts and Contexts courses have the TC attribute.

Creative Writing electives are courses with the  CVW attribute . 

Literature electives are any course of three or more credits with the  ENGL subject code or ENGL attribute code , with the following exceptions:  ENGL 1102 Composition II ,  ENGL 2000 Texts and Contexts ,  ENGL 3003 Introduction to Professional Writing , and courses with the  CVW , PPWF or PPWD attributes.

Because some Literature electives will double count as both Historical Distribution and Race and Social Justice courses, concentrators may end up being able to take more than one additional Literature elective course.

Requirements for the Class of 2025 and Earlier

Requirements in detail/supplementary information.

Courses in which a student receives a grade of D or F will not count toward the concentration. Courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis cannot be counted towards the English Major with Creative Writing Concentration requirements.

The English Major with a Creative Writing Concentration and the Core Curriculum

Concentrators may count English electives taken to meet the following core requirements toward the concentration: Advanced Literature Core, ICC, EP3, Values/EP4, American Pluralism, and Global Studies.

Literary Theories Requirement

All concentrators are required to take Literary Theories ( ENGL 3000 or COLI 3000 ). This course is usually taken during a student's junior year, but sophomores may also enroll. Literary Theories introduces students to debates in literary and critical theory. The goal of these courses is to reflect on reading strategies, textual practices, and language itself. Students will engage with a range of critical, theoretical, and social issues shaping the field of literary studies today.

Creative Writing Requirement

Three courses that have been designated by the English department as  Creative Writing courses  are required for the concentration (four for the class of 2025 and earlier). These courses have the  CVW attribute code  and are included in departmental course listings. Advanced students may, with permission, also take graduate-level creative writing courses. These courses have the  CVWG attribute code  and are included in departmental course listings.

Historical Distribution Requirement

At least two of the courses that students take for the concentration must cover literature from a historical period before 1850. The goal of the Historical Distribution requirement is to encourage students to learn about a diverse range of historical periods and literary forms. Historical Distribution courses have the ENHD attribute code and are included in departmental course listings.

Race and Social Justice Requirement

Concentrators are required to take one course with the Race and Social Justice designation. These courses will introduce students to literatures from minority, ethnic, diasporic, postcolonial, colonial, and/or global traditions. They also aim to examine issues of race through the lenses of ethics, social justice, respect for human dignity, and the sustainability of the world in which we live. These courses have the ENRJ attribute code and are included in departmental course listings. 

Creative Writing Capstone Requirement

ENGL 4705 Creative Writing Capstone  will introduce graduating students to the realities of the writer's life, which necessarily involves not just individual work but also affiliation, cooperation, and community. In the capstone course, students will create and revise portfolios that comprise their creative, scholarly, and extracurricular work during their four years at Fordham. Additionally, students will work collaboratively to put together a public exhibition of a creative writing project.

Additional Information

• Concentrators will receive credit toward the concentration for certain courses offered by other departments and programs if they carry an ENGL attribute or an ENGL course number . Up to two additional cognate courses in other departments or programs that are deemed relevant to the major may be counted with permission of the associate chair. Relevant courses offered in other areas are listed in the Bulletin .
• Up to two courses may be double counted between concentration and major. That is, each of the two courses may be counted for both the concentration and another, related major. Only one course may be double counted between concentration and minor.
• Up to two courses taken abroad with content deemed relevant to the concentration may be considered for credit toward the concentration.
• For students who transfer from another school to Fordham, the department will consider counting up to two courses taken prior to arrival at Fordham toward the concentration.
• Credits earned for internships do not count for credit toward the concentration. Internship credits do count for general credits toward graduation. In order to receive academic credit for an internship, you must have completed 60 academic credits, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and register for a tutorial with a faculty member who agrees to serve as your academic adviser. Depending on the amount of academic work involved in the tutorial, your faculty mentor will suggest that you register for a one- or two-credit tutorial. Internships are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. 
• Advanced Placement credits in English Literature and in English Language count toward a student's total number of credits in the college but not within the concentration. A score of 4 or 5 in AP English Literature will count toward college elective credits. 

Availability

The major in English with a creative writing concentration is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and Fordham's School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center.

Fordham College at Rose Hill students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the Core Curriculum .

Fordham College at Lincoln Center students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the Core Curriculum .

Professional and Continuing Studies students: The requirements above are in addition to those of the PCS Core Curriculum  and any additional electives that may be required to earn a minimum of 124 credits.

Print this page.

The PDF includes all information on this page and its related tabs. Subject (course) information includes any changes approved for the current academic year.

The PDF will include the entire catalog.

The English Major and Minor

Major in english.

The program presupposes the completion of the general education requirement in the Humanities (or its equivalent), in which basic training is provided in the methods, problems, and disciplines of humanistic study. Because literary study itself attends to language and is enriched by some knowledge of other cultural expressions, the major in English requires students to extend their work in a language other than English beyond the level required of all College students.

Summary of Requirements

The Department of English requires a total of thirteen courses: eleven courses in the Department of English and two language courses or their equivalent, as well as a Cluster Statement to be submitted by the end of the third week of Spring Quarter of a student’s third year. By Spring Quarter of their third year, all students are required to meet with with the Student Affairs Administrator to complete the  English Requirements Worksheet . Additional forms can be found on the  Resources and Department Forms  page.

• Two quarters of study at the second-year level in a language other than English OR credit for the equivalent as determined by petition OR two quarters of a computer language OR two quarters of coursework outside the English department in literature originally written in a language other than English. Students should consult the following  list  of courses that have been approved to fulfill this requirement. 
• One English genre fundamentals course (fiction, poetry, drama, or theory) or "Approaches to Theater" course
• One English course in fiction
• One English course in poetry
• One English course in drama
• One English course on literature composed before 1650
• One English course on literature composed between 1650 and 1830
• One English course on literature composed between 1830 and 1990
• One English course in literary or critical theory
• 0 - 7  English electives (for a total of eleven courses in the department; may include ENGL 29900)
• Concentration statement
• BA project (optional)
• Thirteen* total courses

* The total of thirteen required courses must include eleven courses in the Department of English and two language courses. 

NOTE: Some courses satisfy several genre and period requirements. For details about the requirements met by specific courses, students should consult the Student Affairs Administrator or the Director of Undergraduate Studies. As of Autumn 2013, the following course combinations may be taken to satisfy the language requirement:

• CMSC 12100 & CMSC 12200
• CMSC 15100 & CMSC 15200
• CMSC 16100 & CMSC 16200
• English Requirements Worksheet
• Full list of Resources and Departmental Forms

Students majoring in English must receive quality grades (not P/F) in all 13 courses taken to meet the requirements of the program. Non-majors may take English courses for P/F grading with consent of instructor.

Concentration Statement

The purpose of the concentration statement is to help students organize and give coherence to their individual program of study. Students will design a concentration of at least five courses that share a conceptual focus.  By the end of the third week in Spring Quarter of their junior year, students submit a one-to-two page statement to their faculty Departmental Advisor and the Student Affairs Administrator outlining their interests in and describing how at least five completed and/or proposed future courses coheres as a cluster. Up to two of the five courses in the cluster can be courses offered outside of the Department of English.

Students should devise an individual course of study that falls within one of the following four broad cluster categories: 1) Literary and Critical Theory; 2) Form/Genre/Medium; 3) Literature in History; 4) Literature and Culture(s). For more information on the cluster and a list of example program topics, please contact the Student Affairs Administrator.

Students are encouraged to declare an intention to major in English to their College Advisers as soon as possible,  preferably by the end of the second year of study.  After declaring the major, students should first meet with the Student Affairs Assistant in English who will direct them to a faculty advisor and help students fill out the  English Requirement Worksheet. After this, students should meet with their faculty advisor at least twice a year in year three, and once in year four, to discuss their academic interests, progress in the major, and long-term career goals. The Student Affairs Assistant and Director of Undergraduate Studies are also available to assist students. Students should meet with the Student Affairs Administrator early in their final quarter to be sure they have fulfilled all requirements.

Courses Outside the Department Taken for Program Credit

A maximum of three courses outside the Department of English may count toward the total number of courses required by the major. The student must submit a  petition  for course approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies before taking courses outside the department for credit toward the major. Such courses may be selected from related areas in the University (history, philosophy, religious studies, social sciences, etc.), or they may be taken from a study abroad program. Up to four English courses that originate in Creative Writing (CRWR) may be counted toward the elective requirement without a petition. 

Transfer credits for courses taken at another institution are subject to approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Transferred courses do not contribute to the student's University of Chicago grade point average for the purpose of computing an overall GPA, Dean's List, or honors. NOTE: The Office of the Dean of Students in the College must approve the transfer of all courses taken at institutions other than those in which students are enrolled as part of a University sponsored study abroad program. For details, visit  Examination Credit and Transfer Credit .

Per College requirements, more than half of the requirements for a major or minor must be met by registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers.

Double Majors in English and Creative Writing

It is college policy that students pursuing double majors may double-count four courses maximum towards both majors. Students who double major in Creative Writing and English typically double-count courses to fulfill the Creative Writing major's four literature requirements: 1 literary genre course (in a primary genre), 1 literary theory course, 1 pre-20th-century literature course, and 1 general elective. The two research background electives required for the Creative Writing major can also be English classes, as long as the student observes the shared four-course maximum.  Beyond the maximum, students may continue counting Creative Writing courses towards the English major, so long as the course is only counted towards the English major and not Creative Writing. Students who are pursuing only the English Language and Literature major may count up to four CRWR courses towards the major in English as electives without a petition. However, when students are pursuing a double major in English Language and Literature and Creative Writing, they must observe the shared four-course maximum, so any eligible CRWR courses beyond this cap must be counted towards English  only .

Minor in English and Creative Writing

Undergraduate students who are not majoring in English may enter a minor program in English and Creative Writing. These students should declare their intention to enter the minor program by the end of Spring Quarter of their third year. Students choose courses in consultation with the Program Manager in Creative Writing and must submit a minor program consent form to their College Adviser in order to declare the minor. Students completing this minor must follow all relevant admission procedures described in the  Creative Writing  website. Courses in the minor may not be double counted with the student's major(s) or with other minors and may not be counted toward general education requirements. Courses in the minor must be taken for quality letter grades, and all of the requirements for the minor must be met by registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers. Here are the requirements for the minor program:

• 1 Fundamentals in Creative Writing Seminar
• 2 Workshops
• 1 Beginning Workshop
• 1 Advanced Workshop in the same genre
• 3 CRWR or ENGL electives

For a more detailed breakdown of requirements, please visit Creative Writing's page .

There is no minor solely in English. The Minor in English and Creative Writing for Non-English Majors is the only minor available through the Department of English.

Reading Courses

Upon prior approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, undergraduate reading courses (ENGL 29700 Reading Course & ENGL 29900 Independent BA Paper Preparation) may be used to fulfill requirements for the major if they are taken for a quality grade (not P/F) and include a final paper assignment. No student may use more than two reading courses in the major, and only one of those may be an Independent BA Paper Preparation course. Critical BA writers who wish to register for the senior project preparation course (ENGL 29900 Independent BA Paper Preparation) must arrange for appropriate faculty supervision and obtain the permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. ENGL 29900 Independent BA Paper Preparation counts as an English elective but not as one of the courses fulfilling distribution requirements for the major.

NOTE: Reading courses are special research opportunities that must be justified by the quality of the proposed plan of study; they also depend upon the availability of faculty supervision. No student can expect a reading course to be arranged automatically. For alternative approaches to preparing a BA paper, see the section on honors work.

Students who wish to be considered for departmental honors must complete a BA Project. However, completion of a BA Project does not guarantee a recommendation for departmental honors. For honors candidacy, a student must have at least a 3.25 grade point average overall and a 3.6 GPA in the major (grades received for transfer credit courses are not included into this calculation). 

To be eligible for honors, a student's BA project must be judged to be of the highest quality by the graduate student preceptor, faculty advisor, and Director of Undergraduate Studies. Honors recommendations are made to the Master of the Humanities Collegiate Division by the department and it is the Master of the Humanities Collegiate Division who makes the final decision.

How an English Degree Can Amplify Black Voices and Identities

Studying English can lead to exciting occupations that rely on your use of the written and spoken word. Whether you’re contemplating a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or even a Ph.D., you’ll have many different options to pursue after graduation.

The study of “English” is most accurately the study of diverse disciplines rooted in this language. At its core, an English degree typically focuses on analyzing British, American, and other world literatures, both historic and contemporary. You’ll learn about the conventions of poetry, prose, playwriting, and possibly more experimental genres, along with basic forms of literary criticism. 

Some programs will teach you about rhetoric and linguistics as well; some will offer training in research skills. Sometimes, you can also study film, television, culture, or pop culture as part of an English program. 

English programs involve a good deal of writing, which may encompass anything from the general principles of composition to literary essays to career-centered writing. Career-centered material might include, for example, elements of technical writing (such as product instructions) or business writing (such as résumés and cover letters).

An English degree can prepare you to enter a classroom to teach literature and composition. It can also prepare you to become a journalist covering important current events around the world. Or, you could find yourself writing the next hit movie, TV show, or novel. Beyond that, it can also pave the way for a career in marketing, public relations, communications, and more.

The Importance of Studying and Celebrating Writers of Color

Black authors like James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Toni Morrison have made important contributions to literature, tradition, and history, helping shape American culture, politics, and awareness. Recently, Black representation in film and television has also grown, with influential individuals like Shonda Rhimes, Kenya Barris, Ava Duvernay, Barry Jenkins, Issa Rae, Donald Glover, Lena Waithe, Jordan Peele, and Tyler Perry, to name only a few of the most popular. 

Studying the work of Black writers and creators is important for exploring Black identities and for understanding the ways in which this work has paved the way for more Black creators to have their voices heard in various media. The more that voices of color are heard, the stronger efforts at improving social equity in America will become.

The Need for More Black Americans With English Degrees

Earning a degree in English offers a multitude of benefits for Black American students, both academically and professionally. 

For example, although these programs have historically focused on the identities and work of male Eurocentric figures, studying English at an equity-driven college or university can offer important insights into multi-gendered African American language and culture. Some organizations are calling for greater Black linguistic justice , advocating for the recognition of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). This linguistic diversity enriches the academic landscape and provides a platform for understanding and appreciating cultural nuances. 

An English degree also equips students to use effective rhetoric, which is invaluable in individual and cultural self-expression as well as in advocating for social justice causes. Research indicates that English majors develop a heightened awareness of the power of language, including advanced critical thinking abilities and the ability to write complex, original work. In other words, studying English gives you the power to promote, subvert, and control important messaging in everything from fiction to advertising.

Additionally, English degrees open doors to various career paths that can be lucrative and empowering for Black Americans, especially those that offer platforms to influence public awareness and worldviews. There are other ways to make a positive difference in the world as well. English majors commonly find employment in education, legal services, and nonprofit sectors.

HBCUs Can Help You Start a Career in English Language-Based Fields

Given the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, more Black students are likely to turn to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for their education. In response, these institutions will do everything they can to meet increased student demand. HBCUs help more students earn college degrees, compete successfully for well-paying jobs in competitive career fields, improve workforce diversity, and increase upward economic mobility.

People of all ages, races, and life paths can help to improve diversity in English literature- and language-related disciplines by supporting scholarships and other forms of funding for HBCUs with related programs. You can make a difference in the lives of students of English in one easy step by making a donation today.

Careers for English Majors

Because of the wide range of areas that are covered within English studies, seeking an English degree can be the path to an array of exciting and challenging careers, such as:

• Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts
• Technical writers
• Writers and authors, including screenwriters
• Content creation
• Teachers and professors
• Interpreters and translators
• Public relations specialists

Want to learn more about this possible career path and college major? Have questions about which UNCF colleges and universities offer English programs? Looking for help with financing this degree?

Click Here So We Can Help You!

Coursework for English Majors 

English majors will gain exposure to literature, film, poetry, plays, and more. Some schools also include majors that select a track or concentration, such as British poetry, African American writers, gender, sexuality, or another theme, genre, or historical period. Writing majors might focus on creative writing by taking courses on literary forms like novels, graphic novels, poetry, and scriptwriting. Other schools offer more specific writing tracks in literary prose, poetry, and nonfiction writing.

Some key parts of all of these courses are the analysis and discussion of the specific works that are studied. This involves forming opinions on the work, analyzing the choices of the creator, examining the effects of those choices on the work, the larger cultural significance or message of a piece, and then explaining your views either verbally or through written papers to your fellow classmates and your professors.

Tougaloo Chapel

UNCF Schools to Consider

There are over 25 UNCF-member HBCUs that offer degrees in English, including:

• Allen University
• Bethune-Cookman University
• Dillard University
• Johnson C. Smith University
• Morehouse College
• Oakwood University
• Stillman College
• Tougaloo College
• Voorhees University

Programs and Professional Organizations

There are a number of professional organizations that may be appropriate for those with an English degree, depending on their specific industry. These include:

• Black Editors & Proofreaders
• The National Organization of Black Journalists (NABJ)
• The National Association of Independent Writers & Editors (NAIWE)
• The Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals
• The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• The National Black Public Relations Society
• The Public Relations Society (PRSA)
• The Public Relations Student Society of America
• The Writers Guild of America ( West or East )
• The Black Writers Collective

2020 Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship recipient with donor (left) and UNCF representatives

Scholarships Available

There’s no better way to start on your path toward a successful career in English or writing than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, m any scholarships are available through UNCF, including some specifically for English majors. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements. 

Search for specific scholarships and view those that are currently accepting applications here! Students should also check with each college or university to see if there are additional scholarships available to study English or writing . As you explore your options, be sure to use our guide to applying for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in English or writing . Submit the form on our website to get started. And follow us on UNCF social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and member HBCUs. Reach out today!

You can also show your support for students pursuing careers and furthering equity in literature by contributing to UNCF member schools. Education is the greatest tool we have in creating a just and equitable society where economic mobility is available to all. Help us achieve this future by donating today!

• Feature Article
• Career Ideas

english.richmond.edu web results only

Web Results

Directory results.

• Current Students
• Staff & Faculty
• Parents & Families
• Exchange email
• UR Talent Web

Info for...

www.richmond.edu web results only

Creative Writing Major & Minor

Creative writing is a vital component of the University of Richmond experience. The creative writing program, administered under the auspices of the Department of English, offers both classroom and extracurricular writing opportunities for English majors and non-majors alike.

The Creative Writing Major

Note:  A grade of C (2.0) or better is required in all coursework comprising the creative writing minor.

Ten units, including:

One ENGL course at the 200 level (can be fulfilled with AP English Lit Exam score of 4-5).

One ENGL elective at the 200 or 300 level.

Four CRWR courses at the 300 level

Three courses (ENGL or CRWR) at the 300 or 400 level.

CRWR401 or Honors Program Sequence (with a creative thesis).

Any student seeking two majors/minors in the English department (major or minor) may have no more than two overlapping courses between their respective curricula.

The Creative Writing Minor

Note:  A grade of C (2.0) or better is required in all coursework comprising the creative writing minor. Each writing course beyond  CRWR300 may be taken up to three times for credit.

Six units, including:

CRWR300 Introduction to Creative Writing

Four courses, chosen from the following:

CRWR311 Fiction Writing

CRWR312 Poetry Writing

CRWR313   Creative Nonfiction Writing

CRWR314 Literary Translation

CRWR320  Selected Topics in Writing

CRWR401  Creative Writing Portfolio (CRWR 311, 312, 313, and 320 may be taken up to three times for credit.)

One additional 200- or 300-level ENGL or CRWR course.

CRWR300 is the required prerequisite for all other CRWR courses (or permission of instructor).

2023-2024 Academic Catalog

2023-2024 course catalog.

Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.

Explore Programs

Search courses, creative writing major, program curriculum.

In accordance with university guidelines, courses satisfying degree core requirements may not be double counted to satisfy other areas of a degree (e.g. Pathways).

Note: All English courses above the 1000-level have as a pre-requisite completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement—i.e., completion of ENGL 1106 First-Year Writing or COMM 1016 Communication Skills .

Graduation Requirements

Satisfactory progress toward the b.a. in english, major in creative writing.

Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in English, Major in Creative Writing, requires that upon having attempted 72 credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by examination, and course withdrawal), students must have passed 12 of the required credits in the English Core (Section I) and have attained a GPA of 2.0 or better both within the major and overall.

In order to graduate, students must complete the degree with a GPA of 2.0 or better both within the Creative Writing Major and overall. All English courses above the 1000-level are factored into the in-major GPA.

Foreign Language Requirement

• 3 years in high school or
• 2 years in high school + an 1106 foreign language (e.g., FR, GR, SPAN) or
• L ess than 2 years in high school + an 1105-1106 foreign language (e.g., FR, GR, SPAN) grouping.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

English at St. Olaf

English study at st. olaf brings together the rich tradition of british and american literature with the diversity of literature being written in english around the globe. it also brings literary works such as novels and poems into conversation with other cultural forms such as films, popular music, and video games. finally, studying english can mean writing your own literary works or developing your writing skills for a variety of professions..

MAJORING IN OUR DEPARTMENT

English Department Creative Writing Contest

Hurry up, this year’s deadline is april 15, 2024.

SEND SUBMISSION today

Engage with our department

Tools and guides, get access to guides and tools that will help you navigate and take advantage of everything your major and our department have to offer, find meaningful resources to support your educational journey as a major within the english department, from events and new initiatives to dates you can’t miss out., learn more about how to engage with our department.