Creative Writing Courses

The creative writing degree program at Western Michigan 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 Michigan colleges that offer creative writing courses.

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Western Michigan University

2855 29th Street SE Suite B, Kentwood, MI

Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Kalamazoo, is Michigan's fourth largest institution of higher education and research. It is designated a high-research-activity university by the Carnegie Foundation, and is ranked in the top 100 American universities by U.S. News & World Report.

WMU offers more than 140 academic programs at the bachelor's degree level, and more than 65 at the master's degree level. WMU also offers 29 doctoral programs and one specialist program. Many of these programs receive high ranks among similar programs nationwide.  The engineering, nuclear physics, specialized education, flight safety and clean energy programs are particularly notable.

In addition to its traditional campus-based programs, WMU offers online programs for distance learning, and continuing education courses. It has six regional learning sites located throughout Michigan, which offer graduate and professional education.

The campuses of WMU boast excellent amenities in more than 150 buildings, including a student recreation center, and state-of-the-art facilities for science research, health and human services, visual and performing arts.

WMU offers a strong international education, with a majority of its faculty engaged in collaborative work or projects on six continents. International students represent nearly 95 countries around the globe, and study abroad programs are offered in 24 countries. WMU has many majors or minors that offer interdisciplinary study programs in global studies, comparative politics, international business, foreign languages, and more.

History

Western Michigan University was founded in 1903 as a regional teachers college called Western Michigan College. It became Western Michigan University in 1957, when it was designated a public university in the Michigan system.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Michigan University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and winter semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Aviation
• Haworth College of Business
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• College of Fine Arts
• Graduate College
• College of Health and Human Services
• Lee Honors College

Student Life

Students at WMU have roughly 300 student organizations and clubs available on campus for participation. These groups represent interests ranging from academics to politics, cultures and the arts. Student services including computing facilities, laboratories, and a stellar library system that includes the Archives and Regional History Collections, Education, Music and Dance, and the main Waldo Library.

Traditions

The WMU school colors are brown and gold, with black as an accent color. The school mascot is the bronco, and "Buster Bronco" can be seen at sporting events promoting the WMU Bronco team spirit.

Athletics

The WMU "Broncos" compete in 16 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University has the Parkview Campus, which houses its Business Technology and Research Park and Engineering College. WMU's Aviation College is housed at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Michigan.

WMU offers Extended University programs online and at six satellite learning sites around the state of Michigan:

• Battle Creek
• Benton Harbor-St. Joseph
• Grand Rapids
• Lansing
• Muskegon
• Traverse City

Community Life

There are many opportunities for recreation and entertainment in Kalamazoo, including historic walking tours of old Kalamazoo, exhibits at the Gilmore Car Museum, and activities at Kalamazoo Valley museum. There is also the Psycho Ward & Nightmares Haunted House on the Kalamazoo Speedway, for those who enjoy haunted attractions.

The Chenery Auditorium offers many orchestral concerts, including the musical works of Mozart, Schubert and Ravel. Students and visitors can enjoy theatrical performances at The New Vic Theatre.

Students Enrolled in the Creative Writing Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Michigan University has offered the following program levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate 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

Salary & Wages

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 230
  • Average Annual Salary: $54680

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

Salary & Wages

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 180
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $49770

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

Salary & Wages

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 70
  • Average Hourly Rate: $27.03
  • Average Annual Salary: $56230

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