Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing Major

The Creative Writing major is intended for students who wish to combine the study of creative writing with the study of literature. Students will gain training in the art of writing within the context of aesthetics, the literary tradition, and a broad liberal arts education. The major offers students a rigorous “apprenticeship” in creative writing, developing students’ understanding of literary forms and tropes, and providing the appropriate background in literary and intellectual history. Career Opportunities The Creative Writing major will provide an excellent foundation from which students can continue to grow as writers. Because the combination of writing and literature will deal with everything from form and structure to editing to rewriting to critical thinking, Creative Writing graduates will be well suited for careers in all fields of writing, publishing, editing, advertising, technical writing, public relations, as well as graduate study. Program Objectives To allow students to see and appreciate their own participation in a great tradition and learn the difference between imitation and innovation by studying the works of great writers and literary techniques so many have used. To increase the student’s ability to read and understand a variety of literary works and to improve the students’ ability to write clear, grammatical, rhetorically effective prose and poetry. To develop the ability to recognize literary techniques in others’ works and to utilize these techniques effectively in their own work. To develop an independent and recognizable artistic “voice” and an increased imaginative capacity. To gain a familiarity with the aspects of the publishing industry most relevant to their work and an experience with the process of submitting works of publishable quality.