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Online Courses
Online courses: creative writing.
The Online Creative Writing Program makes it easy to take courses taught by instructors from Stanford’s writing community. Thanks to the flexibility of the online format, these courses can be taken anywhere, anytime—a plus for students who lead busy lives or for whom regular travel to the Stanford campus is not possible. These courses are open to all adults, and we encourage all levels of writers to enroll.
Best Creative Writing colleges in California 2023
Best creative writing colleges in california for 2023.
University of Southern California offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 34 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 34 Bachelor's degrees.
University of California-Davis offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2020, 8 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 8 Master's degrees.
University of California-Riverside offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 118 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 71 Bachelor's degrees, and 47 Master's degrees.
University of California-Irvine offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.
California State University-Long Beach offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 9 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 9 Master's degrees.
Saint Mary's College of California offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 22 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 22 Master's degrees.
San Francisco State University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 18 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 18 Master's degrees.
San Diego State University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 16 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 16 Master's degrees.
University of San Francisco offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 30 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 30 Master's degrees.
Chapman University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2020, 43 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 30 Bachelor's degrees, and 13 Master's degrees.
List of all Creative Writing colleges in California
Master of Fine Arts – MFA in Writing
We are master of fine arts - mfa in writing, welcome to spalding’s flagship graduate writing program..
Our low-residency MFA in Writing program is a nationally recognized leader in graduate writing education. Founded in 2001, it’s one of the oldest and best-regarded programs of its kind. But the Spalding MFA is more than an outstanding creative writing education in a noncompetitive, supportive literary community. For our students, alums, and faculty, it’s home. As the flagship program of the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing, it’s also sister to three additional low-residency programs: the 35-credit Master of Arts in Writing (MAW), 15-credit graduate certificate in writing , and the post-master’s certificate in writing enrichment , all with tracks in creative writing as well as professional writing and editing.
At a substantial 65 credits, the MFA program creates space for creative writers to thrive. Over four semesters plus a graduation residency, students write prolifically in their own area of concentration, explore across genres, examine the interrelatedness of the arts, gain editorial experience on a literary journal, learn about the writing business, and complete a creative thesis — all while becoming part of a lasting community.
Each semester begins with a week-long residency on campus or abroad. During Louisville residencies , you’ll engage with the downtown arts scene, stay in the four-star Brown Hotel, and study with publishing, prize-winning faculty. Optional summer residencies abroad add global cultural and literary exploration. In Summer 2023, our destination is Québec City. MFA students can opt to spend a residency in a teaching seminar, a book-length manuscript workshop, or a workshop in translation, adaptation, professional writing, or another creative writing genre.
Back at home, a one-on-one mentored independent study course rounds out the semester. During independent study, you’ll exchange five full packets of material with your mentor. That’s more writing and more expert feedback than most other programs can offer. Students produce a creative thesis; playwriting students also develop their creative thesis with a professional theater company. Students can take an entire semester in another area and still graduate on time.
Every writer has work or family obligations. While you could push aside those commitments for a couple of years of grad school, you can’t keep life at bay forever. Much better to build a sustainable writing practice into your daily life. Our low-residency model teaches you to do just that — and to make it easier, we offer flexibility in scheduling your weekly workload and charting your course of study.
We accept transfer credit from other MFA programs. Students with a published book or produced script may apply for acceleration .
We invite you to explore our program , meet alumni and learn why Spalding is the choice for serious writers . Then, we invite you to apply .
“I have SUCH fond memories of my time at Spalding. The faculty was smart and engaged. The students were diverse and eager — and thoughtful. The conversations we had made me remember again why I do the work I do. The vibe was like family. I felt SO at home there, I have to say. All these years later, it really stays with me.”
– Jacqueline Woodson, author of Brown Girl Dreaming , winner of the National Book Award, Newbery Honor Medal, and Coretta Scott King Award
Concentrations
- Creative Nonfiction
- Playwriting
- Screenwriting
- Writing for Children & Young Adults
Recent Faculty Publications
- Spring: May 27 – June 3, 2023
- Summer: June 25 — July 3, 2023, in Quebec City
- Fall: November 11 – 18, 2023
- Named a top 10 low residency MFA program by Poets & Writers .
- Early decision application deadlines are February 1 for spring and summer semesters, August 1 for fall semester.
- MFA alumni have garnered top national honors while publishing and producing more than 500 books, plays and films. To read about alumni successes, click on the concentrations listed above.
- Recent visiting writers include Natasha Trethewey, Kiki Petrosino, Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, Randy Ribay, Kevin Willmott, Sheila Callaghan, Ann Patchett, Tim O’Brien, Terese Marie Mailhot, Pico Iyer, Doug Wright, John Patrick Shanley, and more.
- Tuition is affordable , and financial aid is available.
- We are members of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs , SCBWI and the Playwrights’ Center .
- Spalding is the world’s first certified Compassionate University.
- We welcome veterans.
- You can get to know our faculty and directors on our blog .
Email School of Writing
For more information, email [email protected] .
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Creative Writing Degree Online Bachelor of Arts
Write Your Own Story
- $320/credit (120 credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Receive credit for prior learning
- 4 genre options for concentrations
- Advanced writing workshops
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
Creative Writing Degree Program Overview
If you have a passion for storytelling and want to pursue a career using your writing talents, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program can help you get on the right path.
You'll develop your writing skills alongside students from across the country, who represent an incredible range of voices and experiences. Together, you'll participate in workshops, producing work and presenting it to your peers for commentary and discussion.
"Everything I learned during my degree journey added to my understanding of how to write and boosted my creativity," said Aubrie Arnold '20 , a graduate of the creative writing program. "I now feel like I can and will write novels – I’m working on that now – and I feel like I have the correct tools to make those novels successful.”
This degree is also an attractive option for transfer students, as it offers a number of free electives.
What You'll Learn
- Essential writing and critical-thinking skill sets
- Literary analysis to inform the application of storytelling elements
- Literary form, genre, structure and style
- Conventions and techniques used by varying genres
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Concentration Options
When you choose to study creative writing at SNHU, you have the option to stay with the general track – which gives you the flexibility to study a variety of genres – or you can opt to add one of our 4 concentrations to your degree : fiction, nonfiction, poetry or screenwriting.
Creative Writing & English (BA) - Fiction Aspiring authors and storytellers who are looking for a way to gain inspiration and foster their imaginations will find the online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Fiction Writing to be the perfect balance of craft and critical analysis. This BA program emphasizes the craft of fiction writing and helps you develop an appreciation for all forms of fiction while honing your writing skills and philosophy of composition. You'll gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry as you enhance your fundamental knowledge of fiction writing's most crucial elements. This comprehensive program gives you a powerful understanding of plot, character development, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. Studying fiction writing at Southern New Hampshire University doesn't just focus on developing your skill and technique. This program also gives you the opportunity to explore your creative boundaries, perfect your craft and dive deeper into your preferred genre. From fantasy to sci-fi and mystery to young adult, you can embrace the style of writing that you're drawn to and bring your original stories to life. The format of this BA program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Nicholas Patterson '22 found peer interaction through writing workshops to be a favorite part of his program. "I have learned tons of new skills," he said, "but most importantly learned how to grow from constructive criticism." Career outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2021 salary for writers and authors was $69,510. 1 The BLS notes that a degree and publication is typically required for a full-time writing position. Writers who concentrate in fiction have career opportunities in a range of professions, including content writing, editing, copywriting, publishing, communications and more. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Fiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Fiction Writing Workshop Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Creative Writing & English (BA) - Nonfiction Discover your niche with a nonfiction writing degree online at Southern New Hampshire University. Our online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Nonfiction delves into a wide variety of styles and subjects – everything from the personal essay to autobiography, memoir, travel writing and magazine features. Our creative writing online program can help you combine research and reflection with compelling storytelling. You'll also gain insights into publishing technologies and the industry, explore your creative boundaries and develop a unique voice. A solid foundation in the broader scope of creative writing is critical to the craft of nonfiction writing. In our comprehensive nonfiction writing program, you'll acquire a powerful understanding of research, narrative voice and other mechanics of creative writing. The online nonfiction writing degree program's format encourages collaboration and ongoing interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: The median 2021 salary for writers and authors was $69,510, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 Nonfiction writers can publish in magazines, newspapers, and literary journals, as well as find career opportunities in digital content writing, social media/communications, copywriting and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Nonfiction Writing Workshop Intermediate Nonfiction Writing Workshop Advanced Nonfiction Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Creative Writing & English (BA) - Poetry The online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry degree program is an opportunity for aspiring poets to find inspiration, engagement and creative collaboration with peers and faculty alike. Our specialized program enables you to hone your craft and unleash your imagination, helping you create imagery in verse. While a poetry degree is valuable in and of itself, it can also prepare you for many professional paths. You can explore careers in creative writing, advertising, journalism, publishing and advertising copywriting. Southern New Hampshire University also offers an online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry. As a student in our poetry degree online program, you'll begin taking writing courses during your first year. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Career paths with a BA in creative writing include work as a creative writer, advertising copywriter, journalist, publisher or poet. Writers have also found careers in communications, digital content writing and editing. Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Poetry Writing Workshop Intermediate Poetry Writing Workshop Advanced Poetry Writing Workshop Request Info Apply Now Creative Writing & English (BA) - Screenwriting Whether you have dreams of writing blockbusters, developing documentaries or working with other writers on sitcoms, the online BA in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Screenwriting is an excellent way to hone your writing skills and put your passion to work. The classes in this specialized online screenwriting degree are based on a comprehensive study of creative writing, with a special focus on story structure, character development and the visual medium of film. You'll have the opportunity to explore all of the forms that screenwriting takes – feature-length and short films, television episodes and miniseries, commercial and internet-based video. While creative writing is at the core of this program, your screenwriting classes will place a special emphasis on visual storytelling. Designed by experienced and distinguished faculty, this creative writing program will give you a powerful understanding of how story, character, theme, action, visuals and dialogue intertwine to create a compelling moment in time. The format for the screenwriting degree online program encourages collaboration and direct interaction with faculty and peers. You'll also have the chance to get published and learn from experienced authors through The Penmen Review, our own online journal for writers. Career outlook: Blockbuster movies, independent films and shorts, commercials, television dramas and sitcoms all rest their success on the backbone of their scripts. Screenwriters have lots of options when it comes to navigating their careers. You could pursue independent work and make your stories come to life – or you could develop scripts for specific projects that need a writer's touch. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors earned a median salary of $69,510 in 2021. 1 Courses may include: New Media: Writing and Publishing Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop Intermediate Screenwriting Workshop Advanced Screenwriting Workshop Request Info Apply Now if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('a7db942c2ff94e9783a92e9b328572c0')); Career Outlook
Use storytelling skills to write everything from children’s books and novels to biographies, essays and memoirs.
Apply your understanding of the written word to plan, review and revise content for publication in books, periodicals or online platforms.
Promote a product, service or organization with content for advertisements, marketing campaigns or websites.
Research topics, investigate story ideas and interview sources to write compelling nonfiction articles for newspapers, magazines, blogs and television news programs.
Screenwriter
Use the power of writing to create visual and auditory experiences for everything from major blockbuster films to television episodes and commercials.
Speechwriter
Write speeches for business leaders, politicians and others, using words to engage with and move an audience.
Technical writer
Prepare instruction manuals and how-to guides to clearly communicate complex ideas and technical information.
And with today's technology, it's easy for writers and authors to work from just about anywhere as long as they have internet access – meaning jobs aren't limited to major cities anymore.
In addition to the writing skills you'll develop in a creative writing degree program, you could also pick up a handful of other career skills 1 the workforce desperately needs, like:
- Adaptability: Adapt to updates in software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).
- Creativity: Develop interesting plots, characters or ideas for new stories.
- Critical-thinking skills: Understand concepts that must be conveyed through writing.
- Determination: Gain the focus to meet deadlines.
- Persuasion: Convince others to feel a certain way about a good or service – especially if you choose a career in advertising.
- Social perceptiveness: Develop an understanding of how readers respond to and connect with your work.
"This [program] not only allowed me to explore my creativity through writing," said Nicholas Patterson '22 . "It taught me the fundamentals of the industry and how to pursue a career in it."
Job Growth and Salary
Prospects for writer and author occupations appear promising in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry shift from print to online media should result in employment growth. 1
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for writers and authors is expected to grow 4% through 2031 — that's as fast as average for all occupations. 1
In 2021, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $ 69,510 . 1
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Creative Writing Degree
Why snhu for your creative writing degree flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. you could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience , or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you. respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: u.s. news & world report named snhu the 2021 most innovative university in the north and one of the nation's "best regional universities" awarded the 21st century distance learning award for excellence in online technology by the united states distance learning association (usdla) a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 93.6% of online students would recommend snhu (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free undergraduate application prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you test scores are not required as part of your application acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms . how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete a free undergraduate application submit any additional documents required work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process if you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email [email protected] . if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('06235c05b74e467bb258c6a2eee81259')); what snhu students are saying.
"I came [to SNHU] originally to have more freedoms and explore my creativity in a new environment. This program has given me that and more – this program has enabled me to improve myself in every facet of writing, from brainstorming a new idea to learning about genres and even how to market myself and my writing."
Courses & Curriculum
Southern New Hampshire University is home to one of the largest creative writing programs in the country.
Our unique online creative writing degree allows you to take writing courses from the start. The program features 4 writing workshops, including an advanced workshop in which you'll complete a polished piece in the genre of your choice.
The courses in our BA in Creative Writing can help develop your talent for creating stories, novels and characters and turning them into finished, professional pieces. Whether you choose the general track or a specific genre, you'll learn from published writers with valuable industry insights.
In addition to the courses and electives within the major, SNHU's online writing degree program includes 30 credits of free electives. This leaves you with room to choose courses or a minor in an area of study that you'd like to write about – like history or psychology – or the opportunity to complement your studies with career skills, such as graphic design or marketing. The amount of free electives also makes our creative writing degree an attractive option for transfer students.
Throughout your program, you'll learn from published writers, professional editors, publishers and established literary critics – subject-matter experts who can help guide you to improving your craft.
As a bonus at SNHU, you can choose to further your study of creative writing with one of our popular graduate programs:
- Online MA in English and Creative Writing: Building on the learnings from your bachelor's degree, you can choose from the same 4 concentrations – fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting or poetry – in this 36-credit online master's in writing program, which allows you to develop creative works that can contribute to your professional advancement.
- Online MFA in Creative Writing: Gain both the writing skills and the professional skills to succeed in areas like marketing, publishing, content writing, teaching and freelancing in this fully online, 48-credit online MFA in creative writing program. You can also focus on a wide range of fiction genres – such as contemporary, romance, young adult or speculative – plus you'll add one of two embedded certificates to your program: professional writing or the online teaching of writing.
- Low-Residency MFA in Fiction or Nonfiction: This highly focused 2-year program consists of 4 workshops and 4 in-person, weeklong residencies in New Hampshire. Within the 60-credit low-residency MFA program, you'll complete both a manuscript suitable for submission to editors and a critical essay that's ideal for literary journals.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
General education.
All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments .
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type PC (Windows OS) Apple (Mac OS) Operating System Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. Currently supported operating system from Apple. Memory (RAM) 8GB or higher 8GB or higher Hard Drive 100GB or higher 100GB or higher Antivirus Software Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. SNHU Purchase Programs Visit Dell Visit Apple Internet/ Bandwidth 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency Notes: Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); University Accreditation
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
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2023 Best Creative Writing Schools
College Factual reviewed 214 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of creative writing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 6,817 degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.
What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings
- Best Overall Creative Writing Schools List
Choosing a Great Creative Writing School
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Creative Writing Rankings by Degree Level
The creative writing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Creative Writing Schools. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state .
To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Read more about College Factual's methodology .
Featured Creative Writing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Creative Writing & English
Develop your creativity and gain practical skills with a creative writing degree program –featuring 100% online classes – through a bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
MFA in Creative Writing - Online
Embrace your passion for storytelling and learn the professional writing skills you'll need to succeed with our online MFA in Creative Writing. Write your novel or short story collection while earning a certificate in the Online Teaching of Writing or Professional Writing, with no residency requirement.
MA in English & Creative Writing
Refine your writing skills and take a step toward furthering your career with this online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Best Schools for Creative Writing in the United States
The schools below may not offer all types of creative writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.
25 Top Schools in Creative Writing
Every student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Johns Hopkins University. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.
There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year.
Any student who is interested in creative writing has to look into Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.
There were approximately 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year.
Every student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out University of Chicago. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.
There were roughly 36 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.
Every student pursuing a degree in creative writing has to take a look at University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. Pitt is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 9th out of 117 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.
There were roughly 125 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year.
Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Providence. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.
There were roughly 35 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year.
Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.
There were about 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.
Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.
There were approximately 134 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available.
Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.
There were approximately 7 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year.
Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.
There were about 45 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.
UW Seattle is a very large public university located in the large city of Seattle. This university ranks 1st out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.
There were roughly 58 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available.
Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.
There were approximately 55 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available.
Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Wellesley. This college ranks 9th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.
There were roughly 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year.
Iowa State is a very large public university located in the city of Ames. This university ranks 1st out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.
There were about 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent year we have data available.
Located in the city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.
There were roughly 54 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.
Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #35 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.
There were roughly 43 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year.
Located in the large city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.
There were about 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available.
Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.
There were roughly 19 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available.
WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #24 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.
There were about 30 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.
UMN Twin Cities is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 55 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.
There were about 9 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year.
Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 9th out of 143 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.
There were approximately 10 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year.
Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #25 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.
There were about 46 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available.
Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 65 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.
There were approximately 45 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available.
UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Austin. This university ranks 2nd out of 116 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.
There were roughly 86 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available.
Located in the midsize city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #12 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.
There were about 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.
Oberlin is a small private not-for-profit college located in the fringe town of Oberlin. This college ranks 4th out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.
There were roughly 24 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Oberlin in the most recent year we have data available.
Rest of the Top Best Creative Writing Schools
Related Programs
Learn about other programs related to Creative Writing that might interest you.
Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction
Harness your passion for storytelling with SNHU's Mountainview Low-Residency MFA in Fiction and Nonfiction. In this small, two-year creative writing program, students work one-on-one with our distinguished faculty remotely for most of the semester but convene for weeklong intensive residencies in June and January. At residencies, students critique each other's work face-to-face, meet with major authors, agents and editors and learn how to teach at the college level.
Honorable Mentions
These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Creative Writing Schools award.
Creative Writing by Region
View the Best Creative Writing Schools for a specific region near you.
Other Rankings
Associate degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing, bachelor's degrees in creative writing, doctor's degrees in creative writing.
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Rankings in Majors Related to Creative Writing
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 >
Notes and References
- The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO .
More about our data sources and methodologies .
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Writing in the Disciplines
These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across
These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to produce and refine various forms of writing for different audiences in different disciplines. In spring and summer 2022, we invited college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of writing in the disciplines. Colleges and universities that received 10 or more nominations are ranked here. Read the methodology »
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Brown University
Providence, RI
- #1 in Writing in the Disciplines
- #13 in National Universities (tie)
At Brown University, undergraduate students are responsible for designing their own academic study with more than 80 concentration programs to choose from. Another unique offering at this private, Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is the Program in Liberal Medical Education, which grants both a bachelor’s degree and medical degree in eight years.
(fall 2021)
SAT, GPA and More
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
- #2 in Writing in the Disciplines (tie)
- #83 in National Universities (tie)
The University of Iowa offers top-notch academic programming in more than 100 areas. Students looking to hone their leadership skills have many options, too: They can enroll in the LeaderShape Institute, a six-day getaway workshop; or participate in one of the many programs offered through the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, including arts and entertainment, and multicultural programs. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but about 95 percent choose to do so. Campus life may pose a challenge to tobacco users, as Iowa is a smoke-free campus. Students have more than 500 clubs and organizations from which to choose, and close to 10 percent of students go Greek as members of the school's more than 50 fraternities and sororities. Sports are another big focus of campus life; even in the competitive NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, the Iowa Hawkeyes are notorious players. Four blocks from campus is Iowa City, a Midwestern metropolis that has been recognized among the nation’s best for its scenery, greenery and sustainable energy efforts.
(out-of-state)
Yale University
New Haven, CT
- #3 in National Universities (tie)
Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a small college life with the resources of a major research institution. Yale students are divided into 14 residential colleges that foster a supportive environment for living, learning and socializing.
Cornell University
- #4 in Writing in the Disciplines (tie)
- #17 in National Universities
Cornell University, a private school in Ithaca, New York, has 14 colleges and schools. Each admits its own students, though every graduate receives a degree from Cornell University. The university has more than 1,000 student organizations on campus.
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world.
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
- #6 in Writing in the Disciplines (tie)
- #6 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie)
Carleton College is a private school in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carls, as its students are known, have about 35 majors to choose from and more than 170 organizations to check out.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
- #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
About 10 miles outside of Philadelphia is Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts institution that also offers a unique engineering degree program. Because Swarthmore is part of the Tri-College Consortium, students can also take courses at nearby Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College.
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
- #8 in Writing in the Disciplines
- #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
Amherst College, a private school in Amherst, Massachusetts, is known for its rigorous academic climate. Because Amherst is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, students can also take courses at Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts—Amherst.
Duke University
- #9 in Writing in the Disciplines (tie)
- #10 in National Universities (tie)
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private institution that has liberal arts and engineering programs for undergraduates. The Duke Blue Devils sports teams have a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Tar Heels and are best known for their outstanding men's basketball program.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
- #1 in National Universities
The ivy-covered campus of Princeton University, a private institution, is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton was the first university to offer a "no loan" policy to financially needy students, giving grants instead of loans to accepted students who need help paying tuition.
Best Online Creative Writing Degrees
BestCollegeReviews.org Staff
Contributing Writer
Learn about our editorial process .
Updated October 12, 2022
BestCollegeReviews.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Bachelor's degrees in creative writing.
Many forms of entertainment involve creative writing, including novels, plays, movies, and TV shows. An online creative writing program trains students in the craft of writing. Students learn how to develop their ideas and build a regular writing practice.
Degree-seekers with a high school diploma can apply to bachelor's in creative writing programs. Some schools ask applicants to submit a creative writing sample in their chosen genre, such as fiction or poetry.
Our guide to online creative writing degrees offers information on common classes, costs, and potential careers for graduates.
View Our Rankings List Here
Questions About Creative Writing Degrees
What can a degree in creative writing do.
An online creative writing degree can help students develop their writing and reading practice. Graduates may work in publishing, advertising, or teaching.
Is creative writing a BA or BS?
A creative writing degree is typically a BA. Some schools offer a BS that focuses on technical writing.
Is creative writing a useful major?
Creative writing builds transferable skills in writing, reading, and communication. Students can also pursue graduate studies in many fields, such as English or law.
Featured Online Writing Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Degree in Creative Writing?
An online creative writing degree builds knowledge in English literature and the craft of creative writing. Students refine their reading and writing skills. They also practice creativity by writing original works like short stories and poems.
A writing degree prepares students for many creative career paths. Many graduates work as writers and authors. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $67,120, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Students who earn their creative writing degree online can often work full time while in school. An online format also means learners can attend top programs without relocating.
How Much Does a Creative Writing Degree Cost?
Tuition varies by school, degree level, and learners' residency status. Students attending in-state, public schools typically pay the most affordable tuition. Degree-seekers pay an average of $35,720 per year, according to EducationData.org .
Full-time learners can complete a bachelor's degree in four years. Earning a master's takes an extra two years. Accelerated programs can help students graduate sooner. An online creative writing degree can help students complete a degree while continuing their career. Online enrollees can also save money by avoiding commuting and parking expenses.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online students should budget for extra expenses, such as materials and books. Many schools charge technology fees to cover tech support and other resources. Online enrollees may also need to pay administrative fees for registration or graduation.
Online learning requires a reliable computer and internet connection. Degree-seekers may need to buy a new laptop or upgrade their software. Students attending hybrid programs may need to budget for travel and lodging expenses. Conferences and other off-campus experiences bring additional fees.
Courses in Creative Writing
Bachelor's-level online creative writing programs focus on broad knowledge in literature, literary analysis, and creative writing practice. Similar to English programs, students usually complete literature classes.
Degree-seekers often choose a creative writing genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. Rather than completing an English thesis analyzing a work of literature, students may complete a creative work, such as a novel or poetry collection.
See below for three common classes in online creative writing programs. This list is a sample curriculum. Courses vary by program.
Introduction to Creative Writing
Writing workshop, introduction to literary theory, featured online liberal arts programs, career and salary outlook for creative writing.
Salaries for graduates with an online creative writing degree vary by job title, employer, and experience level. Many graduates work in writing and publishing. However, degree-holders can apply their creative writing skills in many fields, including communications, advertising, and business.
See below for three common careers for creative writing majors. Read on to learn about job duties, salary potential, and projected career growth.
Writers and Authors
Technical writers.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
#10. University of Illinois at Springfield – Springfield, IL
Bachelor of Arts in English
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an Online Bachelor of Art in English. This online degree program prepares students for a wide variety of jobs within a vast expanse of job-sectors. Students can find well-established careers in education, law, business, and healthcare. The degree program is characterized by its multifaceted nature. Courses available to students in this curriculum include Rhetoric and Composition in Digital Media, Non-Fiction Writing, and Professional Writing. This degree program requires a minimum of 68 units for completion. Online students at UIS have the unique opportunity to present their work at the Students Arts and Research Symposium. The English department faculty are a diverse group of professionals from all backgrounds, and its diversity resembles that of the student body. The faculty additionally offers their support every step of the way.
Net Price: $12,054
Score: 90.3, #9. missouri state university – springfield, mo.
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing
Missouri State University provides an Online Bachelor of Art in Professional Writing program. This program shows its value by combining superior writing abilities with computer skills. Some of the fields open to graduates of this degree program include government, technology, and health care. The major requirements for this program is a minimum of 36 units. Students admitted to the program must also maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50. Those who pursue this degree use their blend of writing and computer proficiencies to analyze, understand, and understand the conventions of the English language. One of the more interesting aspects of the program is that students are required to take four courses outside of their major. Some of these focuses include The Natural World, Public Issues, and Cultural Competence.
Net Price: $15,173
#8. university of colorado – denver, co.
Bachelor of Arts in English Writing
The University of Colorado offers an Online Bachelor of Art in English Writing program to all interested students. This undergraduate degree program exposes students to all aspects of English. The program houses students with different goals and interests while still giving great attention to all disciplines of English. The online courses are taught and pursued with the same fervor and intensity that those who attend in person experience. Although the program is flexible and designed with all types of lifestyles in mind, full-time students are still expected to graduate within four years. Some of the courses offered to students during their degree program include Technical Writing, Business Writing, and Fiction Workshop. CU is specifically appealing to technical writers, authors, and editors.
Net Price: $14,586
Score: 91.7, #7. university of massachusetts - amherst – shrewsbury, ma.
Bachelor of Arts in Writing Concentrations
The University of Massachusetts - Amherst offers an Online Bachelor of Arts in Writing Concentrations. UMass Amherst University Without Walls aims to assist all levels of writers in expanding their understanding of the theory and practice of professional writing. This comprehension of the language extends across all genres of modern and traditional writing. UMass Amherst allows for 105 units to be transferred into their all online program. The undergraduate degree is designed with those facing the challenges of family, community, and professional responsibilities in mind. Students considering this program must have a minimum of 12 units completed with a 2.0 GPA maintained. Those curious about attending must be clear that the program is open to all, but that it is also rigorous once enrollment is obtained.
Net Price: $21,281
Score: 91.8, #6. university of memphis – memphis, tn.
The University of Memphis provides the platform for an Online Bachelor of Art in English. This four-year program offers courses such as Forms of Poetry, Literary Programming, and Studies in Discourse Analysis. The University of Memphis has a Smart Start supplementary program for adults returning to take classes. The initiative assists with readiness and preparation for the pursuit of a degree.
Students are given the opportunity to hone their skills and ramp up for the technology-driven curriculum. Students interested in the degree program can assess their readiness by taking an online assessment. The two online degree concentrations include Professional Writing and African-American Literature. Students also need to complete a minimum of 120 units to achieve their degree. Those who are not already U of M students need to complete an online application.
Net Price: $13,663
Score: 92.6, featured online education programs, #5. central washington university – ellensburg, wa.
Bachelor of Arts in English with Professional & Creative Writing
Central Washington University has an Online Bachelor of Art in English with Professional and Creative Writing to combine technical aspects of professional writing with the freedom to write creatively. Students are required to take a minimum of 74 credits to complete the degree. Available courses include Legal Writing Credits, Advanced Fiction Writing, and Women’s Literature. The English department also amplifies the voices of their students by announcing poems that are published and other literary successes by posting congratulatory messages on the CWU website. Because this degree is a specialization, students need to complete two upper-division courses prior to enrolling.
Net Price: $14,124
Score: 94.7, #4. old dominion university – norfolk, va.
Old Dominion University awards an Online Bachelor of Art in Professional Writing. This supplemental certificate program for the Bachelor of Art requires a minimum of 12 credits. The purpose of the certificate program is to strengthen and focus on writing abilities. Students develop clarity in their written communications. ODU’s online program also provides graduates with a unique tool. The Career Coach is an online system that allows students to explore their employability in various regions. There is a job board, a resume assistant, and an assessment center available for career building as well. The class conversations are live as if in a classroom. Students in this degree program may enroll in courses such as Digital Writing, Public Relations, and Management Writing.
Net Price: $15,213
Score: 95.7, #3. university of houston – houston, tx.
Bachelor of Arts in English with Creative Writing
The University of Houston offers an Online Bachelor of Art in English with Creative Writing. The career opportunities for students who complete this degree are as vast as they are endless. Students can find opportunities in both the public and private sector with positions in law, web design, and publishing. In pursuit of this degree, students enroll in courses such as Literature and Culture, Workplace Presentations, and Studies in Poetry. The Workplace Presentations course is particularly helpful in tying the classroom to the real world professional experience. Students learn to create and give presentations by clearly communicating information in multimedia mediums. Students graduate with the ability to critically analyze various texts and develop unique ideas grounded in evidence. This program is built to develop the critical skills needed for workplace success.
Net Price: $15,664
Score: 97.0, #2. university of central florida – orlando, fl.
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing or Professional Writing
The University of Central Florida in Orlando offers both a Bachelors in Creative Writing or Professional Writing Degrees Online. The idea behind each of these online degree programs emphasizes student engagement through the development of writing skills. These degree programs require a minimum of 120 units for completion. Students will combine theory, practice, and technique during their pursuit of this degree. UCF also features a student support center online. The intuitive system allows students to address issues, stay organized with checklists, and seek out tutoring. The online support system is robust, designed specifically for those who attend the degree programs virtually.
Net Price: $15,341
Score: 98.4, #1. arizona state university-tempe – tempe, az.
Arizona State University-Tempe offers an Online Bachelor of Art in English degree program. This program is designed with the idea that students have full control over their curriculum. During that time, students develop written, oral, and analytic skills that create the foundation for exploration and problem-solving in the professional world. Students are expected to complete 120 credits to graduate while maintaining a 2.0 GPA. The online program also touts its enrollees as a community rather than merely classmates. The English department drives learning through collaboration by promoting conversation and discussion to enhance individual analysis.
Net Price: $12,947
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2023 Best Online Creative Writing Degrees
ON THIS PAGE
An online creative writing degree can help you gain the skills and resources you need to become a professional writer — from publishing works of fiction to applying your talents in the business world. If you go on to earn your master's degree in creative writing or English , you may bring home even more.
To find a program that fits your needs, explore our list of the best online bachelor’s in creative writing. Our comprehensive list is based on online enrollment, and it also includes the annual tuition for each creative writing graduate degree. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU .
OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money. ">ADVERTISEMENT
Online Creative Writing Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
5 Programs ( view all)
- BA Creative Writing & English - Fiction Writing
- BA Creative Writing & English - Poetry
Grand Canyon University
Annual Tuition: $17,800
2 Programs ( view all)
- BA in Digital Film - Screenwriting
- BA in Professional Writing - New Media
Liberty University
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
1 Programs ( view all)
- BS: English and Writing: Creative Writing
List Of Accredited Online Creative Writing Schools
Southern new hampshire university online onlineu has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, payscale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. learn more about how we make money. ' >.
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
New England Commission of Higher Education is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.
Accreditation agencies as reported by the Department of Education .
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing & English . This BA program has four concentration options: (1) Fiction, (2) Nonfiction, (3) Poetry, and (4) Screenwriting. Each concentration requires 120 credits and can be completed in four years with a full-time schedule. This program focuses on teaching students about adaptability, creativity, persuasion, and social perceptiveness, encouraging graduates to pursue any writing career they desire. Some core courses in this program include Context of Writing: Writers/Publishing, The English Language, and Shakespeare. Graduates may go on to work as authors, editors, copywriters, and journalists.
At SNHU Online, students use Brightspace to access their online coursework, which is fully online and synchronous.
Liberty University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >
- Locations: Lynchburg (VA)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.
Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian university with a Bachelor of Science in English and Writing - Creative Writing . This online degree requires 120 credit hours, which full-time students complete in three-and-a-half years on average. Overall, LU accepts 50% of its applicants, while 34% of students at LU graduate.
Canvas is the school's learning management system, which students use to complete their online coursework 100% online and on a schedule that meets their needs. This program explores the history of literature, including historical authors, as well as advanced grammar, technical writing, and critical thinking. The majority of credits go toward the core curriculum — including classes such as American Realism and Naturalism, Modern Grammar, and Composition and Literature — with each course being taught from a Christian perspective. Additional credits are required for the senior capstone project. Jobs for graduates may include a variety of roles, such as professional bloggers, writers, or editors.
Full Sail University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >
- Annual Tuition: $24,513
- Locations: Winter Park (FL)
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is a national accreditation agency. National accreditation is primarily awarded to specialized, vocational, or trade schools.
Full Sail University (FS) is a large, private university that offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing requiring 120 credit hours. The program takes 29 months to complete with a full-time schedule. The curriculum focuses on exploring genres, researching publication methods, and honing the craft through portfolio courses and workshops. Some core classes in this major include Storytelling in the Entertainment & Media Industries, Literary Techniques and Story Development, and Developing New Worlds: Environment and Historical Research.
At FS, students receive a Launchbox, which includes a computer, Full Sail’s custom learning system, and professional software to finish their coursework, which is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning styles.
University of Central Florida
- Annual Tuition: $22,467
- Locations: Orlando (FL) (and 7 others)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public university that hosts an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing . In order to graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours, which is typically done within four years. UCF's acceptance rate is 45%, with 72% of students graduating.
Online students at UCF use Canvas to complete their coursework, which is delivered online and in an asynchronous format. The curriculum guides students through aspects of writing, such as rhetoric, communication, and literary structure. While attending classes remotely, students examine works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to assist students in composing their own pieces. There are a number of required courses, such as Creative Writing for English Majors, Theories and Techniques of Literature Study, and Theory and Practice of Creative Writing. Graduates may find employment as copywriters, journalists, and technical writers.
Regent University Online OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ' >
- Annual Tuition: $18,620
- Locations: Virginia Beach (VA)
Regent University Online (RU) is a private, Christian institution that features an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Writing requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours. Typically, the completion time for this degree is around four years for full-time students. Of all the students that apply to RU, exactly half of the applicants are accepted into a program. Then, they have a 30% graduation rate.
At RU, students use Canvas as their learning platform, where courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously. The core curriculum for this program teaches students the most relevant forms of modern writing, such as media, web, fiction, and business — alongside a historical view of literature throughout Britain and the United States. Here are three examples of required courses: The Art of the Essay, Shakespeare, and Literature of the United States: Beginnings to the Civil War. Students must also complete an Advanced Independent Study. Graduates may find work in marketing, public relations, and commercial fiction, to name a few possibilities.
Central Washington University
- Annual Tuition: $23,954
- Locations: Ellensburg (WA)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.
Central Washington University (CWU) is a medium-sized, public institution. CWU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Professional and Creative Writing requiring 180 credits. Students can finish this program in about four years with a full-time schedule, which includes a practicum course. Options for the practicum course are working for the student newspaper or magazine, completing an internship, or editing the student literary journal. Courses include Rhetoric for Professional Writers, Multi-Genre Writing Workshop, and Research Methods for Workplace Writers. CWU graduates go on to work for businesses, agencies, publications, government offices, and nonprofit organizations.
At CWU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is all online.
Texas Tech University
- Annual Tuition: $19,260
- Locations: Lubbock (TX)
Texas Tech University (TTU) is a large, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing requiring 120 credit hours. Students can graduate in four years with a full-time schedule and work in various fields — such as education, government, and business — or they can continue their studies with a graduate degree. This program prepares students with classes such as Heroes and Anti-Heroes, Studies in Literary Topics, and Language & Community. Additionally, this program has a Communication Literacy Requirement, which can be completed with three courses.
At TTU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework. Students can take classes completely online, and they are taught synchronously.
Which Degree Is Best for Writers?
Students interested in writing careers may pursue a creative writing bachelor's degree online to hone their craft through virtual lectures, readings, and collaborative writing workshops. While an English degree may require more intensive literature study, a creative writing major online or in person aims to equip graduates with the critical skills to analyze, interpret, and create content in a multimedia culture.
A creative writing online degree involves taking general education classes and a university’s core requirements. Professional writers of various genres often lead workshops where students review each other's work and provide feedback. To diversify students’ writing, a program’s curriculum may be somewhat broad — including classes in scriptwriting, editing, journalism, screenwriting, and poetry. While working toward this degree, students may build a robust portfolio of their creative work by practically applying their skills.
Standard admission requirements for a creative writing degree online include the following:
- A minimum 2.5 GPA (alternatively, an additional review process may be required)
- High school transcripts
- Entrance exam scores
- A personal essay or statement of intent
- Many schools charge a nonrefundable application fee of approximately $50
How Long Is a Creative Writing Degree?
Online degrees in writing are treated the same as any other bachelor's level program: Students study for approximately four years in order to finish 120 credit hours. Keep in mind, this is while maintaining a full-time study schedule. Some programs may offer accelerated tracks, which include summer courses, to shorten the overall time it takes to earn the degree.
Is Creative Writing a BA or BS?
Online colleges for creative writing often offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA). These focus more on fields in the arts and humanities and involve core courses in critical thinking and communication. They include subjects like philosophy, language, and education.
Some online schools for creative writing may consider their degree a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), which encourages students to study the practice of creative writing as an art form and to discover their own unique artistic voice.
Conversely to BAs and BFAs, a Bachelor of Science (BS) involves more quantitative teaching using science and mathematics.
Are Online Degrees Respected?
Online degrees are respected for many reasons. However, one of the most important reasons is accreditation. The best online creative writing bachelor's degree programs will be accredited by national or institutional authorities — such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation . They evaluate whether a school meets the federal standard of a quality education in a process.
EXPERT TIP
Use the U.S. Department of Education’s search tool to verify that an online school for writing has accreditation status before enrolling.
This quality assurance process proves that a school has an adequate amount of faculty, resources, and other facilities to conduct academic programs. Furthermore, in-person and online students must attend accredited schools to qualify for federal financial aid , such as student loans and scholarships . This stamp of approval also makes transferring credits between schools possible, especially if students hope to pursue online MFAs or other master's writing degree programs.
Common Online Courses for Creative Writing Students
A creative writing degree covers many specialties under the umbrella of liberal arts , so a variety of courses are often offered.
The coursework helps students develop soft skills, which include critical thinking, situation analysis, and the ability to communicate across various media interfaces.
The best online colleges for creative writing prepare students for careers producing fiction, nonfiction, and creative nonfiction. Programs may also offer internships that allow students to earn additional credits and gain practical experience.
Below is a diverse sampling of classes offered across the programs in our rankings list above:
Advanced Poetry Writing
This online course delves into poetic form and technique, such as voice development and what makes a poem engaging. The faculty guides students to explore their emotional truth, which is at the heart of writing poetry.
Fiction Workshop
Students share their work with peers and receive feedback through collaborative workshop sessions. The coursework allows students to explore the complexities of fiction writing, from developing characters and plots to maintaining concise prose throughout.
Forms and Techniques of Fiction
In this class, students learn how to analyze and imitate principal works of fiction in order to gain a historical understanding of the creative process.
Playwriting
Students study the process and elements of playwriting, including character, plot, and conflict development. Students should become familiar with thinking and writing engaging dialogue, film scriptwriting, character building, three-act structures, plot points, and formatting techniques.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing
Prospective fiction writers discover the rules and tools associated with writing sci-fi and fantasy. Based on prompts provided by the faculty, students develop their poetic language by writing short stories that evoke a sense of horror and convey alternate realities.
Storytelling in Film and Literature
Overall, this course encourages students to explore narrative techniques and how they transpose to film. Students also investigate political, social, and aesthetic issues in narratives.
Careers with a Creative Writing Degree
An online degree in creative writing can prepare students for a breadth of professional writing opportunities, from scientific to speech writing. Areas of focus can vary significantly within creative writing careers, depending on an individual’s career goals and experience. For example, an online bachelor’s degree in creative writing can prepare students for career paths in new media editing and copywriting, advertising, public relations, and publishing.
Some writers want more flexibility and may choose to be self-employed. Freelance writers sell their stories to media outlets or contract with organizations in order to write through various mediums, such as web content. Freelancers usually charge by the word but may also charge hourly or by the piece.
Below are some other popular career paths for those with an online creative writing bachelor's degree:
Editors review content for grammatical and spelling errors, rewrite text to improve comprehension, evaluate writer submissions, and work closely with writers to develop their content.
Journalists
Journalists research stories and ideas, conduct interviews, and write articles for publication in a variety of media outlets. They analyze and convey information in a way that’s easy for a general audience to understand.
Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists write press releases and speeches to help business leaders communicate effectively. In general, they help build and maintain an organization's public image.
Technical Writers
Technical writers , such as medical and scientific writers, develop user-friendly product descriptions, instructions, and other forms of content across various media platforms. While certification is often not mandatory, it can be attractive to potential employers.
Is Writing a Stable Career?
The stability of a career in writing ultimately depends on the direction the writer chooses to go. For example, content writing for websites can be a very lucrative and stable career path because it offers nearly unlimited job opportunities on the internet. Screenwriting, on the other hand, may be considered less stable because your opportunities are limited to the amount of scripts that production companies can accept.
Furthermore, this particular career path is incredibly competitive with only 6,100 writers in film and TV reporting earnings, as per the 2021 Writers Guild of America West's Annual Financial Report . Writers overall, however, can expect a 4% job growth into 2030 — which is the average job growth for all U.S. occupations.
Associations for Creative Writing Students
Several well-known writers' associations provide professional development and networking opportunities. These associations support writers by providing communities for them to connect, share best practices, develop skills, and search for employment. A wide range of associations exist for various genres of literature, such as the Academy of American Poets , Mystery Writers of America , and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators .
Below are several prominent writing associations in the U.S.:
Authors' Guild (AG)
One of the country's oldest writers' associations, the AG, supports working writers of all genres by providing a community for them that promotes networking. The AG not only provides a sense of belonging for writers but also advocates for their rights by ensuring that they are paid, treated well, and protected — especially their freedom of speech.
Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)
The AWP provides support, advocacy, and resources for a community of nearly 50,000 writers. According to its mission, AWP “amplifies the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.” Importantly, the AWP is also the governing body that evaluates MFA programs to ensure that they consistently provide high quality education.
National Association of Independent Writers & Editors (NAIWE)
The NAIWE supports freelance writers of all kinds — including novelists, business writers, editors, and academic writers — by providing best practice guidance, networking opportunities, and writers' resources. NAIWE's primary mission is to help writers develop multiple income streams by connecting them with freelance opportunities.
Is It Worth Getting a Degree in Creative Writing?
An online bachelor's degree in creative writing can be helpful for developing a student’s voice and providing a way for prospective writers to acquire the tools and techniques of the trade. The ability to write thoughtfully and clearly is valued across all fields and industries, making this degree path worthwhile for many. However, if a student's primary desire is to become a published author, that cannot be guaranteed with a degree. Being a published author not only takes skill but also talent, experience, and a bit of luck.
Ultimately, to determine the value of a Bachelor of Creative Writing online, students should consider their personal, financial, and professional goals. The following presents several pros and cons involved with earning an online bachelor's degree in creative writing:
Potential Benefits
Writing skills are transferable to a wide range of careers. Creative thinking and written communication skills are two of the top ten skills employers desire , regardless of the position. Organizations need employees who are articulate in both speech and writing. They are looking for people who can develop a strong argument and think outside the box. For example, if a job requires updating social media or corresponding through email, a creative writing degree could prove an asset.
A degree program provides opportunities for networking. Students can connect with peers and mentors in the field — including authors, editors, and even publishers — throughout their program. Networking can help students navigate the publishing world, share advice and knowledge, and learn from the experience of others.
Students can build a substantial writing portfolio. Through coursework and projects, students develop a diverse body of work, which they can later present to prospective employers.
Potential Drawbacks
Completing course assignments may feel particularly restrictive to creative writers. Since the coursework in a creative writing program is intended to meet programmatic outcomes and objectives, it’s often highly specific. This focus removes some of the enjoyment, freedom, and inspiration from the writing process. Also, students may be required to write about topics that hold no interest for them.
Writer's burnout is a common phenomenon. Due to the imaginative nature of writing, a kind of creative burnout can arise that other professionals don't necessarily have to grapple with. This type of stress often involves decreased motivation and a harmful internal dialogue that prohibits productivity. To avoid writer’s burnout, writers need self-discipline and organizational skills to effectively manage their time.
Some writing careers may not be financially sustainable. Writers who specialize in specific areas, such as technical writing or public relations, have above-average salary prospects and earn median annual salaries of $78,060 and $62,800, respectively. On the other hand, poets, freelancers, and fiction writers may not be able to rely on creative writing as their primary source of income.
Studying and writing from home may offer more flexibility and comfort than being on a busy campus and adhering to a rigid schedule. Since writing is often a reflective, solitary activity requiring uninterrupted attention, online coursework may make it easier for writers to focus.
Bottom Line
The best online creative writing degree helps prepare students by encouraging them to develop the necessary skills to gain professional employment in direct writing roles as well as other professions — such as public relations specialist or publisher — which don't exclusively involve writing. While career stability declines when it comes to more creative writing, such as screenwriting or poetry, an online bachelor's degree in English creative writing will still teach valuable communication strategies, along with creative and critical thinking skills.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing may decide to continue their education by pursuing a graduate degree, such as an online master's in creative writing . Advanced education prepares students to teach at the collegiate level or gain highly sophisticated writing skills, which can be essential when trying to get published.
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Are you a storyteller? A poet? A wordsmith? Do you have a screenplay idea you want to bring to life? A unique perspective for a creative nonfiction essay?
AACC’s Creative Writing degree is the program for you!
In the Creative Writing program you’ll study with our experienced faculty of professional poets and prose writers and explore your boundless imagination while sharpening your critical and verbal skills. In addition to expanding your talents in writing fiction, poetry, movie scripts, plays and creative nonfiction, you’ll develop a professional attitude about your writing. In the program's capstone course, you’ll work with one of our professors to build a portfolio of creative work ready to submit to literary journals or to advanced academic writing programs. Those who complete this degree are well prepared for advanced undergraduate study in creative writing, English and related fields.
We invite you to join our literary community !
Transfer Degrees
The English department is proud to offer the Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Creative Writing. As an additional transfer option, AACC has the unique Transfer Studies degree. Both degrees will prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution. Whichever path you choose, we strongly encourage you to meet with an advisor to structure your AACC studies to meet your specific transfer goals.
Creative Writing, Arts and Science Transfer, A.A.
This two-year program allows you to develop as a reader and a writer and to hone your talent in writing fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting and nonfiction. As a creative writing major, you’ll study with faculty who are practicing poets and prose writers, explore the resources of your imagination, sharpen your critical and verbal skills, and develop a professional attitude about your writing. Start by taking our Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG-200) course, which also fulfills AACC’s arts and humanities' general education requirement. Your creative writing degree will culminate in a portfolio of polished work that you can use to apply to advanced programs in creative writing or submit to publishers as you begin your career.
Transfer Studies, A.A.
The Transfer Studies, A.A. allows you to explore different subjects or concentrate on a specific course plan that will best meet your in-state (and even some out-of-state) transfer goals. This option is particularly good if you are undecided in your ultimate career direction, not sure where you'd like to eventually transfer or just looking to complete general education requirements while "testing the waters" of a particular major. No matter what brings you to Transfer Studies, the result is a well-rounded associate degree preparing you for further studies and successful career.
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Amaranth, the student literary journal.
Amaranth is AACC’s student-run journal for the creative arts. Published every April, Amaranth showcases student writing and visual art from the college community and its alumni. Taking on the role of editor-in-chief, managing editor, publicity manger or staff member gives students the opportunity to develop job-related skills in a creative field. Students run staff meetings and advertise the journal while soliciting submissions, working within a budget and coordinating with a print shop to produce a volume worthy of the creative work contained within its pages. Staff members can also earn college credit while working on the journal. Amaranth has been recognized with numerous awards, including the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Award, the Community College Humanities Association’s Literary Magazine Contest and the prestigious Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press.
Learn more about Amaranth or submit work.
Coffeehouse
Coffeehouse is a monthly open mic event hosted by the staff of Amaranth where participants are invited to read their poems and stories, present and discuss visual art or short films, or perform music, monologues, comedy sketches or dance. Coffeehouse is a great opportunity for students to get to know each other and share their creative talents, for prospective students to get a glimpse of AACC's creative community and for alumni to see old friends and catch up. Every April, the final Coffeehouse of the year is a release party for the latest edition of Amaranth. Magazine contributors read and discuss their pieces, awards are presented, and family, friends and faculty are invited to support and celebrate the amazing creative work produced by our students.
Due to current concerns with COVID-19, Coffeehouse events are virtual until further notice.
When's the next Coffeehouse?
Writers Reading Series
Writers Reading at AACC hosts an array of writers including poets, fiction writers, essayists, songwriters, memoirists, playwrights, journalists and screenplay writers. Guest writers read from their work and engage in discussion with the audience about things such as their creative process, the arc of their careers and advice for beginning writers. Writers Reading events are sponsored by the School of Liberal Arts and are free to students, faculty, staff and members of the community.
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AACC Writing Awards and the League for Innovation
The Creative Writing program actively promotes the writing of its students. All enrolled students are eligible to submit their writing to college awards for potential cash prizes and inclusion in Amaranth. Our program is also affiliated with the League for Innovation, which hosts a Student Literary Competition. Students who win our local League for Innovation competition at AACC are sent forward to compete at the league level for cash prizes and international recognition in the League for Innovation journal.
Learn how to submit to writing awards at AACC.
What can you do with a degree in Creative Writing?
You’ll develop a portfolio of original work ready to use as a writing sample for applying to advanced Creative Writing programs or to submit to reputable journals. Our comprehensive core of general education classes and specialized coursework in Creative Writing provides a solid foundation to transfer to colleges and universities in Creative Writing or related disciplines. For outlook information about specific careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook .
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If Creative Writing sounds appealing, but you’d like to compare it to other offerings, see if one of these is a better fit.
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Meet Professor Garrett Brown
Garrett Brown helps students at AACC develop their artistic voice by teaching courses in creative writing, composition, poetry and writing for the stage and screen. “To me, the arts teach us how to hone our experience of life and appreciate the world around us,” he said.
Creative Writing Academy
- How to Apply
Transform your dreams, ideas, and stories into organized, compelling, creative written works with lectures by renowned literary figures from around the D.C. area, dynamic courses with Georgetown graduate student instructors, and insightful, productive feedback from your peers. This combination of workshops and tutorials will help you generate and polish a wealth of new poems, stories, and personal essays, and allow you to experiment with innovative forms in the field of creative writing. The Academy will also focus on the publishing and professionalization aspects of the industry, exploring what markets are available for your writing, what jobs are available to creative writers, funding opportunities for your work, undergraduate and graduate programs in writing, and how to get published. In addition, this week-long program will feature excursions to sites around Washington, D.C., an exercise in ekphrastic writing at the National Gallery of Art, and the chance to read your work aloud at Busboys and Poets, a famous D.C. literary hub. Students who enroll in the program will also have their writing featured in Three Stars, the Creative Writing Academy’s annual student literary magazine.
Estimated Tuition:
Price includes tuition, housing, and meals. Commuter Student tuition is $2,500.
How You'll Benefit
- Participate in writing workshops
- Awaken your powers of observation, imagination, and description
- Learn concrete elements of the craft of writing in daily workshops
- Attend readings from published authors, who will lead interactive classes and conduct group discussions
- Work with Georgetown's expert creative writing faculty to bring out your most creative ideas
- Read excerpts from award-winning works and use them to develop your own original works
- Visit local monuments, world-renowned theaters, museums, and literary organizations
- Take part in peer critiques and learn how to revise and refine your writing
- Have your writing featured in Three Stars, the Creative Writing Institute’s annual student literary magazine
Program Format & Subject Areas
As a student in the Creative Writing Academy, you'll spend your day immersed in a blend of classroom lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and group discussions. Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to explore the following subject areas:
- Personal prose
- Literary history
- Technique (story structure, character development, theme, description, dialogue)
- Finding good ideas and turning them into polished pieces
- Using great literature for inspiration
All in all, I fell in love with the program. I got to meet so many amazing people not only from the D.C. area but all around the country.
Having the chance to experience once in a lifetime opportunities and getting to meet people from around the world made it so I got to really experience what college life was like.
My #SummerHoya experience was enriching, inspiring, and rewarding; if I could turn back the clock, I’d do it all over again.
It was amazing to be surrounded by such high caliber students and staff who were all encouraging and fabulous to work with. I took away many positive things from my week as a Summer Hoya.
As I am filling out my college applications, I am able to think back to my memories from the summer and I am reassured that I am pursuing the right educational path.
The program offers so much–from the off-site visits to the daily lectures and the on campus activities. The lectures were interesting, meeting new people was great and the off-site visits were interactive and intriguing.
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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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List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major
Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.
Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.
Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.
Overview of the Creative Writing Major
Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.
Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting.
To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.
A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.
Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.
What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major
Published authors on faculty.
Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):
- Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
- Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
- Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
- Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
- Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
- Toni Morrison (Princeton University)
Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.
Genres Offered
While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.
Workshopping Opportunities
The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.
Showcasing Opportunities
Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students.
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.
List of All U.S. Colleges With a Creative Writing Major
Notice a school that’s missing? Email us and let us know!
What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.
You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.
Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!
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1-21 of 21 results
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA •
- • Rating 3.88 out of 5 1,309 reviews
Junior: Work hard, play hard! That’s life at Penn. Strengths - Great approachable Professors, almost any class or activity you can think of, wonderful diversity, beautiful campus. Lots of opportunities to study abroad. Greek life is active, but not necessary to have a rich social life. Tuition, room and board are expensive but there’s lots of aid available. Highly recommended, but very competitive admission rate ( around 8% ). Suggest applying Early Decision if Penn’s your first choice ( 18% acceptance rate ). ... Read 1,309 reviews
- grade A+ Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate 9%
Net price $24,167
SAT range 1460-1570
Blue checkmark.
PHILADELPHIA, PA ,
1309 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Work hard, play hard! That’s life at Penn. Strengths - Great approachable Professors, almost any class or activity you can think of, wonderful diversity, beautiful campus. Lots of opportunities... .
Read 1309 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,
Acceptance Rate : 9% ,
Net Price : $24,167 ,
SAT Range : 1460-1570 ,
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA •
- • Rating 4.11 out of 5 7,855 reviews
Freshman: My experience with Liberty University has been blissful, interacting with passionate residential staff who are sincere with the Father, supportive admissions officers over the phone, a direct and transparent website, and resources responding to many essential questions that undergraduates like me would have. If you are a true believer and lover of Jesus Christ in keeping His word and the Holy Spirit dwells in you, this is the college to attend, especially if you're in Virginia! I am an admitted online LU student, but I plan on attending residentially in the future because of the "LU Tour." The campus is gorgeous! Everything about Liberty University leaves a luscious impression. However, above that, I feel the peace of the Holy Spirit throughout. I recommend the LU 100%; you won't be disappointed. ... Read 7,855 reviews
- grade A minus Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate 50%
Net price $28,762
SAT range 1040-1250
LYNCHBURG, VA ,
7855 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says My experience with Liberty University has been blissful, interacting with passionate residential staff who are sincere with the Father, supportive admissions officers over the phone, a direct and... .
Read 7855 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,
Acceptance Rate : 50% ,
Net Price : $28,762 ,
SAT Range : 1040-1250 ,
University of Missouri - St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO •
- • Rating 3.55 out of 5 1,018 reviews
Senior: As far as the cost, it is actually more affordable than most schools. There are tons of clubs and activities that anyone and everyone can join. Although there is Greek life on campus, it is very very different than it is like at other campuses. This is the same with sports as well. Classes are amazing, and their online system makes it easy to enroll in classes without necessarily having to visit your advisor every time. As far as professors, some are great and some are just awful. I have had a couple teachers go out of their way to help me with certain questions and assignments and I will also remember them. However, I also remember the couple of professors that honestly just did not care, and myself and many other students always had the worst scores in their classes compared to classes with other professors. As far as food and housing, things obviously changed a lot during the pandemic. Most of the school is made up of commute and foreign exchange students, which makes UMSL diverse! ... Read 1,018 reviews
- grade B+ Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate 58%
Net price $10,039
SAT range 1090-1260
SAINT LOUIS, MO ,
1018 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says As far as the cost, it is actually more affordable than most schools. There are tons of clubs and activities that anyone and everyone can join. Although there is Greek life on campus, it is very very... .
Read 1018 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,
Acceptance Rate : 58% ,
Net Price : $10,039 ,
SAT Range : 1090-1260 ,
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West Coast University
- • Rating 4.21 out of 5 14 reviews
Graduate Student: Prior to making a decision on which school to attend, I was apprehensive about embarking on a journey to pursue a doctorate degree. I have never moved away from home for a substantial amount of time, as Hawaii is such a special place to grow up in. However, I have found a home at West Coast University where they fully embrace the meaning of Ohana, which means family in Hawaiian. Our cohort, faculty, and staff all want to see you succeed. There is no competition, we are growing and learning together in an environment that stimulates teamwork, hard work ethic, and compassion. ... Read 14 reviews
Sponsored Result, West Coast University
14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says Prior to making a decision on which school to attend, I was apprehensive about embarking on a journey to pursue a doctorate degree. I have never moved away from home for a substantial amount of time,... .
Read 14 reviews.
National University
La Jolla, CA •
- • Rating 3.98 out of 5 1,126 reviews
Senior: I am currently in my last year with National. I am enrolled in a teaching credential program with a Bachelor's in social science. Most of the professors are invested in their students, and helpful. I could see how one could obtain a degree without a TON of effort. However, all the material is there to really gain knowledge. I feel like I have put in a bunch of work, and am confident I am getting my money's worth. I was worried about this organization before I signed up in June of 2020, because of the reviews. I am happy to put in my two-cents now. If you are willing to put in the effort, at times a bit more than what your fellow classmates seem to be doing, you'll feel proud of your experience here! ... Read 1,126 reviews
- grade B Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate 89%
Net price $21,363
SAT range 750-1170
LA JOLLA, CA ,
1126 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I am currently in my last year with National. I am enrolled in a teaching credential program with a Bachelor's in social science. Most of the professors are invested in their students, and helpful. I... .
Read 1126 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : B ,
Acceptance Rate : 89% ,
Net Price : $21,363 ,
SAT Range : 750-1170 ,
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary Of The Woods, IN •
- • Rating 3.82 out of 5 233 reviews
Sophomore: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College better known as SMWC is excellent for students who enjoy a small and less chaotic environment for college. There are always activities going on to keep students included and moving, however, this is a dry campus so there isn't a party scene at SMWC. Due to the small environment, students can connect with their professors and receive help on homework or any questions revolving around the school. The professors truly care for the students and their life outside of the classroom and see their students as more than just a grade. Going to SMWC as an athlete can be a great experience. It is high level competition and requires a lot of time but the connection built between teammates and coaches is irreplaceable. The athletic side was a personal favorite for me. One thing that wasn't the most enjoyable sometimes was the living conditions. Moving into the rooms can be a dirty and chaotic experience but can eventually be made into a nice living space. ... Read 233 reviews
Acceptance rate 71%
Net price $16,874
SAT range 940-1110
SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS, IN ,
233 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College better known as SMWC is excellent for students who enjoy a small and less chaotic environment for college. There are always activities going on to keep students... .
Read 233 reviews.
Acceptance Rate : 71% ,
Net Price : $16,874 ,
SAT Range : 940-1110 ,
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK •
- • Rating 3.6 out of 5 969 reviews
Sophomore: Northeastern State University is an excellent college to attend. This campus has many friendly faces to meet and outstanding professors. NSU is a perfect size if you want a school that is big enough to offer everything while not feeling too overwhelmed. This college feels like home! The only thing I think this campus lacks is enough parking for housing students. However, this school offers a very diverse setting, which is incredible because not only am I learning new things from my classes, but I am also learning all kinds of cultural things from the friends I have made from attending NortheasternState University. NSU is a liberal art school with an excellent science program. While NSU offers many things academically, NSU also provides a wide variety of clubs you can join. It is almost impossible not to find a club you would love with its vast array. However, if there is no club for you, you can create your own! ... Read 969 reviews
Acceptance rate 99%
Net price $9,790
SAT range 920-1120
TAHLEQUAH, OK ,
969 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says Northeastern State University is an excellent college to attend. This campus has many friendly faces to meet and outstanding professors. NSU is a perfect size if you want a school that is big enough... .
Read 969 reviews.
Acceptance Rate : 99% ,
Net Price : $9,790 ,
SAT Range : 920-1120 ,
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Minnesota State College Southeast
Winona, MN •
- • Rating 3.93 out of 5 119 reviews
Freshman: This is my first year of college and I could not be more pleased. Everyone has been so helpful from the receptionist to my advisor. The instructors are very personable, which has made my first year a lot more enjoyable. They offer lots of great programs and transfer programs, which is what first caught my attention. The school also does a great job and keeping students up to date about what is happening on campus via D2L. Overall I would rate this institution of knowledge a 10/10! ... Read 119 reviews
- grade B minus Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate 100%
Net price $12,941
SAT range —
WINONA, MN ,
119 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says This is my first year of college and I could not be more pleased. Everyone has been so helpful from the receptionist to my advisor. The instructors are very personable, which has made my first year a... .
Read 119 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,
Acceptance Rate : 100% ,
Net Price : $12,941 ,
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH •
- • Rating 4.3 out of 5 3,764 reviews
Sophomore: After graduating from high school over 30 plus years ago, I am pursuing my Bachelors of Science Degree. I had so much anxiety about going back to school after being out for so many years. SNHU provided me with the resources I needed. The advisors took the time to speak with me. They eased my fear. Taking classes online allows me to work full time and also go to school full time. The syllabus and rubrics allow me to understand the expectations for each assignment. With these tools, I have been very successful in each of my courses. SNHU provides other resources that I can utilize as needed. There are writing advisors, sources to help students with citing sources for assignments, and representatives to give assistance that all contribute to my success. Even though I am not on campus, I feel engaged and involved with the school. I have recommended SNHU to my friends and colleagues. They also enrolled and are having great success on their educational journey. Thank you SNHU! ... Read 3,764 reviews
Acceptance rate 94%
Net price $41,217
SAT range 870-1060
MANCHESTER, NH ,
3764 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says After graduating from high school over 30 plus years ago, I am pursuing my Bachelors of Science Degree. I had so much anxiety about going back to school after being out for so many years. SNHU... Even though I am not on campus, I feel engaged and involved with the school. I have recommended SNHU to my friends and colleagues. They also enrolled and are having great success on their educational... .
Read 3764 reviews.
Acceptance Rate : 94% ,
Net Price : $41,217 ,
SAT Range : 870-1060 ,
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA •
- • Rating 3.61 out of 5 1,562 reviews
Senior: I am an oncoming Senior at Central Washington University. This school is relatively affordable, and a small size for a public 4-year university. I am able to become close to my peers especially through the Graphic Design program I am in! I love how small the community is in this program, we all know each other and are able to help each other grow and learn. The campus is easy to navigate and the buildings are close together so it was very welcoming for a transfer student like me. The program I am in is challenging and I am excited to come back next year. Each class is helpful and targeted towards my degree. The food is pretty good, I like the marketplaces, but I wish there were some more food options. All the housing options are relatively close to the Student Union and Rec Center (where most of the food options are), the furthest dorm buildings are about an 8 minute walk. The school has high diversity rates and a high population of LGBT students, so the environment is welcoming. ... Read 1,562 reviews
Acceptance rate 86%
Net price $16,441
SAT range 930-1150
ELLENSBURG, WA ,
1562 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I am an oncoming Senior at Central Washington University. This school is relatively affordable, and a small size for a public 4-year university. I am able to become close to my peers especially through the Graphic Design program I am in! I love how small... .
Read 1562 reviews.
Acceptance Rate : 86% ,
Net Price : $16,441 ,
SAT Range : 930-1150 ,
PennWest Clarion
Clarion, PA •
- • Rating 3.58 out of 5 1,020 reviews
Alum: Goodbye, alma mater. "Your silent winding river, it haunts me still..." I had some of the best years of my life, acquired the most knowledge, and grew the most as a human being here. In a little over a month, although the campus physically will look the same, "Clarion" as so many alumni and current students know it will forever be gone. The new, so-called "Penn West University" as well as the new "Commonwealth University" in northeastern PA are in reality just temporary, convenient "facades" so that the PSSHE Board of Governors can proceed with their long-standing goal of shutting down campuses all to save the bottom dollar. Which campus will be the first to be shut down? Which campuses will remain? Only time will tell. It's a rotten shame that this is happening in the 5th largest state by population in America! ... Read 1,020 reviews
- grade C+ Overall Niche Grade
Net price $19,526
SAT range 940-1130
CLARION, PA ,
1020 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Goodbye, alma mater. "Your silent winding river, it haunts me still..." I had some of the best years of my life, acquired the most knowledge, and grew the most as a human being here. In a little over... .
Read 1020 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,
Net Price : $19,526 ,
SAT Range : 940-1130 ,
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA •
- • Rating 3.43 out of 5 569 reviews
Senior: The professors really make Lesley such a fun and welcoming educational experience! They are all very enthusiastic about connecting with their students over their content and are always open to hearing how they can improve their class. I felt comfortable in learning and trying new things in classes both specific to my major and elective courses. They were always ready to encourage my engagement with the course and to meet me at my level of understanding of the topic. I hope the university is able to become better organized at an administrative level so that they can offer more classes regardless of lower enrollment numbers. ... Read 569 reviews
- grade C Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate 84%
Net price $33,717
SAT range 1000-1210
CAMBRIDGE, MA ,
569 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says The professors really make Lesley such a fun and welcoming educational experience! They are all very enthusiastic about connecting with their students over their content and are always open to... .
Read 569 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : C ,
Acceptance Rate : 84% ,
Net Price : $33,717 ,
SAT Range : 1000-1210 ,
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN •
- • Rating 3.71 out of 5 510 reviews
Alum: Attending Anoka Ramsey Community College was excellent! Through taking a variety of electives both on-campus and online, I discovered that the faculty radiate with excellence in their academic areas. Despite the diverse differences between studying math, psychology, and the arts, I was impressed by the skill and competence of the faculty in each class. My statistics professor, my educational psychology professor, my theater professor, and my music professors all exceeded at understanding and transmitting excitement for the content of their coursework. The campus is gorgeous and immaculate. In the music wing, two levels of recently added practice rooms overlooking the Mississippi River. The theater building features a large, serviceable stage and a cozy, welcoming audience for a variety of performance options. Even the hallways feel fresh and clean, with their tasteful wall decorations. Finally, the diversity of the on-campus student body is incredible and enriching. ... Read 510 reviews
Net price $11,982
COON RAPIDS, MN ,
510 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Attending Anoka Ramsey Community College was excellent! Through taking a variety of electives both on-campus and online, I discovered that the faculty radiate with excellence in their academic areas.... The campus is gorgeous and immaculate. In the music wing, two levels of recently added practice rooms overlooking the Mississippi River. The theater building features a large, serviceable stage and a... Finally, the diversity of the on-campus student body is incredible and enriching. .
Read 510 reviews.
Net Price : $11,982 ,
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SUNY Tompkins Cortland Community College
Dryden, NY •
- • Rating 3.7 out of 5 339 reviews
Freshman: I haven't gone yet (just registered, going in the fall) but everyone has been knowledgeable and helpful! Apparently they have professors that also teach at Cornell, which gives some serious points. Also, the campus is beautiful—if I didn't know it was a community college, I never would have guessed! I'm very excited to see how these semesters go :) ... Read 339 reviews
- grade C minus Overall Niche Grade
Net price $10,130
DRYDEN, NY ,
339 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says I haven't gone yet (just registered, going in the fall) but everyone has been knowledgeable and helpful! Apparently they have professors that also teach at Cornell, which gives some serious points.... .
Read 339 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade : C minus ,
Net Price : $10,130 ,
Linfield University - Online & Continuing Education
Mcminnville, OR •
- • Rating 4.29 out of 5 14 reviews
Junior: The advisors are great, as are most of the other staff, but the teachers are hit or miss. You won't find several of the same online class with different teachers so sometimes you just have to settle for whoever is teaching that term. It is a bad sign if they don't have their Blackboard syllabus updated or their schedule prepared, and I dislike the teachers who don't open up communication right away. It feels very lonely and you feel distanced from the other students. It's just you and the book. But saying that, there are also the other half of the teachers who are great, helpful, communicative and encouraging. Research if you can! ... Read 14 reviews
- grade unavailable Overall Niche Grade
Acceptance rate —
Net price —
MCMINNVILLE, OR ,
14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says The advisors are great, as are most of the other staff, but the teachers are hit or miss. You won't find several of the same online class with different teachers so sometimes you just have to settle... .
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Online
Central washington university online learning.
- • Rating 4.33 out of 5 3 reviews
Junior: Very easy to understand and take in information from online courses at CWU. Great professors overall. ... Read 3 reviews
3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Very easy to understand and take in information from online courses at CWU. Great professors overall. .
Read 3 reviews.
Liberty University Online
- • Rating 4.59 out of 5 41 reviews
Graduate Student: I’m able to do all my coursework during the day when my kids are in school, which is amazing! The professors are really great and truly care about the students. Online classes can be tough, but the professors are quite understanding with a student’s needs and responsibilities. It’s also a very affordable college to attend. You get a great, well-rounded education for a reasonable cost. In addition, the college is centered on the Christian faith. I am not a Christian, but I chose this college because the values it has align with my own. I am so excited to finish my program and graduate from the university! ... Read 41 reviews
41 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says I’m able to do all my coursework during the day when my kids are in school, which is amazing! The professors are really great and truly care about the students. Online classes can be tough, but the... .
Read 41 reviews.
National University Online Education
4 Year (Online)
4 Year (Online) ,
Northeastern State University Online
- • Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
Freshman: As a high school student taking concurrent classes at NSU, I love it. My professors have been awesome. ... Read 1 review
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says As a high school student taking concurrent classes at NSU, I love it. My professors have been awesome. .
Read 1 reviews.
SNHU Online
- • Rating 5 out of 5 19 reviews
Sophomore: The adminissions department made the process so easy for me. They actually reached out on my behalf to a community college I attended that I couldn't even get ahold of to transfer any credits. Because of my military background, they also informed me I was sitting on credits I had no idea I even had! My advisor calls me every other week to see how I am doing. If you're not the best with technology, I could see why it could be frustrating pursuing a degree online. Their interface has improved a lot in the last year, also. All my instructors so far have been accessible, sometimes things get lost in translation with teachers via e-mail, but that seems typical of any work/school situation. The college has a pretty reasonable tuition fee. ... Read 19 reviews
19 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says The adminissions department made the process so easy for me. They actually reached out on my behalf to a community college I attended that I couldn't even get ahold of to transfer any credits.... .
Read 19 reviews.
SUNY Tompkins Cortland Community College Online
Sae institute.
Niche User: So far I have not attended the college, but I have experienced their customer support and it’s spot on. Everything is easily resolved and they are always there to help when I needed them. ... Read 3 reviews
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Featured Review: Niche User says So far I have not attended the college, but I have experienced their customer support and it’s spot on. Everything is easily resolved and they are always there to help when I needed them. .
Woodbury University
Burbank, CA •
- • Rating 3.62 out of 5 453 reviews
Junior: Woodbury is a very nice school to attend. The campus is small and homey but is far removed from the rest of the community. Luckily, the freeway is across the street which allows access to the rest of LA. The majority of the staff is really great, but a lot of the staff working in the offices around campus are very rude and hard to work with. Be emotionally ready to be yelled at and to be treated like a burden. The housing office is one department that is very clear and helpful. If you choose to live on campus, have a car! You'll need it. Ubering everywhere gets expensive. The residential areas around the campus are very nice to take walks in the afternoon, and there are lots of small nooks around campus to enjoy. The library is well suited to study in as well as in the courtyard and annex attached to it. The librarians are all very knowledgeable and happy to help you with everything you need. Cafeteria food is pretty good compared to other universities. ... Read 453 reviews
Acceptance rate 70%
Net price $32,591
SAT range 940-1220
Sponsored Result, Woodbury University
BURBANK, CA ,
453 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Woodbury is a very nice school to attend. The campus is small and homey but is far removed from the rest of the community. Luckily, the freeway is across the street which allows access to the rest... .
Read 453 reviews.
Acceptance Rate : 70% ,
Net Price : $32,591 ,
SAT Range : 940-1220 ,
Showing results 1 through 21 of 21
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BA Writing & Literature
Cultivate your creative writing potential and literary analysis skills in an inspiring, intensive studio environment.
The living art of writing and literature
Our program emphasizes the historical knowledge of literature, interdisciplinary exploration, and critical inquiry to help you create original work. Situated in one of the best art and design schools in the country, creativity and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. Students learn to develop their individual voices through workshops in prose, poetry, drama, screenwriting, graphic novels, improvisation, and more. They incorporate visual art into their own writing as they work on a thesis manuscript.
Immersed in the Bay Area’s rich literary history
The Bay Area has long been home to exciting literary communities, from the San Francisco Renaissance and Beat poetry movement to New Narrative and Slam/Spoken Word. During any given week, there are dozens of reading series students can attend. It’s this vibrant literary scene, combined with our art and design backdrop, that makes our Writing and Literature program so unique.
Student work
Spirit Parts (1 of 2)
Carina Espudo
Writing & Literature
Class of 2021
Spirit Parts (2 of 2)
MADLIKE! (1 of 3)
Jevohn Newsome
Class of 2019
MADLIKE! (2 of 3)
MADLIKE! (3 of 3)
Realm of the Hidden Doors (1 of 4)
Zoe Thompson-Brooks
Realm of the Hidden Doors (2 of 4)
Realm of the Hidden Doors (3 of 4)
Realm of the Hidden Doors (4 of 4)
In Search of Wunjo (1 of 4)
Joy Melançon
In Search of Wunjo (2 of 4)
In Search of Wunjo (3 of 4)
In Search of Wunjo (4 of 4)
Writing students having fun in a comics workshop
Spring 2018 Humble Pie staff
Zoey Gassner reading her work at Humble Pie
Chess McWilliams at HearSay reading series (9 Oct. 2018)
Chess McWilliams
MFA Writing student reading her work
Writing Room entrance at the 2019 Commencement Exhibition
Ceramics paired w with writing (cylinders)
Fish ceramics paired with writing
Senior reading in A2 Cafe, Oakland
Rebecca Henry
Class of 2018
Fall 2017 Humble Pie staff in the classroom
Poet Joseph Lease reading from "The Body Ghost" during the Fall 2018 HearSay reading series (9 Oct. 2018)
Student reading
Studios & Shops
Work within many modes and genres.
A creative writing degree is an investment in your development as a writer and reader. You’ll have the opportunity to practice image-making, meter, and other poetic gestures; character development and fiction forms; lyric essays, literary journalism, travel writing, hybrid narratives, and more.
Your workshop submissions in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction will be informed by close readings and analyses of writing that spans movements. We read the Romantics, Gothic literature, non-Western traditions, graphic novels—we read everything. Courses focused on literary writing by a single author, such as Walt Whitman or Octavia Butler, allow us to dive deeper into diverse perspectives and critical theory.
Our curriculum also includes four open electives, giving you the freedom to explore different disciplines such as community arts, printmaking, painting and drawing, and illustration.
Take a tour of our Writing & Literature Classrooms
Connect with published writers and literary organizations
Our students learn what it’s like to live and work as a writer through internships with Bay Area literary organizations. Within our classrooms and workshops, guest lecturers and faculty—all widely published—guide students through the fundamental steps for publication.
Your writing life at CCA
- Organize and host our HearSay Reading Series
- Create, edit, and design our Humble Pie undergraduate journal
- Perform during public open mic nights
- Collaborate with animators and illustrators
- Intern with Bay Area literary organizations
- Write a full-length collection for your senior thesis
Spaces to inspire your creative writing
Experiment with charcoal, ink, and paint in the Painting & Drawing Studios
The Book Arts workspace at the San Francisco Center for the Book features lithography presses, bookbinding tools, and more
Check out DSLR cameras, lighting kits, tablets, and other photo equipment from the Media Center
Work with small presses and arts education institutions
Our faculty are accomplished scholars, prose writers, poets, nonfiction writers, and playwrights. They publish New York Times best-sellers, mount exhibitions, and even write libretti for operas. Students benefit from their diverse practices during small workshops and one-on-one sessions.
Chair Anne Shea is a researcher and widely published writer. Her teaching and research expertise include twentieth century and twenty-first century North American literature, as well as English composition. Shea’s essays have been published by scholarly and peer-reviewed journals, such as MELUS , Contemporary Literature , and Women’s Studies . Her writing on contemporary art has appeared in X-TRA Contemporary Art Quarterly and n.paradox: international feminist art journal . Currently, Shea’s working on a book about documentary poetry and neoliberal violence.
Eric Olson, Associate Chair of Writing and Literature
Associate Chair Eric Olson is a fiction writer who teaches courses in literature, creative writing, academic writing, and literary theory. He is the author of The Procession of Mollusks , a novel published in 2009 by Astrophil Press. Olson is the former associate editor for Conjunctions , an online literary journal that champions experimental writing.
Faculty work
The Bohemians
Jasmin Darznik
Writing, Writing & Literature
La Puerta del Circulo Polar Artico
Juvenal Acosta
A World of Calm (1 of 2)
Faith Adiele
A World of Calm (2 of 2)
How Proust Ruined My Life
Gloria Frym
Old Snow, White Sun
Caroline Goodwin
Faculty stories
We think with our hands
Develop your writing into works of art.
Writing and Literature at CCA is a combination of forms workshops, open electives, and topical courses on theory, visual arts, and historical and modern authors and techniques. The program is designed to help you develop your writing into publishable works of art through individualized attention and access to one of the country’s most dynamic literary communities. View sample courses .
Investigate ideas through every dimension
Before diving into their chosen major, every undergraduate participates in the First Year Experience. Students explore a wide range of materials and tools over the course of two semesters. Faculty from different disciplines guide studio projects, group critiques, and theoretical discussions, setting students up for success throughout their major coursework.
Core Studio
Writing & literature major requirements, additional studio requirements, humanities & sciences requirements.
Total 120.0 units
Your future as a writer and artist
Our students emerge from the Writing and Literature program with highly transferable skills in critical thinking and oral and written communication. Alumni secure positions at newspapers, literary nonprofits, small-press publishers, and advertising agencies. Many have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in creative writing, education, law, and library science.
Potential career paths
- Freelance writer
- Content strategist
- Arts administrator
- Social activist
- Entrepreneur
- Technical writer
- Publication and production assistant
- Art therapist
- Small-press publisher
- Travel writer
Learn about career development
News & Events
What’s happening in the writing community.
Meet the biggest names in literature
How to Apply
Learn the craft of writing in a supportive community.
Our students are excited to study various styles and formal techniques with acclaimed writers. They want to stretch their creative writing skills in intimate workshops and establish industry connections at prominent presses and journals. Inspired by CCA’s resources for fine arts and design, students are comfortable going beyond the written page to make compelling work. As thoughtful readers, collaborators, and community members, they’re prepared to flourish in many professional spheres that require critical thinking and literary inventiveness.
Learn about undergraduate admissions
Find your creative community at CCA
Related programs
- Liberal Arts & Humanities
- Literature & Writing
- Creative Writing
Best Creative Writing Graduate Programs & Schools in California
What are creative writing graduate programs in california.
Creative Writing Graduate Programs teach the art of language. You could develop your writing through study and practice. Classes might cover both general English topics, craft classes, and even courses about the publishing industry. Workshops offer the chance to hone your work. And of course, gain peer feedback to help improve that short story or poem. Most MFA Creative Writing programs take the format of a two-year program. (In the second year, MFA students may work on crafting a thesis.) That said, you may be able to find a three-year program. And some students study part-time. So, they could earn their MFA on a different timeline.
- Literary Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction
- Children’s Fiction
- Creative Nonfiction
- Literary Translation
Creative Writing Masters Programs in California
MFA stands for Master of Fine Arts. An MFA in Creative Writing may be an especially common option. Most programs include courses in the department of English and courses about the craft of writing. In addition, programs strive to create a community of writers. They may do that by:
- Inviting visiting writers to campus
- Holding events, like a reading series
- Publishing student-run literary magazines
But these days, MFA students could pursue other paths. Like an online degree program. Or programs where you take most classes online but do a brief residency on campus. (Often called low residency.)
Wondering about admissions requirements? An MFA in writing often considers more than just your undergrad transcripts. The program may look at your past writing experience. And a big part of your application is the writing sample. Samples should likely be in the genre you’d like to study. It could be a novel chapter. Or a collection of poems. Even a play or movie script!
MFA Writing Workshops
Expect workshopping to be a large portion of your program. Workshops are writing intensive courses. Students develop new work for peer review. They submit drafts for peer feedback. Then it’s time for revisions to make the work as good as it can be.
These classes might be a great way to produce new work. Plus, learn from what your peers are writing. And, workshops could provide a safe place for students to give and get critical feedback.
There’s one other potential plus. Writing workshops often bring together students from different genres. So, you could get constructive feedback from many different perspectives. For example, students writing poetry could offer fresh insights into your creative nonfiction.
Workshop requirements may differ by graduate school. Want the specifics? Contact the program director for the MFA program you’re considering.
MFA Writing Courses
Practicing writing in workshop is just part of an MFA. You’ll also take core academic courses. These focus on the craft of writing. For instance, you might learn about point of view. Or different forms and styles of poetry. You’ll study how other writers achieved certain effects. And you’ll try your hand at new techniques. MFA writing courses could include:
- Writing for Film
- Poetic Form
- Mystery & Horror Writing
- Novel Craft
- Writing for Young Adults
- 19th Century British Literature
- English Rhetoric
- Literary Criticism
- American Literature
- Contemporary Women Writers
PhD Creative Writing Degrees in California
Creative Writing PhD Programs are writing intense programs like the MFA. But they may have more of a research element along with coursework.
So how does this PhD program differ from other doctorate programs? One big difference may be the dissertation. Most doctoral programs ask students to write and present works of original research. In comparison, creative dissertations are usually long-form works. Like:
- A short story collection
- A poetry collection
- A screenplay
Due to the intensity of the above-mentioned writing requirements, students could potentially complete a PhD program in 3 to 5 years. Program length may vary by school and enrollment.
PhD programs in this field may require previous graduate experience, as well as a 3.5 graduate GPA. Additionally, writing schools may ask students to submit samples of their previous work. Check with intended programs for more admissions details.
Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Programs in California
Graduate Certificate Creative Writing programs might be a great way to quickly build your writing skills and knowledge. These programs typically do not require a minimum GPA for admissions. This may make them more accessible to a wide array of students, so that they can begin to hone their craft.
Many certificate programs only workshop one specific genre. For example, they might focus solely on children’s literature. This may provide a focused curriculum without unnecessary academic electives. So, graduate certificates are often on the shorter side. Full time students could potentially earn a Graduate Certificate in one year, although program lengths vary.
High vs. Low Residency Writing Programs
Residency requirements are common in many graduate writing programs. Biannually, students may be required to live and work on campus.
This is done to provide a space for students to concentrate on writing, reviewing, and revising their work. During this time, you could be sharing housing with other students from your program. Students are also encouraged to workshop pieces with others in the residency program to further refine the final product.
Typically, graduate writing programs either offer a low or high residency option. Low residency writing programs are shorter and may last around 10 days. High residency writing programs are often lengthier, lasting from 2 to 6 weeks. Residency lengths and details may vary by university.
Graduate Creative Writing Program Formats
Pinpointing MFA programs that complement your daily routine could be difficult. But, there are several different program types that could make it easier to study and write…even if you have other responsibilities.
On Campus MFA Programs
On campus programs are what you might picture when you imagine the traditional university experience. Graduate creative writing schools provide the opportunity to develop your work alongside your peers and mentors.
Things like workshops and office hours could make it easier to get help polishing your work. Additionally, this might be an opportunity to build professional relationships with classmates. You never know who might be your connection to a literary agent or publishing house.
Online Creative Writing Graduate Programs
Online MFA programs are a great way to stay in your own space while earning your degree. No matter where you live, you could attend classes on your own schedule. And, you could still receive valuable feedback from peers and professors via email or online forums.
An online writing degree may be a perfect option for students who work. This way, you could pursue your professional endeavors while honing your craft.
It’s important to note that online programs may require students to take part in residency programs. Typically, these are offered in the low-residency format but could require you try travel to campus or a nearby location.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid Creative Writing degrees offer a little taste of both the above programs. Depending on your personal schedule, you could choose to pursue one style of learning at any given time. For instance, you could take online courses while working. Or, take on campus courses in between jobs.
This might be great for current freelance writers because of their constantly changing work schedule. Depending on your future responsibilities, you could plan your semesters accordingly.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Schools with Creative Writing Graduate Programs in California
Gradschools.com offers 14 creative writing programs in california.
- Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
California State University, Long Beach
Antioch university, university of california - riverside, chapman university, california institute of the arts, san francisco state university, university of san francisco, la sierra university, mills college, st. mary's college of california, new college of california, mount saint mary's university.
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Trade Schools Home > Programs > Communication Studies > Writing
Writing Schools and Colleges
Last Updated May 20, 2022
Use your imagination to craft a better future for yourself as an author. Writing schools allow you to explore and sharpen creative skills that make it easier to pursue career roles like journalist, creative writer, or freelancer!
Invent whole new worlds and characters. Draft compelling narratives that pull people in. Convey information in a way that provokes, enlightens, or persuades. Whatever direction you'd like to go in—from creative writing to journalism—a writing program can help you take your talents to the next level.
You can learn to write for a particular audience and discover how to compose narrative that resonates. And, your education can help you develop techniques that allow your own voice to shine through. Whether you opt for a certificate, diploma or degree program, good writing training can make all of this achievable.
Words have power. So start putting them to work for you. These writing schools can give you plenty of in-depth program details, so request additional information right now!
Common Questions About Writing Careers
Writing Schools
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Colorado Christian University
- Creative Writing
Southern New Hampshire University
- Communication - Professional Writing
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- Screenwriting
Grand Canyon University
- Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting
- Professional Writing for New Media
Full Sail University
- Winter Park, Florida
3 Common Questions About Writing Careers
1. How Can I Become a Writer?
If you want to become a writer, write! Keep a journal, start a blog, write a short story and show it to friends, or do some volunteer copywriting for a charity. Getting lots of practice will help you improve your craft. So be creative in generating opportunities for yourself. After all, nobody can stop you from writing.
The trickier part is getting paid for your work. How can you make a living as a writer? You have many possible paths. Various educational options can prepare you for a professional writing career, from short certificate programs to graduate-level programs. But since there are no clear-cut educational requirements for a career as a writer, the right educational path for you will depend on your particular goals.
When you map out your career goals, it's important to consider your ultimate destination. What kind of writer do you want to be? Possible specialties include:
- Blogger - Share your thoughts with the world in a blog. Having a niche market or a specialty subject can help you build an audience.
- Children's writer - Write for kids. Some children's writers also illustrate their books, but it's not necessary to do both.
- Copywriter - Craft the messages used in ads or other marketing materials.
- Playwright - See your words come to life on stage.
- Novelist or short story writer - Create fictional worlds that engage readers.
- Science writer - Write about the world of science.
- Screenwriter - Create scripts for movies or TV shows.
- Speechwriter - Help public figures by preparing their speeches for them.
- Technical writer - Write technical instructions and manuals.
- Video game writer - Craft compelling narratives for video games.
- Web content writer - Create engaging, informative, search-engine-friendly articles or other types of online text-based content.
Once you've narrowed down the type of writing career you want, research the schools that can help you. Look for programs that give you plenty of opportunities to write so that you're able to create a portfolio of writing samples that showcase your creativity and mastery of language. Many programs can help you develop your unique voice, teach you how to find and reach an audience, and make valuable industry connections.
In addition to English, literature, and creative writing programs, it's worth exploring other types of courses of study. For example, you can start developing good writing skills in programs related to subjects like:
- Communications
- Public relations
- Internet marketing
- Advertising
- Social sciences
2. How Much Money Do Writers Make?
According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, the median annual wage for writers is $69,510. The top 10 percent of earners make over $133,580, while the bottom 10 percent make under $38,500. These figures represent a broad spectrum of salaries for different writing specialties—from copywriters to screenwriters to novelists.
As with most careers, your earnings can vary widely depending on how much experience you have and the type of work you do. But it's also important to realize that writers can be paid in different ways.
Writers with salaried jobs generally receive regular paychecks. For example, a technical writer who works for a software company on a full-time basis will be paid according to the terms of his or her employment contract.
In contrast, self-employed freelance writers don't receive a salary. Instead, they often sell their work, so their income depends on how much of their material they sell. As a result, their incomes can vary a lot. Consider this: Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling made $95 million in 2017. On the other end of the spectrum, the website Content Wonk performed a survey of freelance writers in 2018 and found that 28 percent make less than $15 an hour.
What's behind this difference in earnings? The money that a writer makes from a book, screenplay, or other type of project often depends on sales. For example, a book contract may include an advance (based on the book's expected sales). Then, the writer is paid a percentage of the sales after they exceed the amount of the advance. Even for skilled writers, publishing contracts are often hard to obtain. Long before she earned $95 million in one year, Rowling's manuscripts were repeatedly rejected. In fact, her first Harry Potter book was rejected 12 times before she had a publishing contract. In other words, persistence is important if you want to rise to the top. Fortunately, many writers find that their love for writing keeps them going.
Of course, it's also possible to publish a book yourself. With a self-published book, you will receive all the profits from its sales. On the other hand, you will also pay for the expenses of publishing it and promoting it. Similarly, you can write a screenplay and independently produce a movie based on it, without signing a deal with a movie studio. You can also publish articles you've written on your own blog or website.
Simply put, advances in technology have given writers more control over their careers and how much money they can earn. But going the independent route also means that, along with your writing, you will need to develop your marketing and public relations skills. After all, promotion is often the key to success for writers who work on their own.
Many writers do choose to work for themselves. In fact, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) , almost 70 percent writers were self-employed in 2020.
3. What Is the Job Outlook for Writers?
Overall, the OOH says that job openings for writers are predicted to increase by nine percent from 2020 to 2030. But writers who know how to create content for online audiences and social media platforms will experience the most demand.
What will your focus be? Maybe you want to create stories for video games or the big screen. Or perhaps your goal is to work for a respected publication or advertising agency. Regardless of your writing focus, here are some important steps you can take to improve your opportunities and find success:
- Read. Reading the work of other writers will help improve your own writing. Find some good role models and read everything they produce. Pay attention to what works and note what doesn't work.
- Share your work. Writing careers can make excellent jobs for shy people. However, it's important not to be too shy about your writing. Although it can feel tough at first, getting feedback on your work will help you improve. Listen to others' opinions with an open mind. A good writing class or workshop will help you connect with other writers who share your love for words.
- Get your name out there. Increasingly, writers are responsible for promoting their own work. For example, if you write fiction, you might be responsible for planning your public readings. If you have a blog, social media can help you get the word out. And if you want to work in an office, then meeting deadlines and working well with editors and other colleagues can help boost your reputation. Simply put, be prepared to promote your writing talent and overall professionalism.
Time to Get Started
Are you ready to turn your love for writing into a career? Taking the first step is easy. In fact, by reading about some of your options, you've just taken it. Ready for the next step? Just enter your zip code into the search tool below to see writing schools near you!
Submit Your Work to the Spring 2023 Edition of the Mission Review!
Deadline: February 5, 2023
Submission Form for all mediums
We at The Mission Review! are passionate about literature, art, community, and diversity. Some of us in these pages are seasoned and experienced poets and writers. Others are conducting passionate early experiments.
Read the second issue of Mission's own literary journal.
In order to take certain classes, you need to complete a self-assessment. Learn more about Assessment & Placement testing.
English Major at Mission
Creative writing and literature classes.
At Mission College in Santa Clara, we offer online, in-person, and hybrid creative writing, literature, and reading courses.
Courses are flexible - only pay $46 dollars a unit plus fees. Online English Courses are available.
- Get help with your writing at the Writing Center.
- Satisfy UC and Cal State transfer requirements.
- Write for the Mission Review! Mission's own literary journal.
English Degree
- English for Transfer to a CSU or UC.
English Classes
- Literature, Writing, & Reading Courses.
Join Puente
- Learn about Latino/a culture. Get a personal professional college mentor.
- Explore literature & reading related to the African-American experience.
The Writing Center
- Get help with writing, including assignments and papers.
Published Faculty Authors
Mission faculty includes published authors and poets including Javier Huerta , Donnelle McGee , David Lang , Ted Shank , Dr. David Piper , and more. We also host many visiting writers including Chris Abani, Dr. Cesar Cruz, Dr. Angela Davis, Firoozeh Dumas, Sonia Nazario, Miriam de Uriarte, and more.
Learning Services Courses
Our courses assist you with writing papers and learning strategies. Learning Services courses are open to all students. However, Disability Support Programs & Services (DSPS) can recommend specific courses.
LSR Courses
Courses to Consider
Classical Mythology (ENG 043)
Classical Mythology is an examination of the major classical myths of Western heritage for an appreciation of their literary value and their influence on modern life and culture.
18th Century English Lit (ENG 005A)
A survey of English literature that begins with Anglo-Saxon writings and the epic "Beowulf" and extends through the works of the eighteenth century ending with the writings of Samuel Johnson.
Chicana/o, Latina/o Lit (ENG 013)
An introduction to authors, topics, and movements in Chicana/o and Latina/o literature from the late 19th century to the present.
Creative Writing (ENG 900)
Read and workshop each other's writing, and read/analyze the work of professional writers. Attend literary events and more.
Survey of World Lit (ENG 006B)
Study Western and non-Western literary traditions, including women's, minority, and ethnic literature from around the world.
Intro to Film Analysis (ENG 015)
Examine of the major classical myths of Western heritage for an appreciation of their literary value and their influence on modern life and culture.
Intro to Shakespeare (ENG 048)
Analyze tragic, comedic, romance, and history plays, as well as the cultural contexts, dramatic conventions, poetics, and critical theory relevant to understanding Shakespeare's works.
Jobs for English Majors
Career outlook, skills needed.
- Strong written and oral communication.
- Organization and attention to detail.
- Analytical and problem solving skills.
- Time management.
- Systems analysis.
- Mathematical and deductive reasoning.
- Critical thinking.
- Active learning.
- Clerical knowledge.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Career Paths
Select jobs in the field.
what jobs can you get with an english degree ?
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Marketer
- Content Manager
- Communications Manager
- Technical Writer
- Editorial Assistant
- College Professor
Ripe Fruit Writing
School of Creative Writing
2023 ONE-WEEK CREATIVE WRITING SUMMER CAMPS FOR TEENS: MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS -
All camps are in-person with zoom option, discover your writing voice, a week of exploration, instruction, creativity & fun, winner: best teen focused summer camps in san francisco, see review in bay area parent - camps for creative teens , love to write join us feel blocked about writing join us.
Middle School and High School students: Come explore poetry, composition, fiction & personal stories!! Learn the six qualities it takes to be a great writer: perception, imagination, love of language, courage, compassion, and commitment. Put these qualities into immediate practice in a safe and intimate environment. Fire up your imagination! Experience encouragement, inspiration, and new friendships!!
AFTER THIS CAMP, YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO WORDS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME …This foundational training is designed to catalyze your inherent talents and catapult your writing to a new level of originality and impact. For more info See the Ripe Fruit Experience
A FRUIT-ful Experience: Students Speak!
I learned the six most needed qualities of writing and I know these qualities will be SUPER helpful with writing in the future. It is an awesome camp! Evelyn Kim, 11 ————– It was fun! And I was able to get outside my shell! Miranda Bustos, 13 – Middle School ————– I love this camp. I liked all the fun exercises and how we paired up and met new people. I like that its really small so you dont just feel like another kid. The snacks are great! Sofia McDonald, 13 ————– This camp has really made me a better writer, and has instilled in me very important values that I hadnt had before, such as respect, trust,loyalty, and kindness. Melissa Hua, 11 ————– I learned how to be more descriptive in my writing such as using all the senses and six qualities of writing with new vocabulary and how to use them. The collaborative poem was awesome. Shinee Batsaikhan, 12 ————– I learned how to steal words form poetry to expand my vocabulary. I loved looking at a piece of art and writing about it. The camp was perfect! Hana Rudoff. 12 ————– I learned that there is no good and bad writing. There are only words with energy. You always need the writing faith: you will always write what you need to write. Cate Wang, 11 ————– What I liked best were the fun exercises that helped us improve a certain writing skill. Ava Elizabeth Jo, 13 ————– I am in love with this camp! Arianna Love, 13
I enjoyed writing different types of fiction and sharing important details with the group. It was fun discovering how each person had their ways of writing and I enjoyed hearing all of it. I feel like I’ve learned a lot of things the past week. From ways to improve your short stories to making poems out of fragments in free writing! As the school year starts, I’ll be sure to think back to the things I learned in camp. I’ve gotten so many ideas in my head, I don’t think it’ll be too hard to think of something to write about for a story. This experience was different from other experiences I’ve had because some of the things taught I’ve never done before. Such as the activity we did with cutting out fragments and arranging them into poems. Also the first thing we did, when we put all of our phrases together and made one poem. (I thought those were pretty fun) I loved meeting and gathering with the people there, and getting to know them. Overall, it was a fun and FRUIT-ful experience! NANCY LIU, will be a freshman at Lowell 8/2013
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The Online Creative Writing Program makes it easy to take courses taught by instructors from Stanford's writing community. Thanks to the flexibility of the online format, these courses can be taken anywhere, anytime—a plus for students who lead busy lives or for whom regular travel to the Stanford campus is not possible.
Orange, CA. Chapman University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2020, 43 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 30 Bachelor's degrees, and 13 Master's degrees. Based on 6 Reviews.
In summary, here are 10 of our most popular creative writing courses Creative Writing: Wesleyan University Write Your First Novel: Michigan State University Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot: Wesleyan University Good with Words: Writing and Editing: University of Michigan The Art of Visual Storytelling: University of Colorado Boulder
We are members of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, SCBWI and the Playwrights' Center. Spalding is the world's first certified Compassionate University. We welcome veterans. You can get to know our faculty and directors on our blog. For more information, email [email protected] Take the Next Step
Creative Writing Degree Online Bachelor of Arts Register By: April 29 Classes Start: May 01 Apply Now Write Your Own Story $320/credit (120 credits) Transfer up to 90 credits Receive credit for prior learning 4 genre options for concentrations Advanced writing workshops No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
45 Creative Writing Degrees Awarded Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.
Colleges and universities that received 10 or more nominations are ranked here. Read the methodology » To unlock full rankings, SAT/ACT scores and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass!...
#1 Best Colleges in America Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA • 4 Year • 652 reviews Sophomore: Currently reaching near the middle of my time here, and this school truly works you to the bone. The baseline of this place is that everyone is very smart.
Best Online Creative Writing Degrees Read About Our Methodology Here #10. University of Illinois at Springfield - Springfield, IL Bachelor of Arts in English Website The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an Online Bachelor of Art in English.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public university that hosts an online Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing. In order to graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours, which is typically done within four years. UCF's acceptance rate is 45%, with 72% of students graduating.
Start by taking our Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG-200) course, which also fulfills AACC's arts and humanities' general education requirement. Your creative writing degree will culminate in a portfolio of polished work that you can use to apply to advanced programs in creative writing or submit to publishers as you begin your career.
Creative Writing Academy. Transform your dreams, ideas, and stories into organized, compelling, creative written works with lectures by renowned literary figures from around the D.C. area, dynamic courses with Georgetown graduate student instructors, and insightful, productive feedback from your peers.
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.
Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others): Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University) Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University) Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University) Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California) Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
The Creative Content Writer is responsible for the production of copy across multi-channel digital and traditional channels within the scrum/agile process. Just posted · More... Technical Writer 1 new The Judge Group 3.7 Mountain View, CA +6 locations $28 an hour Full-time ?
Emory University. Private 4 Year. 4 reviews. #22 Best Colleges in America. 13,997 enrollment. $25,672 net price. 19% acceptance rate. 1380-1530 SAT range. 31-34 ACT range.
Read 7,853 reviews. A minus. Overall Niche Grade. Acceptance rate 50%. Net price $28,762. SAT range 1040-1250. My experience with Liberty University has been blissful, interacting with passionate residential staff who are sincere with the Father, supportive admissions officers over the phone, a direct and....
BA Writing & Literature Core Studio Drawing 1, 2D, 3D, 4D or two of the core classes and two writing workshops or studios 12.0 units Writing & Literature Major Requirements Workshop: Literary Forms (2000 level) 6.0 units Literature: Historical Topics (2000 level) 3.0 units Literature: Modern Topics (2000 level) 3.0 units Media History: Literary ...
Southern New Hampshire University Online Creative Writing Grad Programs in California. Some of the nation's most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university. Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships.
Creative Writing Southern New Hampshire University Online Communication - Professional Writing Creative Writing and English: Fiction Writing Non-Fiction Writing Poetry Screenwriting Grand Canyon University Online Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting Professional Writing for New Media Full Sail University Winter Park, Florida Online
At Mission College in Santa Clara, we offer online, in-person, and hybrid creative writing, literature, and reading courses. Courses are flexible - only pay $46 dollars a unit plus fees. Online English Courses are available. Get help with your writing at the Writing Center. Satisfy UC and Cal State transfer requirements.
Greenhouse of the Imagination Noe Valley, San Francisco. SESSION III: ONE-WEEK CREATIVE WRITING SUMMER CAMPS FOR TEENS - Middle School III (in-person with zoom option) DATE: July 24 - 28, 2023. TIME: M-F 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM. FEE: $295 Registration requires $100 non-refundable deposit.