creative writing minor

creative writing minor

The Importance of a Creative Writing Minor

1. Introduction

With the competitive job market, the minor makes it more likely that graduates will obtain higher quality employment. In one study, UCLA professor Virginia Steel has projected that 43% of UC students studying long-term will change their major at least once. Because the minor is so small and the requirements are so slim, students have a high chance of completing a minor regardless of a late switch in major. Due to budget cuts in the UC system, it can sometimes be difficult to get into an upper division class without being in the major. This is an advantage for creative writing minors, as they are allowed to take any upper division English course because of their prerequisite, ENGL 302 Intro to the English Major in Literary Study. Because the creative writing minor is only 20 units, it is possible to have this minor as a secondary minor and still have room for professional development courses within the major. The flexibility of the creative writing minor will open many doors for new opportunities in the job market and leave students with a solid foundation and skills that are in high demand.

The ultimate goal of the creative writing minor is for students to complete a collection of work that can be used on the job market to obtain a position in long-term or freelance writing, editing or publishing, and to provide them with effective writing skills that will transcend the quickly changing job market. Studies show that in the last ten years, a quarter of the job market in the United States has changed over to contract work instead of long-term employment. When the BLS study was released, it was projected that by 2020, 40% of the US workforce would be contingent, and the numbers are on track to surpass that. This translates to a focus on skills such as “effective communication, knowledge of the field in which you are writing and responsible time management” (source). The creative writing student is well equipped for such work, with a foundation of writing for various audiences, extensive experience with editing, and a critical eye for quality written work, leaving graduates with an abundance of writing samples in various forms, on which they can build a portfolio.

2. Benefits of a Creative Writing Minor

Another major benefit to declaring a creative writing minor is the access it provides to a community of writers and intellectuals. Most colleges and universities offer workshops and readings to creative writing students. This is direct exposure to people who share the same passions and ideas, which can serve as a springboard to involvement in writing groups, and on or off-campus publications. These connections can often lead to internships and jobs. Professors are also a valuable resource as most of them are published writers themselves. They can offer guidance in both the pursuit of jobs in writing fields and the development of a better overall writing style. All of these resources are intended to benefit students who are serious about their writing and who are looking for ways to blend their creative interests with professional development.

The creative writing minor can complement a variety of majors and career paths. For instance, a student with a major in business and a minor in creative writing could add a valuable perspective to a sales or marketing position. Similarly, a nursing major who minors in creative writing may be perceived as more empathetic and therefore better suited for more personal doctor-patient interaction. This manifest diversity makes creative writing a valuable asset for any student. The non-linear way in which it can apply to various other fields ensures that there will always be a use and a demand for more eloquence, clarity, or effective communication through the written word. In addition, most majors are subject to a strict set of rules and steps to follow to reach a career that pertains to that field. By packing a degree with more flexibility and possibility, a student is ultimately making themselves more competitive in the future. A minor in creative writing is an effective tool for any student wishing to add breadth and depth to their undergraduate education.

3. Course Requirements and Options

There are five required courses for the Creative Writing minor. First, students take either English 1191, Introduction to Creative Writing, or English 1192, Accelerated Intro to Creative Writing, as the entry level course and fulfill a prerequisite for further creative writing classes. English 1191 is designed to be taken in the freshman year, and English 1192 is designed to be taken in the freshman or sophomore year. Students who have placed out of both ENG 1010 and 1020 may choose to fulfill the prerequisite by taking 9 credits of Literature courses. After fulfilling the introductory course prerequisite, students take three workshops in their genre of choice. This means that students choosing to do the Creative Writing minor will need to have a good idea of what genre they are most interested in by the time they are choosing their second creative writing course. At the last required level, students will take two additional English courses beyond the prerequisites. With the increase of English and writing courses wished to be taken, the minor is preparation for PA (Professional Art) English and eventually getting an English or Writing major.

4. Career Opportunities with a Creative Writing Minor

With the increasing demand and talent for writing and writers all over, the new compensation in various fields for creative writers is on the rise. Journalism and good writing are still the best credentials for work in advertising. Others with writing backgrounds seek entrance into the field of public relations, writing press releases and public relations material for clients. Authors of books, articles, or grant proposals can work from their own homes, generating ideas on a computer. Those interested in technical or scientific writing can also build a career in this multifaceted field. Employment of technical writers is expected to increase five percent by 2010, and while jobs are available to those with good writing skills and a degree in a field such as English or journalism, having a minor in a technical field of some sort can open many doors. The ability to understand and simplify complex information is vital in this field, and technical writers often find themselves translating one discipline to another in a company.

5. Conclusion

The evidence has shown that the skills developed from taking a Creative Writing Minor will indeed be beneficial for any student. The abilities to communicate effectively and think critically are qualities appreciated by employers from various career areas. The flexible timing allows students to manage their time and energy between their main course of study, as well as co-curricular undertakings or even part-time jobs. Yes, there is a risk for students who hope to convert their creative abilities into finance for living, but the same goes for any artist pursuing a desired outcome from an art venture. More importantly in today’s employment market environment, the possession of multiple skills in various fields is becoming an increasing necessity and a person with dual qualifications will have an edge over the rest. And what better way to enhance one’s skills and capability than by a pursuit in the arts discipline.

As I write this conclusion, I am trying to picture if I would still stand my ground in pursuing a Creative Writing Minor. It really is quite clear now, from all that I have detailed afore. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and the one thing that hinders it – the low regard to it being a professional qualification – is not exactly a valid argument. This is especially so for a person who may already be enrolled in, or has plans to continue studying in the arts and humanities education. And after considering the fact that it is a stepping-stone to acquire further skills in the field of arts, it really is a reasonable choice.