colleges with creative writing majors

colleges with creative writing majors

The Importance of Pursuing a Creative Writing Major in College

1. Benefits of a Creative Writing Major

If you pursue a degree in creative writing, you can enjoy an exciting and rewarding career in the diverse field of writing. There are major and specific advantages to creative writing that no other field can offer. It will help you to “write outside the box” and our experienced faculty help you find your own niche and passion. Some of the benefits of a creative writing major are widely known and appreciated, it can be a gateway to graduate studies in literature or to careers in education, journalism, technical writing, public relations, and advertising. Creative writing also lends itself well to the pursuit of a teaching career, especially at the college level. A published novelist or poet with a college degree can secure a teaching position and use his or her work as a supplement to their classes. Last but not least, the field of creative writing can provide a sense of community and shared purpose among its practitioners. This can be found on small or large scales, from the relative intimacy of a writing group to the media exposure of writing conferences and workshops. There are countless communities and writing groups within the United States alone, concentrating on a wide array of genres and their attendant subfields. By studying and producing a certain form of writing one can undoubtedly become part of a larger community devoted to that specific interest. This can provide a sense of belonging, as well as a feeling of insulation during times of disillusionment with one’s craft.

2. Top Colleges with Creative Writing Programs

As there are plenty of colleges with creative writing programs to choose from, it is best to do your research and find the right program and college for you. One of the first things you should consider is how far from home you are willing to travel. Location can play a big part in the quality of your college experience as well as the availability of internships and job opportunities. Keep in mind also that a program at a university may focus heavily on literary writing and analysis as opposed to pursuing a pure creative writing degree. Some smaller schools, such as Lycoming College, actually have a separate creative writing degree in addition to an English degree for even more focused training in creative writing. Come up with some of your own qualifications for what would make the ideal college experience for you, and then make a list of colleges that meet these qualifications. Schedule college visits to these schools and talk to the faculty members and students to get a better idea of the quality of the program and the atmosphere of the school. And don’t forget to consider financial aid and scholarship opportunities!

3. Curriculum and Courses in Creative Writing Majors

Creative writing majors have a breadth of courses to choose from, too. A student may focus on poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction. While many of the writing courses are in workshop format, offering critique and support from fellow students and professors, there are other opportunities in the major. A student may take courses in playwriting, screenwriting, writing for publication, or writing for new media. Additionally, there are numerous literature courses to choose from. By studying old or new literature, a creative writing major has a great opportunity to learn and understand the different styles of writing. Overall, it is the varied course requirements and the opportunity to take diverse writing and literature courses that most attract a student to the major. By getting a broad perspective of writing through the multiple styles, a creative writing major will be well prepared for many writing jobs.

4. Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Online: So you are considering a career in creative writing? This article will help you consider 2 main points that the author, Richard Morgan, posed to us. What are the job prospects for someone considering a major in writing? What advice would be giving someone who is pursuing this as a career? With a major in writing it is easy to feel lost because there is no clear career path, Morgan says, “you have to be flexible in your orientation and what you want to do.” This is good news for anyone considering a writing career. The ability to learn a broad base of knowledge will teach many important and rewarding skill sets applicable in any field. Whether it is health care or business it is likely you will be writing policy, reports, or procedures for a given company. Today’s education system revolves around writing and it has been made clear there is a need for good writing instructors. Not every writing student will find themselves teaching college courses, parallel to the rapidly growing college students are the students classified as “at risk,” this is where there is a need for advocates to develop curriculum aimed at improving student test scores. This type of position would be found in various school districts and could be quite rewarding. More information regarding this occupation can be found at the National Writing Project. Another point Morgan makes is the best job advice he often gives to students who are considering a writing major. Networking! It is often what you know but who you know, and finding good contacts can land one a sweet writing job. Now remember, networking is about relationships not a business card exchange. Meetings of professional organizations like the L.A Press Club may be indicated, but a good relationship is one that provides both parties with a mutual benefit. His final note to students, do multiple internships; this allows the development of broad-based skill sets. High morale interns can often find themselves an employment opportunity post-internship and end up with another notch in the ever-full belt of the writing major.

5. How to Choose the Right College for a Creative Writing Major

The right college for an aspiring creative writer is one that provides an optimal environment in which to stoke and develop his/her talent. Although the program itself is a vital consideration, his/her surroundings and personal fit are also key factors to take into account when choosing a school. Fortunately, many of the schools with the best creative writing programs also have a strong literary culture, and their students often share similar interests and values. Many schools offer not only bachelor’s but also master’s and doctoral degrees in creative writing, so moving up the academic ladder is an option upon completing the undergraduate program. A student should always take into consideration location, size, and financial feasibility when choosing a college. While these factors are not directly related to creative writing, they still greatly impact an individual’s relationship to his/her school and place in the surrounding community. A happy student is more likely to be a successful one, and models for successful writers exist at schools all along the spectrum. Finally, considering the above, the following is a list of the top 30 colleges and universities with the most impressive creative writing programs and/or impressive contributors to the literary magazines and other publications. This list is based on the conservativeness of the programs, success of the creative writing program through publication/awards of its students and graduates, and the quality of the educators. In researching schools, some students find it beneficial to research individual faculty members in order to assess the quality of the program. An outstanding range of colleges and universities can provide access to superior writing resources and top-tier faculty. Remember that the effectiveness of your experience at any school hinges on your effort and participation, so take time to consider which environment will be the best for you to thrive and build a solid foundation for a future in writing.