What is a Creative Writing Bachelor Degree?
Creative writing degree programs are designed for students to develop their writing craft, style, and voice in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students tend to take several writing workshops and courses covering literary analysis, publishing, and language to become equipped with the knowledge and composition techniques to create publishable works in their specialized genres.
Colleges and universities typically offer creative writing degree programs on campus, online, or in hybrid learning curriculums of both in-person and digital courses. Students enrolled in online courses should have access to a computer and the internet to utilize digital classroom tools, such as email, forums, and assignments.
In addition to advanced writing capabilities, creative writing majors have the potential to gain analytical thinking, research, and critical thinking skills for careers as television writers, authors, freelancers, teachers, technical writers, editors, marketing specialists, and more.
Top Schools for a Bachelor's Program in Creative Writing
Study.com conducted comprehensive research to determine the best colleges and universities for a bachelor's degree in creative writing. Value, accessibility, and affordability were essential components in determining our rankings, so we used data from the Department of Education such as retention rates, graduation rates, and tuition costs as part of our metrics. We looked at key elements like the quality of training resources, availability of scholarships and internship opportunities, and professional qualifications of faculty members. We also considered other factors that enhance the student experience such as study abroad programs, literary events, writing competitions, and other relevant extracurricular activities. Prospective students who want to take the creative writing path can review this list to find the school that best meets their needs.
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $14148 | 84% | 34% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | Metropolitan State University | $8114 | 56% | 34% | 86% | No | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | George Mason University | $12564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 6 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Southern New Hampshire University | $31136 | 88% | 44% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | $14158 | 73% | 40% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Western Washington University | $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $19718 | 57% | 83% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 13 | Loyola University Maryland | $50100 | 80% | 83% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $14156 | 79% | 57% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | Johns Hopkins University | $55350 | 11% | 93% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 16 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | SUNY at Purchase College | $8953 | 52% | 61% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Columbia University in the City of New York | $60578 | 5% | 95% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Truman State University | $8120 | 63% | 75% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | Miami University-Oxford | $15193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 21 | SUNY College at Potsdam | $8711 | 68% | 61% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of California-Riverside | $13853 | 57% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Arizona | $12379 | 85% | 65% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 24 | Western Michigan University | $13017 | 80% | 57% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 25 | Purdue Global-Main Campus | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Carnegie Mellon University | $57119 | 15% | 90% | 58% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Bucknell University | $58196 | 34% | 90% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | DePauw University | $51146 | 64% | 84% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | Western Connecticut State University | $11344 | 76% | 52% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 31 | Weber State University | $5986 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 34% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 32 | Emory University | $53804 | 16% | 90% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | Oakland University | $14520 | 83% | 57% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $11154 | 77% | 71% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | SUNY College at Oswego | $8717 | 54% | 67% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | CUNY Brooklyn College | $7440 | 45% | 54% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | University of Central Arkansas | $9188 | 90% | 43% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | $7980 | 83% | 50% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 39 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | $7181 | 65% | 72% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $11316 | 72% | 61% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $12612 | 82% | 65% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | University of Maine at Farmington | $9344 | 91% | 58% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | Hamilton College | $56530 | 16% | 93% | 64% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | Bemidji State University | $8940 | 65% | 48% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Portland State University | $7872 | 96% | 48% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 46 | Marquette University | $43930 | 83% | 82% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 47 | Ferris State University | $12376 | 87% | 47% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | Grand Valley State University | $13180 | 83% | 67% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $53790 | 7% | 95% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | Southwest Minnesota State University | $8874 | 64% | 50% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Creative Writing Degrees Are There?
Students are able to obtain creative writing degrees at all degree levels (associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate), preparing them for broad careers in several fields in which they can utilize their writing and editing proficiencies. Certificate programs are also widely available in various creative writing topics and related subject areas, allowing students to hone in on their personal academic interests and foster their writing talents. We will explore these degree options in greater detail below.
Associate Degrees in Creative Writing
An associate degree in creative writing aims to provide students with introductory knowledge of craft elements and literary styles. Generally, students examine popular fiction, poetry, and nonfiction texts while fostering advanced writing techniques that enable them to produce quality work from drafting to revisions.
Associate degrees are usually two-year programs and include 60 credits of general education requirements in math, reading, and science; writing workshops, and electives. Students enrolled in associate-level creative writing programs tend to gain analytical thinking, independent working, proofreading, time-management, and organization skills that are highly marketable across broad industries.
Many students with associate degrees in creative writing seek entry-level employment or continue their education in creative writing or English bachelor's degree programs. An associate degree in creative writing is usually an Associate of Arts (AA).
Bachelor's Degrees in Creative Writing
Bachelor's degrees in creative writing are designed for students to sharpen their creative, analytical, and writing skills while building a comprehensive portfolio of original, well-developed works in multiple genres or their specializations. Students in undergraduate creative writing programs usually partake in a series of peer-to-peer fiction, nonfiction, and poetry workshops where they can refine and enhance their writing craft.
Bachelor-level degrees in creative writing usually consist of 120 credits of general education courses, writing workshops, and electives and take approximately four years to complete. Many creative writing bachelor's degree programs offer concentrations in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, while other programs may offer additional concentrations in publishing or screenwriting.
A bachelor's degree in creative writing is usually a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Some programs offer an accelerated program or dual degree as well. Graduates with four-year creative writing degrees are often prepared for various careers as professional writers in communication, law, entertainment, secondary education, and business.
Master's Degrees in Creative Writing
An advanced master's degree in creative writing is designed to provide a deeper examination of literary works and the elements of storytelling craft. Students seeking a more scholarly approach to literary theory and writing should enroll in a Master of Arts (MA) program, whereas individuals focused on professional careers as creative writers, such as authors or freelance writers, may decide to pursue a terminal Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.
Master's degrees tend to take about two years to complete and usually include 30 to 36 credits; however, some MFA programs require additional credits. Students should expect to engage in intensive peer-to-peer writing workshops, seminars, and literary electives of their choosing. Additionally, many students concentrate on fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Most graduate degree programs require a thesis or capstone project that may consist of a longer, publishable manuscript that demonstrates their writing craft.
Related program titles for graduate-level degrees in creative writing may include Writing for Children and Young Adults, Creative Writing and Publishing, and Screenwriting.
Doctoral Degrees in Creative Writing
A doctorate in creative writing is the highest level of scholarship students can achieve to become experts in their field. Students in doctoral creative writing programs often continue their graduate studies with rigorous composition and literature curriculums, workshops, professional training, and teaching apprenticeships. Some programs also encourage students to concentrate on their chosen genre while pursuing scholarly research in rhetoric, literature and theory, or a particular historical period.
Program durations vary by school; however, many doctoral creative writing programs take about three to five years to complete and will be between 45 and 90 credits of coursework, teaching, and thesis/dissertation requirements.
A doctorate in creative writing typically culminates in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and many graduates seek careers as postsecondary teachers, authors, or researchers. Related doctoral program titles may include Editorial Studies or English and Literary Arts.
Certificates in Creative Writing
Certificates in creative writing are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels and deliver foundational learning in the art of writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry works. Students typically gain new or improved competencies that are marketable for entry-level employment or career advancement.
Depending on the school, creative writing certificate programs typically require 15 to 18 credits of specialized coursework and take approximately one year to complete. There are several niche creative writing certificate programs, as well; for example, screenwriting, narrative arts, and editing and publishing. Students who wish to pursue a career as a travel writer may even decide to obtain a certificate in travel writing to learn the industry writing standards.
Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
Creative writing bachelor's degree programs typically offer concentrations in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Some programs may offer additional concentrations, such as publishing and screenwriting. Students should compare different creative writing curriculums to decide which concentration best meets their academic and professional aspirations. We will discuss the three most common creative writing specializations below.
Fiction
This concentration is designed for students to explore several craft elements of fiction writing, including plot, narrative arc, points of view, voice, style, characterization, and dialogue. Students who concentrate on fiction typically examine classic and contemporary short stories written by authors like Cheever, Woolf, Updike, and Oates, while engaging in intensive writing workshops that are intended for them to compose their own long-form fictional piece.
Nonfiction
This concentration focuses on nonfiction forms, such as memoir, literary journalism, personal essay, and adventure narratives. Students typically enroll in a series of creative nonfiction workshops in which they may produce their own nonfiction narrative and engage in peer-to-peer critiques. Students may also study popular biographies, interviews, editorials, and essays to gain a better understanding of nonfiction craft elements.
Poetry
This concentration emphasizes poetic techniques and forms while introducing students to the components of an effective poem. Students usually study popular classic and contemporary poets, such as Clifton, Sexton, and Dickey as they develop their own repertoire of poetic works. Some of the topics covered in the poetry concentration may include traditional poetry, free verse poetry, experimental poetry, rhyme, rhythm, and lyric.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing
Bachelor's degree creative writing curriculums offer a combination of writing workshops, literature courses, and special topics that cover a range of writing genres and techniques. These four-year programs typically devote the first half of curriculums to general education requirements (usually fulfilled in an associate degree program), while devoting the second half to creative writing core requirements and electives.
Creative writing programs vary by school; however, the following course titles are commonly offered at the bachelor's degree level:
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Creative Nonfiction
- Poetry Writing Workshop
- American Literature
- Scriptwriting/Screenwriting
- Forms and Elements of Craft
Introduction to Creative Writing
This course is usually the first to be taken in a creative writing degree program and offers an introduction to the fundamentals of multi-genre creative writing. Offered as a regular class or studio workshop, students typically produce original works in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, learn how to provide constructive peer-to-peer criticism, and begin adding writing pieces to their curriculum portfolios.
Creative Nonfiction
This course is typically offered as a studio workshop in which students may develop one or more long-form nonfiction works. Students in these types of courses often study various nonfiction styles, such as memoir, personal essay, adventure narratives, and literary journalism, in which they can apply their learning to original work that is shared with and critiqued by their peers.
Scriptwriting
Students interested in pursuing a career as a screenplay writer may consider taking scriptwriting courses. These courses are typically offered as regular classes or studio workshops and aim to provide instruction on industry standards for screenplays. Students may develop their own long-form screenplay throughout the course to be included in their writing portfolios.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Creative Writing?
Program durations vary by school, however, most creative writing bachelor's degrees include 120 credits and take about four years to complete. There are several factors that may determine the length of a program, including whether a student attends full-time or part-time, if there are summer course offerings, and additional program requirements (seminars, workshops, internships, etc.).
Some creative writing programs offer accelerated dual degrees, in which students will graduate with a master's degree in creative writing. These programs usually take longer than a four-year degree, but less time than a master's degree.
Enrolling in a School for Creative Writing Bachelor's Degree Program
Prospective first-time students should visit their intended schools' websites to determine the application procedures and deadlines. Most colleges ask students to submit an online application or, if they accept it, apply using the Common Application. Supplemental documents may also be requested, such as high school transcripts, transferable credits, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Many colleges charge a nominal application fee at the time of submission.
Transfer applicants from other colleges follow similar procedures, including filling out an online application and submitting the required supplemental documents (official transcripts, test scores, etc.). Oftentimes, transfer students must demonstrate a minimum grade point average for consideration, although this varies by school.
Students interested in enrolling in a BA or BFA creative writing program may need to meet additional admission criteria to enter the program; for example, maintaining a minimum grade point average or having completed a series of introductory prerequisite creative writing courses. Students can visit the program's website to find out more information.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Creative Writing Degrees
Colleges and universities receive accreditation through certified accrediting organizations when they are able to achieve a high standard of academic excellence, such as advanced curriculums and instruction and access to educational and professional resources. Students applying for financial aid, scholarships, and even certain careers should attend or have graduated from an accredited higher education institution.
Although certain programs may have specialized accreditation, this does not normally apply to creative writing degrees. However, creative writing degrees can still be obtained from schools accredited by groups approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), or accredited by organizations such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Students seeking additional accreditation information may visit the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited colleges and universities or check their school's website for detailed accreditation information.
Creative Writing Licensure & Certification
While graduates do not require licensure or certification to work as professional writers, some individuals may pursue credentialing to demonstrate their expertise in related fields. For example, grant writers and fundraisers may obtain the Certified Grant Writer credential through the American Grant Writers' Association that showcases their ability to compose competitive grant proposals. Candidates must complete an in-depth course covering key grant writing concepts and pass a review and exam to become certified.
Resume writers may also wish to obtain the Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) Certification that proves their ability to write quality career documents that meet NCRW standards. Candidates should have two years of resume writing experience, complete 10 continuing education units (CEU) within three years, and pass an exam to receive their certification.
Other credentialing is available to writers who work in social media communications. The Social Media Strategist (SMS) Certification showcases industry expertise related to social media campaigns, brand awareness, engagement, and research and analysis. Candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam in order to become certified.
Professional Organizations in Creative Writing
Professional organizations typically offer networking opportunities, career resources, and access to the latest industry trends and research related to writing fields. For example, The Author's Guild provides membership to writers of all genres and levels of experience. Individuals interested in joining can choose from different membership types (regular/associate, unpublished, student, or agents and publishers) with benefits that include marketing, communication, and legal advice; publishing information, subscriptions to professional bulletins, and discounts on services that assist writers in their creative ventures. Prospective members can choose their desired membership type, fill out the online application, and pay the associated monthly or annual fees.
Writers may also decide to join niche professional organizations for their specialized writing genres, such as the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) which is designated for established creative professionals who produce science fiction and fantasy works. With an array of membership types, individuals receive access to SFWA bulletins, promotion, discussion forums, and access to workshops and events. Prospective members must meet paid sales and qualifying markets eligibility criteria for each membership type, submit an online application, and pay the associated membership dues.
Writing professionals may also choose to join organizations more closely related to their careers, such as the American Society of Magazine Editors for individuals in the magazine industry, or the Society for Technical Communications (STC) which is ideal for technical writers in any field.
Students may also benefit from joining professional organizations (many of which offer discounted memberships) to gain access to industry professionals, internship opportunities, and job and volunteer listings.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing?
Graduates with creative writing bachelor's degrees often gain transferable composition, critical thinking, and organization skills for careers in an array of industries, including entertainment, government, education, research, freelancing, business, nonprofits, law, and marketing, among others.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in writing careers had a median salary of:
- Writer/Author: $63,200
- Technical Writer: $72,850
- High School Teacher: $61,660
- Communications Specialist: $61,150
- Grant Writer/Fundraiser: $57,970
- Editor: $61,370
How to Become a Writer/Author
Writers may find employment as content writers, bloggers, copywriters, novelists, or scriptwriters in wide-ranging industries. Typically, writers are responsible for developing original written content for different types of media, fact-checking and conducting research, editing, and publishing work to print on digital platforms.
Writers may also work as freelancers and contract workers, taking on either long-term or short-term assignments. To be successful as a writer, professionals should demonstrate several competencies that include creativity, multi-tasking, critical thinking, adaptability, attention to detail, the ability to meet deadlines, proofreading, and interpersonal skills.
Writing careers may be competitive, and according to the BLS, the job outlook for writers and authors is projected to decrease by about 2 percent (2019-2029).
How to Become a Grant Writer
Graduates with creative writing bachelor's degrees may seek employment as grant writers. Grant writers typically work as freelancers or for nonprofits and are responsible for developing funding proposals and promotional materials to raise money for organizations.
Grant writers should have excellent written, research, time-management, critical thinking, and communication skills that allow them to effectively engage with potential donors and develop comprehensive proposals on behalf of an organization. Grant writers should also possess storytelling and persuasive skills to communicate an organization's mission and strategic plan.
According to the BLS, job growth for fundraisers, a similar occupation, is expected to increase by 14 percent (2019-2029). Grant writers are generally paid on the hour and range anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on their line of work, according to BLS.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Creative Writing Degrees
Tuition and campus-related expenses vary by school and may be determined by a student's in-state or out-of-state admission status, and whether a school is a two-year, four-year, public, or private institution. Financial aid is available through the federal government for students who need assistance to pay for their education. Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much federal financial aid they qualify for. Eligibility requirements include demonstrating financial need, proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and attendance at an accredited U.S. school.
Students can also search for and apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships online, which may be available for creative writing specializations or through their schools. Employer tuition reimbursement programs, work-study programs, and active military/veteran benefits may also provide financial assistance for higher education.
Students can visit their school's financial aid office for additional information about tuition and financing, federal financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
Writing the Future Scholarship
The Writing the Future Scholarship is offered to high school seniors or currently-enrolled college students at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Students should submit a 500 or 1,000-word essay demonstrating how they have done a good deed for someone else. To apply, students submit the online application, essay, unofficial transcripts showing their attendance status and minimum grade point average of 3.0, and photo I.D. One winner will be selected for a $1,000 award that may be applied to tuition or academic-related costs.
EVOKE-ative Writing Scholarship
The EVOKE-ative Writing Scholarship offers an annual $500 award to one student majoring in English, writing, marketing, or public relations at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants should submit an evocative piece of writing, as well as an official transcript as proof of a 3.25-grade point average. The required application documents (writing project, transcripts, and photo I.D.) should be submitted through the email address provided on the scholarship website by the application deadline.
