should i major in english or creative writing

The go-to resource for all students in UBC's English department.

Should I Major in English? The Pros and the Cons

This post is for all you baby undeclared Thunderbirds and baby English majors. 2017 marks my final year at UBC and  boy, it’s been a ride. A whirlwind of cramming readings, looking up MLA formats, and hitting word counts, to be exact.

The first few English courses you’ll take in undergrad are amazing and so very different from high school, with brilliant academics as professors and a high degree of challenge. Upper-year courses are also great—you’re treated with more respect, and the wall between instructor and student crumbles away.

At the end of second year, I applied for the Creative Writing program, the English Honours program, and the English Major—Emphasis Literature program. I applied for all these programs because I assumed at least one would fall through. Miraculously (and sometimes I still think they made a mistake!), I got into both English Honours and Creative Writing. Of course, I was elated and grateful. Then, this excitement quickly turned to fear and anxiety. Being in a competitive program means studying alongside brilliant people, and I began to doubt my own, well, shininess.

I enjoy my English degree quite a bit—and I wouldn’t drop it for the world—but I did eventually switch out of Honours and into the Major program. This was not an easy decision. I switched for a variety of reasons, from not wanting to elongate my degree (Honours can take more than 4 years , and I had already extended my timeline through Go Global and Co-op) to not liking the stringent period requirements. Truth is, I have little interest in studying Shakespeare, Chaucer, and “the Greats,” and there are more required courses in these areas in the Honours program.

Like every other major specialization, English has its ups and downs. There will be aspects of it you hate, and aspects of it you absolutely love. Some English courses have changed my worldview completely, while others didn’t make a dent in my memory because I took them merely for a checkmark on my Degree Navigator.

Some things about majoring in English you may want to be aware of:

• The professor is an enormous part of the learning experience! Don’t underestimate their value. Listen to student testimonials, look at a prof’s research publications, and don’t be afraid to drop a course because you know in your gut you won’t jive with the prof.
• Check your reading list as early as possible. Make sure it’s stuff you actually want to read. You should be asking: “Can I talk about this book for two weeks straight without drooling?”
• Spend some time deciding on your final paper thesis. Make sure it’s something you want to write about, and something that is interesting and unique. You get points for originality, not by regurgitating a very obvious theme in the text that’s been talked about over and over.
• Don’t listen to all the rhetoric that English (or Arts, for that matter) is a useless degree! I worked three wonderful full-time work terms with Arts Co-op, and learned that my degree is quite applicable to many fields such as: communications, social media, marketing, publishing, and journalism, among others. If you’re more interested in the writing aspect of literature, I urge you to take up volunteer writing positions with campus publications like The Ubyssey and Discorder (they hold free and helpful workshops) , or even go off-campus to local, independent publications that are looking for student voices (just inquire). Bottom line: BAs are not meaningless.
• If you’re serious about pursuing grad school, consider Honours. It takes longer, but you’re grouped with ambitious and inspiring peers who will challenge you to become a better scholar, plus you get a taste for graduate life by writing a thesis and having a professor be your personal supervisor. Many graduate programs also prefer an Honours degree (though what “Honours” means differs by school and region; in some places it simply means a higher average and not a program of its own).
• A note about Creative Writing. Many students think Creative Writing and English are very similar; some even ask me (as a Peer Advisor) whether CRWR fulfills literature requirements (it doesn’t). I can say as someone who does both that they are very different programs—a major in Creative Writing on its own leads to a BFA, while an English major leads to a BA. Creative Writing is more focused on original student work, and most classes consist very little of lecture and more workshop and critique. English is about reading, analyzing, and writing critically, creatively, and coherently about the meaning of a text, while Creative Writing is about crafting a text that generates meaning in a creative and original way.

I do believe people underestimate an English degree. You don’t just read and write essays on books written by dead people. You think and talk about very real things happening to you and the people around you in the here and now. You ask tough questions and come up with tough answers. Your worldview expands. Plus, people who read might be better friends and lovers !

• “Pomp and Circumstance” by Dave Herholz via Flickr . License: CC BY-SA 2.0
• “Reading” by jywg via Flickr . License: CC BY-SA 2.0
• “Folio Society” by Kate Farquharson via Flickr . License: CC BY-ND 2.0
• “Modified Photo: ‘Mother and Son in book'” by Ken Wytock via Flickr . License: CC BY-NC 2.0

Li Charmaine Anne (English Literature + Creative Writing major) is a Canadian-born Chinese writer who grew up on unceded Musqueam territory. She has written for local publications such as Ricepaper, Discorder, and SAD Mag, and you can find her original work on her website Breakfast with Words . She is passionate about diversity and representation in literature, film, and television.

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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.

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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.

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Is A Creative Writing Degree Worth Your Time (And Money)?

• by Hannah Collins
• March 20, 2017

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I got my Creative Writing degree by accident. My college, in the UK, was unusual in requiring first-year students to pick an additional subject in their first year – partly to widen their interests, and partly as an escape route if their first choice wasn’t everything they hoped . My major was Fine Art, so naturally I scanned down the list of related arts subjects that A) I was vaguely competent in and B) didn’t clash with anything else on my timetable. Out of everything, Creative Writing seemed the best answer. I figured it would be fun distraction from the studio during the first year of my degree. Little was I to know that I’d be graduating with both subjects emblazoned on my degree certificate.

For most people, a Creative Writing degree isn’t something you sleepily sign up to like I did. Since you’re reading this article, you’re obviously thinking a lot harder about the pros and cons than I ever did. I can tell you straight off the bat that a degree is not an iron-clad guarantee of career success, or even enhancement, nor an automatic ticket to fame and fortune as a writer.

That’s not to say that a Creative Writing degree won’t help your career (especially if you’ll need to pitch for work, like a ghost or travel writer ), but it’s far from a sure thing. Really, the best question isn’t where a Creative Writing degree can take you next , but what it can do for your craft and method.

To help you with this all-important decision, I’ll take you through the pros and cons, as well as some alternative paths that may meet your needs just as well (if not better).

Pros of a Creative Writing degree

1. you’ll be part of a community of writers.

Half (or more) of the appeal of college is socialization. Even if you study part-time; seminars, lectures, group study and extracurricular activities will keep you busy both socially and intellectually. Being regularly entrenched in a fertile learning environment with so many other like-minded people can develop and grow your skills – both writerly and socially – exponentially. You’ll encounter different people with vastly different experiences, tastes, and writing styles to you, and you’ll find unexpected sources influencing and evolving your work.

You’ll also be networking almost constantly, and without the usual unpleasant effort of finding a suitable event. This may sound trivial, but you’ll be learning alongside the influential writers, editors, agents, and reviewers of the future – people who are only going to grow in influence as time wears on. While there’s no guarantee you’ll meet the next huge publisher, you may well form a relationship that will benefit you down the line. Even passing acquaintance makes you a more known quantity when someone is checking manuscripts or organizing a literary fair down the line. And all that’s before the opportunities you’ll have to write for college newspapers, literary collections, and reading events.

2. You’ll be given regular feedback on your work

Criticism can be double-edged sword, but we’ll just focus on the positive side, for now. Unless you already have a bank of reliable and relatively unbiased alpha and beta readers at your disposal, it’s likely that, beyond school teachers, you’ve been relying on family and friends for feedback. The problem with that is that, no matter how much they swear to be as honest as possible, they’re going to be far more inclined to pull their punches when your work really needs beating into shape.

Now, there will be some in your seminars or critique groups who may show you similar kindness, but there will certainly be others who won’t – for better or worse. The thin-skinned may find this a rough ride, but they’ll also find that it almost unavoidably toughens them up. As well as your peers, you’ll of course have the opportunity to pick the brain of your tutors and lecturers, who can sometimes offer counsel worth the steep price of admission by itself.

You’ll also be asked to critique and evaluate the work of others, which not only sharpens your own skills and powers of observation, but will help you define your personal brand .

3. You’ll read. A lot

Bookworms, rejoice! It goes without saying that the key to great writing is reading great writing. A Creative Writing degree will have you reading for study as well as just pleasure, and reading a lot of things you might not normally choose.

A less obvious benefit is that you’ll also read a lot of poor-quality and early work from other writers. Nothing will help you catch lazy decisions, easy clichés, and damaging writing devices quicker than looking out for them in the work of others. Plus, seeing someone else’s work go from first-draft mess to fourth-draft promise will reassure you that your own early efforts can be redeemed.

4. You’ll also write. A lot

It seems almost redundant to say this, but doing a Creative Writing degree will have you doing, well, a lot of creative writing. Probably a good 1000+ words per week. Yes, it can be draining , but writing, like any other skill, needs a lot of practice, and you’ll certainly get that.

5.  You’ll learn discipline

The rigorous structure of education – whether full or part-time – can be ideal for those of us who thrive within that kind of environment, and you might be surprised to find yourself in that category. Actively receiving feedback, week after week, incentivizes good writing behavior, and having others depend on you for the same will hone your study of, and appreciation for, the craft.

Cons of a Creative Writing degree

1.  college is expensive.

Let’s talk about the gauche subject of money, shall we? America has both the most sought-after and most expensive colleges in the world, ranging at the time of writing between about $11,000 and about $45,000, depending on the length of the course and whether you need bed and board while you study. For many of us who are less financially fortunate, this changes the question from, ‘Should I get a degree?’ to ‘Is it really worth me getting a degree?’

Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, there’s no absolute guarantee that pouring your hard-earned savings into a costly course will yield tangible results, and if money is your biggest barrier, then you may want to consider the cheaper alternatives abroad (particularly Canada), or the other options I’ll be sharing soon.

2. Not all the feedback you receive will be useful or constructive

Remember that double-edged sword? Having your work regularly scrutinized can be hugely beneficial, but bear in mind that you’ll be getting a mixed bag each week. We creative people tend to also be a little precious with our work, so turning in something you’re proud of only to have it harshly savaged by your class in an unfriendly (possibly caffeine-deprived) attack can be hard to take, especially if your creative writing journey is in its infancy. The worst part is they might all be wrong, too, as sometimes the pressure of having to contribute something to the class can induce unnecessary opinions.

3. You might not be suited to college

We all learn differently and flourish in different environments. I started my Fine Art degree with a class of about 35—40. By graduation, that group had been whittled down to under 30. College isn’t for everyone, and I don’t mean that those people are in any way stupider or less motivated. The intensive, results-driven, traditional academic system doesn’t work for everyone.

4. The pressure to succeed could make or break you

This goes back to harsh critiquing and the college environment not being everyone’s cup of tea. The students that dropped out of my Fine Art course did so for many different reasons. Some felt they’d picked the wrong course, or even the wrong college. Some felt homesick. Others sadly crumbled under the pressure – which can feel substantial. A lot of that pressure comes from your tutors pushing you to succeed (sometimes to their definition of success), but a lot of it can come from yourself, which is far trickier to deal with.

5. Creative Writing may not be the best subject for your creative writing

Creative writing can be a beneficial degree for writers, but it’s often best as an accompaniment to another subject. It’s possible that the wider knowledge of a Literature degree, the expanded knowledge base of a History or Law degree, the non-fiction applications of a Journalism degree, or even the technical thinking of an Engineering degree will benefit your work more. Before settling on a Creative Writing degree as default, ask yourself what your writing (and your life) really needs.

Alternatives

There may have been a time when a college education was not only highly affordable, but reliably opened doors to well-paid and suitable jobs. Sadly, that’s just not the case anymore. Happily, there’s also more in the way of alternative (and cheaper) educational paths than ever before. To ensure you’re making a totally informed decision, it wouldn’t hurt to consider the other options available to you, such as:

• Joining a creative writing group ,
• Starting a creative writing group,
• Enrolling in a community college course,
• Getting a Writing Certificate ,
• Taking an online class ,
• Joining a low-residency creative writing program ,
• Starting a blog or becoming a journalist (learn on your feet!)

To degree or not to degree

It can be just as hard to decide against pursuing a degree as it is to start one. If you feel that something is holding you back from reaching your full potential as a writer, there’s a lot to be said for, well, just being a writer. Read a lot of books. Start a blog. Go out and experience the world. Meet new people. And write – as much as possible. If you’re still feeling stuck in a rut, maybe a degree – or one of the alternatives – could help you.

Ultimately, you get out of a degree what you put into it. Do thorough research, visit as many campuses as you can, listen to what others have to say about certain courses and/or tutors, and – most importantly – figure out exactly what you want.

If you’re committed to improving as a writer, a Creative Writing degree is one of the best places to do so. If you’re not, all you’re really getting is a really expensive piece of paper. Of course, the best way to find out more is to ask those who know. If you have a Creative Writing degree, are currently studying for one, or just want to find out what they’re like, let me know in the comments.

For more advice on honing your writing as part of a group, check out Why Joining A Writing Group May Be The Best Thing You Do All Year , or for a choice of non-college classes, try 10 Online Creative Writing Courses For Every Kind Of Writer .

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Hannah Collins

4 thoughts on “is a creative writing degree worth your time (and money)”.

As you said, a Creative Writing degree is no guarantee of success as a writer. But, here in the States, no degree is guarantee of anything, including employment in a degree field. I have friends with degrees that don’t come close to the jobs they have. With the exception of Law and Medicine, I don’t think there is a degree program (especially at what we call the undergrad level) that really prepares a student for a job in any particular area better than any other degree program. That is, Bachelor’s Degrees are all pretty much the same.

That said, I’m now in graduate school pursuing a Master’s Degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing/Fiction. It will allow me to teach, should I need or desire to go that route, or to write professionally (by virtue of the demands it makes on clarity and honing craft). Most of the writers I admire have Master’s degrees either in English or in Fine Arts/Creative Writing. Does that mean I’ll automatically make a spot beside them when I graduate? No. But, it just may be the deciding factor in whether or not I have the skill to do so. Are there successful writers with no college at all? Yes. Just as there are successful writers whose credentials read like alphabet soup. I think there is happy medium to be had and I think everybody needs to figure out where that is for themselves.

In the end, I think the decision of whether to attend grad school for a Creative Writing degree should depend almost entirely upon your skill level. If you’re satisfied taking a chance as you work through your learning curve, cool. If you want a bit more guidance in the most efficient way to do so, by all means enroll in a good writing program. At the very least, you’ll be employable by every company on the planet that fears putting their brand on poor grammar and lazy usage… which I’m still assuming is all of them.

My wife works for a company that demands a Master’s degree for their managers (they don’t specify a subject, which tells me that it isn’t really necessary, just a way to thin the herd of applicants). Increasingly, employers in the States are doing this. With this in mind, you may just as well get some real personal satisfaction out of your degree program. And what better way to do that than to spend all your time reading and writing?

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the comprehensive insight. That’s really interesting to hear in regards to Master’s requirements for recruitment. I wonder if that will sway opinion more in favour of getting a degree for those reading this.

You’re right – if you love doing something, doing it intensively and frequently while becoming more qualified in it sounds ideal. I certainly enjoyed it, but it was still quite draining at times. That being said, I was doing both a Fine Art AND Creative Writing course, so my creative juices were stretched to the limit!

I completely understand the challenges you faced! Congrats, by the way, for doing it! Too many people think of FA/CW degrees as easy. But I’ll match the work necessary to comprehend most philosophy with that of Quantum Physics, any day. It’s all the same process, just different signifiers. The result is, you’re really smart and the world, according to Cormac McCarthy, became personal to you. In the end, that’s the most compelling reason of all to pursue education.

I plan to do a Creative Writing degree, and reading this article and comments help me@

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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.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

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Extracurriculars.

Should You Major in English?

English majors study the history of human meaning-making in the English language through close readings of literature and critical theory. English often intersects with other majors and areas of study, such as film, gender and sexuality studies, cultural studies, and foreign languages. In this post, we’ll tackle your biggest questions about being an English major:

• What are English courses like?
• Is English a good fit for me?
• What can you do with an English degree?
• What are the best colleges for studying English? 

Besides being an extraordinarily rewarding endeavor in itself, majoring in English equips a student with many valuable skills, such as communication, research, critical thinking, and writing, which provide a solid foundation for success in a variety of industries.

Overview of the English Major

What are english courses like.

In English courses you will analyze and discuss novels, short stories, poems, and other primary texts alongside theoretical and topical frameworks. Close reading, critical thinking, and writing will be the focus of your studies. Most English departments also offer creative writing courses, sometimes with the option of a creative writing concentration or major.

Course requirements vary widely from school to school, but are created with the intention of guiding students in exploring the breadth of the discipline and identifying areas of interest for focused study. Here are some common requirements:

• Students must submit a plan of study when they declare English as their major
• Students are often required to take courses that span a broad historical breadth of literature, from ancient/Medieval/Renaissance to contemporary literature 
• Colleges that break down their courses into levels often require English majors to take a certain number of courses in each level
• Other programs group courses by historical era, genre, or class format (i.e. research seminar, lecture, tutorial, or workshop) 
• Many schools also either require or provide English majors the option of undertaking a larger project that combines in-depth research with writing and/or an oral presentation (i.e. a junior capstone or senior thesis)

Class sizes vary based on several factors, such as school size, popularity, course level, and the department’s approach. Larger schools tend to have more large lecture courses with smaller discussion sections; smaller schools tend to have smaller class sizes (although this is not true across the board—Yale, for example, has an entirely seminar-based curriculum). Generally, introductory courses tend to be larger, while courses focusing on more specialized topics and research are often smaller. Here are some general guidelines for interpreting course terminology (from largest to smallest course size):

• In a lecture course the professor gives lectures to students with minimal interaction. Lecture courses are often accompanied by a discussion section , in which students are divided into smaller groups to discuss readings under the guidance of a teaching assistant.
• A seminar is a focused thematic exploration in which students research and present their own work for class discussion. This term is sometimes used more generally to refer to a smaller course.
• In a tutorial or independent study , one student (or a very small group of students) investigates a topic under the guidance of a professor, meeting weekly to discuss readings and assignments.
• A workshop is a course in which the primary focus is honing students’ writing skills and discussing work weekly. Creative writing classes almost always follow this format.
• A colloquium is a course in which students meet with a professor to discuss readings.

No matter the course type, homework generally consists of weekly reading and a few larger essays throughout the term. Some professors also assign smaller weekly writing assignments to gauge students’ progress, while others prefer to keep it simple and assign only readings and a couple essays.

Is English a Good Fit For Me?

Do you love words, literature, and inhabiting myriad worlds? If so, you might be a future English major! But there’s more to consider…

Majoring in English gives you the tools and space to traverse the landscape of language and literature. English is a humanities field, which means it gives you a broad foundation for future endeavors. Since the skills you’ll learn (such as communications and critical thinking) won’t become outdated or lose value, a degree in English gives you options; you can always complete vocational or professional training later. English graduates have careers in a mind-boggling array of fields. Some go to grad school in English or a related field, some go to law or business school, and others don’t go to grad school at all. 

However, if you’re looking for a field that will hand you a career path, English is not the one. Studying English can feel like an ivory tower to some people—that is, they feel like its lofty preoccupations are not connected to anything “real” or practical. While many English majors would argue that the way language shapes our world is actually the most practical thing a person could study, this is something to consider.  

Oh, and you’ve probably heard this before, but if you major in English, you will spend innumerable hours reading and writing—if that sounds good to you, proceed! If you think you’ll have trouble keeping up with a large volume of reading and writing, you probably shouldn’t major in English.

What Can You Do With An English Degree?

1. research analyst .

Median Salary: $41,000-81,000

Projected Growth: 18% from 2019-2029

Research Analysts examine and interpret data to produce insights for their employers. As its name suggests, Research Analysts spend much of their time conducting research and analyzing data. These tasks are familiar for English majors, who regularly analyze texts and perform research for classes and papers. Presenting research findings is arguably just as important as the research itself; for this, English majors’ ability to succinctly articulate connections between theories or themes and human behavior is especially beneficial.

The path to becoming a Research Analyst often requires specialized knowledge in a field such as public policy, business, education, or healthcare. If you’re a meticulous researcher, insightful, and have a knack for engaging presentations, this might be the career path for you.

2. Technical Writer

Median Salary: $42,000-$87,000

Projected Growth: 7% from 2019-2029

Technical writers create documentation (such as instruction manuals and FAQs) in order to communicate technical information about products and services in nontechnical language. English majors’ oral and written communication, deep listening, and ability to analyze complex information are particularly useful in this field. English majors who are able to write simply and accurately and work well with people from a variety of backgrounds are best suited to Technical Writer jobs.

3. Public Relations Specialist

Median Salary: $35,000-$73,000

Public Relations Specialists craft compelling stories about their clients’ positive impact for media outlets. PR Specialists must be ultra-organized and able to juggle multiple time-sensitive projects at once. English majors’ wordsmithing abilities, strategic thinking, creativity, and organization make them excellent candidates for Public Relations Specialist roles.

4. Social Media Manager 

Median Salary: $35,000-$78,000

Projected Growth: 6% from 2019-2029

Social media managers create strategies for organizations to promote their brand through social media channels. For this, English majors’ creativity, critical thinking, and verbal gifts come in handy. This job is best for resourceful and strategic storytellers who are fluent in visual and verbal media. 

Median Salary: $51,000-$157,000

Projected Growth: 4% from 2019-2029

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal issues and disputes. Those who are prepared to devote years to training, who are detail-oriented and persuasive, are most likely to succeed. The ability to write precisely and argue artfully gives English majors an edge in the field.

While lawyers are well-compensated, getting your JD (law degree) is a time-intensive and expensive process—it’s an extra three years after your undergrad degree. Students should carefully consider this path before committing.

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

Best Colleges for English Majors

1. harvard university  .

Location: Cambridge, MA

Acceptance Rate: 4.5%

Undergrad Enrollment: 6,788

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1460-1580 SAT, 33-35 ACT

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and selective colleges in the world. Located just outside Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard provides all the amenities of a research university along with the cultural multiplicity of a city. Harvard’s alumni go on to lead innovative and globally influential careers.

Harvard’s English department offers three pathways for English concentrators: the Honors Program, the Elective Program, and the Joint Program. Depending on the pathway, concentrators are required to take between 7 and 14 courses in the department (with additional distribution requirements). After declaring an English concentration, students must create a Plan of Study . Courses are organized based on era, from Old English to Modernism. About 25% of Harvard English concentrators go on to careers in information services; 25% are in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation; and the remaining half of Harvard English majors are scattered across a number of industries. 

Learn more about Harvard and what it takes to get accepted.

2. Williams College

Location: Williamstown, MA

Acceptance Rate: 12.6%

Total Undergrad Enrollment: 2,073

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1540 SAT, 32-35 ACT

Williams College is a small liberal arts college in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. Nestled in the Berkshires, the intimate campus encourages students to connect to its intellectual community for four years of intense study.

Becoming an English major at Williams begins with submitting a Major Plan upon declaring the major. The major consists of 9 courses in the department (including several distribution requirements). The department defines five foci within English: literary history, creative writing, film and media, English + American Studies, and critical theory. In addition, Williams offers several options for highly dedicated senior English majors: Honors English , an elective track that includes additional coursework and a special senior project, and the 1960s Scholars , a selective extracurricular seminar that brings students, members of the department, and visiting scholars together to discuss trends in literary study.

Learn more about Williams College and what it takes to get accepted.

3. Yale University

Location: New Haven, CT

Acceptance Rate: 6.1% 

Total Undergrad Enrollment: 5,964

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1560 SAT, 33-35 ACT

Yale University is the third-oldest higher-education institution in the United States, and its academic renown is equally long-established. Yale defines itself by the word “and” because of the variety it offers students: it is both a liberal arts school and research institution, both a global community and a community strongly rooted in its hometown of New Haven, Connecticut.

Yale’s English department requires majors to take 14 courses (including distribution requirements). The curriculum is seminar-based; all English department courses, including introductory ones, are all small and discussion-based. In addition to the standard English major, Yale offers a creative writing concentration . Yale also gives English majors the option of writing a Senior Essay , an extensive research and writing project. Unlike most schools’ senior thesis/honors project, Yale’s spans only one semester and is not required for receiving honors or distinction in the major. 

Learn more about Yale University and what it takes to get accepted.

4. Amherst College

Location: Amherst, MA

Acceptance Rate: 11.3%

Total Undergrad Enrollment: 1,855

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1530 SAT, 30-34 ACT

Amherst College is a small liberal arts college in Amherst, MA. Amherst is part of the Five College Consortium , a group of colleges in rural Western Massachusetts that fosters collaboration and academic community. Amherst’s open curriculum frees students from general curriculum requirements, allowing them to forge their own unique academic paths.

Amherst’s English major requires 10 English courses (with several additional distribution requirements). Amherst organizes its English courses into four levels, each with a different approach to literary studies. Majors are required to participate in the Capstone Symposium. Those who are interested in prolonged, independent study can apply to work on a Senior Thesis, which qualifies them for honors upon graduation.

Learn more about Amherst College and what it takes to get accepted.

5. Princeton University

Location: Princeton, NJ

Acceptance Rate: 5.8%

Total Undergrad Enrollment: 5,267

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1460-1570 SAT, 33-35 ACT

Princeton University is a renowned Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. Equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, and with a sprawling campus of its own, Princeton provides ample opportunity for engagement in academic, social, humanitarian, and artistic spheres. One of Princeton’s most central values is a commitment to social impact.

Princeton’s English concentration consists of 10 courses (with other distribution requirements). The department offers special programs for those interested in creative writing and theater. In addition, all English concentrators take a Senior Exam and write a Junior Paper and a Senior Thesis .

Learn more about Princeton University and what it takes to get accepted.

Ready to learn about other colleges with high-ranking English programs? See the complete list of best colleges for English .

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine can predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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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

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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.

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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.

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2023 Creative Writing Degree Guide

Rapid growth in creative writing degrees awarded.

Creative Writing was the 120th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 6,817 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 231 over the prior year, a growth of 3.4%.

This year's Best Creative Writing Schools ranking compares 214 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom creative writing rankings further below.

Best Creative Writing Schools by Degree

Requirements for getting a degree in creative writing.

A major in creative writing prepares you for careers in which understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents is crucial. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times are all required skills for careers related to this major.

Creative Writing Degree Program Entry Requirements

New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic creative writing program qualifications, to serve in some creative writing careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.

Types of Creative Writing Degrees

There are various different levels of creative writing degrees. You can get anything from a in creative writing to the highest creative writing degree, a . Different creative writing degrees vary in how long they take.

A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to creative writing, with approximately 42.2% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for creative writing workers below.

82.7% of creative writing workers have at least a associate. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in creative writing have obtained.

This of course varies depending on which creative writing career you choose.

Creative Writing Careers

Growth projected for creative writing careers.

Want a job when you graduate with your creative writing degree? Creative Writing careers are expected to grow 6.7% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to creative writing.

How Much Money Do People With a Creative Writing Degree Make?

As you might expect, salaries for creative writing graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

Highest Paid Creative Writing Careers

Salaries for creative writing graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers creative writing grads often go into.

Getting Your Creative Writing Degree

With over 704 different creative writing degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased creative writing school rankings to help you with this.

Top Ranking Lists for Creative Writing

Best schools creative writing, best value colleges creative writing, creative writing related majors.

One of 4 majors within the Writing Studies area of study, Creative Writing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Creative Writing

View All Creative Writing Related Majors >

National Center for Education Statistics

O*NET Online

Image Credit: By KOKUYO under License More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

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.

Choose Your Test

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

College Info

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

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

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

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

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

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

The Best Creative Writing Schools

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

#1: Northwestern University

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

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

#2: Columbia University

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

#3: University of Iowa

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

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

#4: Emory University

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

#5: Oberlin College

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

#6: Hamilton College

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

#7: Brown University

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

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

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

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

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

#10: University of Michigan

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

#11: Johns Hopkins University

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

#12: Colorado College

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

Bonus School: New York University

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

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

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

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

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

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

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

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

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

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

Who Will Be Teaching You?

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

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

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

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

What About the Rest of the School?

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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Major in Creative Writing

"We tell ourselves stories in order to live."

-- Joan Didion

Does your love of literature go beyond scholarship? Are you an aspiring author who wants to add a practical, hands-on component to your university education? Then you've come to the right place: UTSC is the only campus at UofT where you can earn a Major in Creative Writing. Our dedicated faculty take a workshop-based, experiential approach to the study and practice of the literary arts. This means that while you learn how classic and contemporary authors pursue their craft, you also take the exciting first steps towards building your own writing practice.

Our Major program places a particular emphasis on professionalization and how to make your way as a writer in the real world. Our teaching faculty are active and award-winning writers themselves, and the program stream culminates in a practical seminar on "Creative Writing as a Profession." You will also benefit from working each year with a new  Writer-in-Residence , and you will have the opportunity to connect with our close-knit and active creative writing alumni network, including recent graduates who have already had their work published.

As a creative writing student you will be part of a vibrant undergraduate community, and have access to a jam-packed calendar of readings, talks, festivals, and other events (just scan  our Events page  to see what's happened in the past and coming up in the future). You can also participate in C.O.W. (our creative writing club), enter contests, and get published in the UTSC arts journal  Scarborough Fair.

There is no better place to immerse yourself in the literary arts than Toronto, the heart of Canada's publishing industry. Join UTSC's growing community of creative writers, and learn how to make your own literary mark on the world.

Here is a route map for navigating the Creative Writing Major (you can expand the map by right-clicking or option-clicking):

How to Apply to the Major in Creative Writing

Students may apply to the Major in Creative Writing after they have completed  ENGA03H3  and have accumulated a minimum of 4.0 credits. Students typically apply at the end of their first year.

To apply, applicants must complete two steps:

1. Applicants must request entry to the program on ACORN during the application period as outlined below.

2. Applicants must submit a portfolio for adjudication during the application period as outlined below.

The Portfolio:

The portfolio must be 15-20 pages of the applicant’s best writing in poetry, fiction (either short stories or selections from a longer work), and/or creative non-fiction. Portfolios may include work completed in ENGA03H3 and/or work completed prior to admission to UTSC. The portfolio must be accompanied by a brief letter of application (1–2 pages) addressed to the Program Advisor in Creative Writing. The letter should discuss the applicant’s experience as a writer, their future goals in the creative writing program, and a work of literature that has inspired them.

Application Periods:

There are two application periods for the Creative Writing Program, one in March/April for students applying at the end of the Winter session (Round 1), and one in June/July for students applying at the end of the Summer session (Round 2). Students should visit the  Office of the Registrar website  for the exact dates of these periods, and make sure to apply on ACORN and submit their portfolios by the end of these periods. (Please note: Creative Writing is considered a “limited enrolment program.”)

How to Submit Portfolios:

Portfolios and letters should be submitted as one document to  [email protected]  by the end of the chosen application period. (Don’t forget: applicants also need to request entry to the program on ACORN by this deadline.) Students who are not successful in their first attempt are eligible to apply again. These students must submit a new portfolio and letter of application by the deadlines outlined above.

A Note on Creative Writing Course Enrolments:

Creative Writing courses at UTSC are usually workshop-based and capped at 20 students. Enrolment is prioritized for students who have taken the prerequisites and are already enrolled in either the Minor or Major in Creative Writing. That said, there is occasionally room in our courses for students who are not studying creative writing intensively. If you are a non-first year student who is not enrolled in the program but would like to apply for a B-level Creative Writing course, please submit a course-specific portfolio (including your student number). Here are the details and contacts:

-  ENGB60 Creative Writing: Poetry I : Email 5-10 pages of poetry to  [email protected] . Please note if you are applying for the F or S term.

-  ENGB61 Creative Writing: Fiction I : Email 5-10 pages of fiction or other prose writing to  [email protected] .  Please note if you are applying for the F or S term.

-  ENGB63 Creative Writing: Non-Fiction I : Email 5-10 pages of non-fiction, fiction, or other prose writing to  [email protected] .

To start your creative writing journey at UTSC:

If you are a first-year student and/or new to Creative Writing, your first step should be to enrol in  ENGA03H3 Introduction to Creative Writing . This is the prerequisite for entry into the Creative Writing program. Most students take this course in their first year, and then apply for entry to the program once they’ve completed it.

If you have any questions, please email:  [email protected] . We are happy to help and look forward to receiving and reading your work!

Program Requirements

Students in the Major must complete  7.5 credits  as follows: 

1. 3.0 credits:

ENGA03H3  Introduction to Creative Writing ENGB60H3  Creative Writing: Poetry I ENGB61H3  Creative Writing: Fiction I ENGB63H3  Creative Non-Fiction I ENGD95H3  Creative Writing as a Profession ENGC86H3  Creative Writing: Poetry II or  ENGC87H3  Creative Writing: Fiction II or  ENGC88H3  Creative Non-Fiction II

2. 2.0 credits to be selected from: 

ENGC04H3  Creative Writing: Screenwriting ENGC05H3  Creative Writing: Poetry and New Media ENGC06H3  Creative Writing: Writing for Comics ENGC08H3  Special Topics in Creative Writing I ENGC24H3  Creative Writing: The Art of the Personal Essay ENGC86H3  Creative Writing: Poetry II (if not already counted as a required course) ENGC87H3  Creative Writing: Fiction II (if not already counted as a required course) ENGC88H3  Creative Non-Fiction II (if not already counted as a required course) ENGC89H3  Creative Writing and Performance ENGD22H3  Special Topics in Creative Writing II ENGD26Y3  Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Poetry ENGD27Y3  Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Prose ENGD28Y3  Independent Studies in Creative Writing: Special Topics

3. 2.5 Additional credits in English

Note:  A maximum of 1.0 credit in creative writing courses may be taken at another campus.

For more details on program requirements, visit the   UTSC Calendar . Questions about the program should be directed to Professor Andrew Westoll ( [email protected] ). 

Interested in learning more about how our courses are structured and how you might develop your own path through your Minor in Creative Writing? Visit our  Routes and Threads  page.

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Properly Write Your Degree

The correct way to communicate your degree to employers and others is by using the following formats:

Degree - This is the academic degree you are receiving. Your major is in addition to the degree; it can be added to the phrase or written separately.  Include the full name of your degree, major(s), minor(s), emphases, and certificates on your resume.

Double Majors - You will not be receiving two bachelor's degrees if you double major. Your primary major determines the degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). If you're not fully sure which of your majors is primary, check CheckMarq or call the registrar's office.

Example: Primary Major: Psychology ; Secondary Major: Marketing

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology & Marketing

Primary Major: Marketing ; Secondary Major: Psychology

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing & Psychology

In a letter, you may shorten your degree by writing it this way:

• In May 20XX, I will graduate with my Bachelor's degree in International Affairs.
• In December 20XX, I will graduate with my Master's degree in Counseling Education.

Not sure which degree you are graduating with? Here is a list of Undergraduate Majors and corresponding degrees:

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