If it is financially and physically feasible for one to attend a university that offers a Creative Writing major, it can be extremely beneficial. The added focus of creative writing allows for a writer to specifically hone in on their craft, and learn how to carefully shape it. It’s somewhat like learning sculpture – little by little, the finer points are revealed until there is a beautiful masterpiece.
Where To Start?
According to The College Board, over 210 colleges nationwide offer a Creative Writing major. These include several state universities in California, Colorado, Ohio, New York, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois, Washington, Arizona and more. Most state university systems have web sites, which provide information on all of their schools simultaneously. State universities may also be cheaper and provide more financial aid to their students.
Private Schools Offering a Creative Writing Major
Numerous private schools offer a Creative Writing major – granted, at a heftier price tag than state schools. Here are twenty private schools with the major:
Bard College
Bennington College
Brandeis University
Bucknell Unviersity
Butler University
Carnegie Mellon University
Chapman University
Columbia University
Emerson College
Emory University
Goddard College
Hamilton College
Johns Hopkins University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Pitzer College
Purdue University
Reed College
Trinity University
Waldorf College
If students are interested, they should make sure to research any updated information about the school in which they are interested in applying. Look at features such as what classes are offered, if Creative Writing is offered as both a major and a minor, if schools bring in visiting writers, and what kind of opportunities abound in the nearby community. Students need to make sure they apply in plenty of time and to get all financial aid documents in early if they wish to be accepted to the school of their choice.
What a Creative Writing Major Involves
Being a Creative Writing major means being able to take criticism. Professors and fellow students will heavily critique a student’s "finest" work, and numerous revisions will become a part of one’s portfolio. As a Creative Writing major, students will also read numerous collections of both contemporary and non-contemporary writers, become knowledgeable about various literary genres, share their own creative work, give public readings, and possibly contribute to the university’s literary magazine or other publication.
Being a Creative Writing major takes an analytical mind and matches it with creative intention. Students will learn skills in editing and journalism to fall back on if their first piece of writing doesn’t sell. Their writing skills will demand constant improvement. Overall, it can be extremely rewarding to see one’s finished piece, especially when it begins to put money in the bank.
Overview
Several colleges nationwide offer a Creative Writing major. Students should consider their financial possibilities, physical relationships, and emotional willingness before committing to the major.
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