Creative Writing Courses

The creative writing degree program at Missouri State University offers students instruction on the process and techniques of composing literary pieces such as short stories, poetry, novels, personal essays, and more. Students who graduate from the creative writing degree program may pursue a writing career as an essayist, novelist, editor, creative writing teacher, poet, human interest feature writer, and more. Courses in the program include technical and editorial skills, literary criticism, and the marketing of completed manuscripts. Get more details below including other Missouri colleges that offer creative writing courses.

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Missouri State University

One University Plaza, MS2025, Cape Girardeau, MO

Missouri State University (MSU) is a public university with its main campus located in Springfield, Missouri. Missouri State has three additional campuses located in West Plains, Mo., Mountain Grove, Mo., and Dalian, China. Missouri State University is one of 13 four-year institutions supported by the state in Missouri.

There are excellent International Programs at Missouri State University. Students or faculty members may participate in programs such as International Services, Study Away programs, the English Language Institute, and China Programs, among others.

Missouri State University has been ranked 53rd of the Midwestern regional universities by U.S. News and World Report. It offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and 45 graduate programs. The student-faculty ration is 20-to-1.

The MSU College of Business Administration (COBA) is the largest college of business in Missouri and one of the largest in the Midwest and receives very high marks.

History

Missouri State University was founded as the Fourth District Normal School in 1905.  After changing its name at least four times through the years, the school became known as Missouri State University in 2005.

In its early years, the university's primary purpose was to prepare teachers for the public school systems in the Missouri region. In 1906, the students chose maroon and white as the school colors, and the bear as the school mascot. By 1945, the school had expanded beyond its origins as a teacher training college, with liberal arts and sciences a growing part of its curricula. By 2000, Missouri State University had expanded further, enrolling tens of thousands of students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Academics

The academic calendar for Missouri State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. The semesters at Missouri State are referred to as "terms."

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Letters
• College of Business Administration
• College of Education
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Humanities and Public Affairs
• College of Natural and Applied Sciences
• Graduate College
• The William H. Darr School of Agriculture

 Student Life

Student life at Missouri State University is active, with more than 300 student clubs and organizations available, and a host of local chapters of fraternities and sororities to become involved in. The Campus LINK is an online community where students have access to information about student groups and upcoming events on campus. Additional information is available at the Office of Student Engagement.

Student organizations are grouped into categories according to their focus, such as   academic/professional, Greek social, honorary, religious, service, political, social, sports, and university. There are also groups for recreation/wellness, and residence life, for students who wish to govern their residence hall.

University groups such as Residence Hall organizations, University Ambassadors, Student Government Association, and Student Activities Council are organizations that represent Missouri State University as ambassadors.  They interface with students, faculty/staff, and alumni to promote Missouri State and to provide student feedback to other stakeholders.  These groups can be affiliated with a University department or office, or are meant to represent the student body as a whole. 

On campus housing and dining options are available.

Traditions

The traditional school colors for Missouri State University are maroon and white, with black as an accent color. The school mascot is a bear, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Missouri State "Bears" or the Missouri State "Lady Bears."

Athletics

Missouri State competes in NCAA Division I athletics, and has won many championships. Missouri State "Bears" athletic teams compete in the following intercollegiate sports:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Missouri State University's main campus is located in Springfield, Missouri. Missouri State has three additional campuses:

• Mountain Grove, Mo.
• West Plains, Mo.
• Dalian, China  

IDEA Commons is an urban research park located in downtown Springfield. Through the IDEA Commons, the University partners with corporations and non-profits, and provides retail space.

Community Life

Springfield is located within the Ozarks region of the United States and is known for beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreation, and always-changing weather with four seasons.

Springfield is known for its big-city attractions and small-town charm.  Also known as the "Queen City" of the Ozarks, Springfield acts as a central shopping and entertainment hub for the smaller surrounding communities. Springfield, Missouri is considered a great place to live and work. Recent statistics show Springfield ranked in top three among American cities for job growth.

Visitors can take in a show at Missouri State University's Tent Theatre, or explore the outdoors. Springfield is a three hour drive from Kansas City or St. Louis.

The community's 20-year strategic plan is now being developed and presented in draft form. Online visitors can view Springfield's Strategic Planning website to read about the process and find what kind of vision citizens have for the Springfield area in the year 2030.

Students Enrolled in the Creative Writing Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Missouri State University has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, english language and literature teachers, postsecondary employment is expected to grow at a rate of 10.4% from 2014 to 2024

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

Description

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Editors

Description

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, editors employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Description

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, poets, lyricists and creative writers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.3% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).