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What is Creative Writing?

A creative writing degree is any form of writing that falls outside the traditional professions associated with writing, specifically journalism, technical writing or academic writing. Creative writing is often associated with fiction, poetry or other related forms of writing. Individuals operating in this field will have a strong understanding of various forms of writing, literature, history, and other associated fields.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$71,920

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

48.47%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

44,690

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Creative Writing Courses

Harvard University is proud of its high academic level, unparalleled teaching style and environment. It is a research university reigning at the top of the world’s leaders in research, innovation, and academics. 

Harvard University, under the leadership of its famous writers and lecturers in the English department, offers a wide range of extensive creative writing degree programs the department offers a wide range of courses for students who are interested in poetry, fiction, film scripts, non-fiction and script writing. In addition, students can apply for a workshop experience with no more than 12 students and have the opportunity to write and display their work. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Columbia University marks its origin before the commencement of the “American Revolution.” It offers an assortment of academic degrees in different levels including undergraduate, post-graduate, and other professional degrees.  Writers have a place inside the prestigious Columbia University’s School of Arts where many prominent names and writing have emerged and started. It now offers an MFA program in creative writing including a Bachelor’s program with the help of its world-class and meticulous faculty. The university allows students to experience and immerse themselves in rigorous discussions and seminars that hone and improve their craft. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University first opened its doors to scholars and students in 1764, initially as a British colonial college located in the Rhode Islands and Providence Plantation. It has strong historical significance and was one of the nine universities that were part of the colonial university before the American War of Independence.

Students at Brown University’s MFA Creative Writing programs can choose between three distinctive tracks in poetry, fiction, and cross disciplinary writing. In addition, students are required to complete two courses each semester, namely: writing workshop and elective courses. The program aims to provide students with abundant opportunities to maximize their writing opportunities and receive quality training and education.  

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology holds the fourth rank in the over-all ranking for national universities in the country. This is a non-profit organization that focuses on many research, innovation and engineering courses.

There is much to expect at MIT’s Comparative Media Studies department. It starts with a comprehensive writing course and program, and its characteristic lies in the teaching styles, skills, and various writing traditions for different writing types. The core of MIT is top talent. As their teachers and lecturers, they are outstanding in the fields of essayists, poets, novelists, historians, biographers and translators. 

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

It is a private university known for its culturally rich and ethnically diverse environment and academic system. The University of Chicago, a nondenominational institution, has a graduation rate of 94%.

UC’s Master of Arts program in the Humanities includes in its areas of study a broad subject in creative writing. The university considered its program for creative writing as an intersection of imagination and critical inquiry for individuals who dare to apply and explore the vivid and boisterous world of Literature and Creative writing. It offers many different types of seminar-based lectures. Moreover, students can integrate learning and analytical research in various subjects in Art History, Media Studies, Comparative Literature, English Language, and Cinema. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College follows a general education curriculum that organizes undergraduate teaching in 40 different academic departments and interdisciplinary courses. The university is a member of the prestigious association of top-research universities in the nation known as “Ivy League.”   Dartmouth has a comprehensive Department of English and creative writing. It provides intensive courses in creative writing, sequential courses and small workshops to provide students with an introduction to writing. It has workshops in both fiction and non-fiction for students with no experience in the field of literature and creative writing. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Northwest University was originally named Northwest Territories and was founded in 1851. The university is composed of various academic courses and a unique faculty.

Any individual who wishes to apply for a major in Creative Writing course can effectively earn a head start at Northwestern University’s English Department. We welcome students to continue learning creative writing, a course that focuses on establishing a fruitful symbiotic relationship between close reading and creative writing. With the help of its generous professors and faculty, the department has a long-term reputation for cultivating high-quality and talented graduates. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Notre Dame is a distinct Catholic Church located in the state of Indiana. Its motto is: Vita, Dulcedo, and Spes. They are directly translated into the image result of vitamin dulcedo, which means our life, our sweetness and our hope.

There’s a vibrant course in creative writing waiting for students who want to explore and hone their craft at writing. This program fosters an innovative and rigorous education in literature and writing. Both graduate and undergraduate students are committed to deep participation in traditional forms, social background and critical thinking. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Cornell University is a leader in exceptional academic and research results. It strives to discover and persevere in knowledge, and make outstanding contributions to the next generation of learners and scholars.

Cornell University, through its strong English Literature Department offers a comprehensive creative writing course that focuses on workshop courses and sponsors literary reading every year. Every year, the program receives more than 500 students from different colleges on campus. The course is open to undergraduates and deals with subjects such as creative writing, intermediate narrative writing, intermediate poetry writing and advanced creative writing.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Vanderbilt University is the top private school in Nashville, Tennessee. Its purpose is to cultivate strong and exemplary achievements in academic efforts and academic pursuits.

The program for creative writing has been an integral and vital part of the university’s academic offerings. Today, applicants are filtered and deliberately selected to be a part of the full-funded three-year MFA degree in Creative Writing at Vanderbilt’s English department. The program focuses on different areas of creative writing. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

This is a huge academic opportunity through a wide range of diverse products in various fields and disciplines. Washington University in St. Louis is known for its commitment to quality higher education and its unparalleled commitment to promoting student-based courses and learning.

Washington University in St. Louis provides a certificate of 16 units in the form of creative writing. It is open and available to people who are gifted in writing, literary exploration and research. Students can expect to have a group of respected teachers and instructors to guide and cultivate their skills as the next generation of future writers.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Johns Hopkins University has three main campuses in three different locations in Baltimore, Washington, and Montgomery County. As an institution, JHU is a leader in academic research and development.

A master program in writing is granted and offered at JHU through its Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. It is tailored and outlined specifically for those who are dynamic and passionate about storytelling, the narrative of events and novels. The goal of every student at JHU is to be prepared, ready to publish and make an impression on the literary world. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Led by its two main campuses in California, the University of Southern California is considered as one of the state’s leaders in delivering high quality of higher education learning to people. It is famous for its contributions in various fields and is the oldest university in the West.

The university’s College of Letter, Arts and Sciences provides a comprehensive PhD degree in Creative Writing & Literature Program at their department of English. The program provided by USC is only one of the fewest programs that combine literature and creative writing into one program. Students are required to complete creativity, writing and literature courses. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Virginia is a home to Jefferson’s prominent academical village. The university also holds a historical foundation and beginning through the declaration of independence and now becomes the state’s flagship university.  Applicants interested in a major in creative writing can expect to find a complete master's program specifically designed to meet and meet their needs. The program itself offers a Master of Fine Arts course in poetry and fiction writing. In addition, its curriculum provides a total of 200 courses for creative writing students.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Hamilton College is a well-known institution in New York. It focuses on liberal arts courses and methods for students and learners.  At Hamilton College, students will experience a broad understanding of literature and creative writing featuring different genres and areas of the study. The professors of this course have been trained and experienced in writing techniques and are expected to guide and teach students to explore and study the history of literature and a century of history. The student's academic burden is balanced between the study of literature and poetry and the essay workshop. 

Acceptance Rate

16.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Colby College was founded in 1813 and is now a private art college. Colby College focuses on the foundation of human knowledge as a tool to achieve progress and the lives of people and their communities.

Colby College promotes excellence in education on all platforms and in all fields. This includes a concentration in creative writing through their program for their English majors. In this intensive course, students in English subjects will receive collaborative discussions and a series of course work, which includes constructive feedback from peers and teachers.

Acceptance Rate

9.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Carnegie Mellon University is the home of outstanding learners, innovators and scholars. It provides students with global research experience and first-class academic advantages.

Learners of literature and creative writing can find one of the smallest departments of English at Carnegie Mellon University. Students are expected to develop their potential and talent in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative non-fiction. In addition to these, at the CMU’s department of English, students will enjoy varieties of extracurricular activities and writing internships as provided and initiated by the institution. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is a prestigious private research university established in 1817. It is the oldest state university in the state and is operating as the main campus for the University of Michigan.

The department for creative writing is a place for generations of acclaimed writers and authors throughout history. Traditionally, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has proven a history of excellent writers who have moved the nation and the globe through their narratives and stories. It features a conversational approach in learning and discussion in promoting learning and development of writers in their craft. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Emory University is a first-class university that provides a wide range of services in different fields and fields of study. It has 9 academic departments and has the largest healthcare system in all of Georgia.

At Emory’s College of Arts and Sciences, a comprehensive writing program is offered to students of English and Literature. It offers an undergraduate study which aims to explore and analyze literature in a creative way. Furthermore, the university also houses talented and well-regarded faculty members and lecturers as heads and leads for the learning experience of the program’s students. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Wellesley College is a liberal arts college that has always been a model of quality higher education nationwide. It is committed to developing a learning environment and its mission is to bring changes to future generations.  The creative writing experience at Wellesley College is unmatched. It embodies a strong commitment to enhancing and developing original work from their students in various genres and studies. This is an intensive course, open to English majors and other students with related majors.

Acceptance Rate

21.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Boston University is known as a private institution in Massachusetts for its wide range of academic choices and services. It offers a total of 250 fields of study and has distinctive features in interdisciplinary courses and programs.  In two-three semesters, students can complete a highly regarded MFA in Creative Writing at the Boston University. The course focuses on a combination of rigorous training in creative writing and literature courses. In addition, ensure that the course is concentrated in a small number of participants and learners.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

McAlester College aims to redefine the entire framework of general education with its own innovative courses and programs. It focuses on the importance of personal, social and intellectual growth among its students and scholars.

At Macalester College, the institution believes that the production and education of literary works are important tools for building connections and building communities. McAlester College provides students with two distinct approaches, namely literary and creative writing. The admission requirements of the two different disciplines are the same. The method mainly relies on the cooperation and production relationship between literature and creative writing to flourish and build on it.

Acceptance Rate

32.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Colorado College was founded by Reverend Thomas Nelson Haskell in 1874 in honor of the memory of his loving daughter. In addition, today, CC processes and accepts a total of 2,000 students each year through 42 majors and 33 minors in its courses.

The University of Colorado understands that what motivates writers to perfect their craft is free imagination. Therefore, the college has opened up and launched its own multi-level program to help students create and produce more things. Graduates of CC’s creative writing program are expected to be equipped with clear writing and cogent analytical prose. 

Acceptance Rate

13.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Through the leadership of Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin and other distinct New Yorkers, the New York University was established in 1831 in order to provide higher education for people. Today, New York University is a private enterprise and has become a major provider of first-class graduates and research, academic and scholarship recipients.

At NYU’s Arts and Science College students of Literature and Arts can enroll in rigorous programs in Creative Writing. The university prides itself on being a leader in the famous literary writing education. The graduate degree in creative writing alone is composed of smart people and a community of contributors and writers who inspire change through creation.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Rochester is a top private research institution in New York. The university is known for its highly respected courses at different levels, including undergraduates, graduates and other promotional programs.

At Rochester’s writing program students experience a concentrated approach in learning through utilizing imagination. The requirements of this program consist of 4-credit courses and a completion of upper-level writing for majors. Furthermore, students who wish to apply for a more concentrated program in creative writing shall apply for the university’s creative writing advisor.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Top Online Writing Degrees

Earning a creative writing degree online may be a formidable choice for students across the country. Online classes provide students with access to quality curriculum, taught by subject matter experts at accredited institutions. While studying online, you may elect to enroll in one of the following creative writing programs which will determine how long it takes you to earn a degree in creative writing.

Online Certificate in Creative Writing

The online certificate in creative writing is a short-term program designed to pinpoint a subdiscipline within creative writing or provide students with foundational knowledge in the field of study. Certificate programs can last from a few weeks to a year and provide students with a platform to continue learning and honing their craft in the writing domain. A certificate of completion writing degree program may be an excellent add-on for those already in the workforce looking for additional heft on a resume.

Associate Writing Degree Program

Associate degrees in creative writing are 2-year programs that combine general education courses with writing curriculum. A writing degree at this level are most frequently conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) as the curriculum is infused with more liberal arts than science. Further, earning a writing degree may be coupled with a communications degree to round out an academic profile. An English creative writing AA is a popular creative writing major at community colleges and universities across the country.

Online Bachelor Creative Writing Major

Online bachelors degrees in creative writing are conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) as a 4-year program. Disciplines within creative writing depend on the breadth of programs offered by the school and can include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or screenwriting. Online creative writing programs are the most common writing degree option in creative writing with associate degrees and certificate programs gaining ground. The creative writing bachelor level program and distance learning writing bachelor degree are popular choices for students.

Why Earn a Creative Writing Degree Online?

Accredited universities of all types have been rapidly adding distance learning degrees in creative writing. In an effort to keep up with student demand, accredited programs in writing have been added to provide distinct benefits to students. The most common reasons creative writing students have migrated to online degrees include the following six reasons.

  • Cost Net cost associated with earning a creative writing degree is generally less than on-campus equivalent degrees. The opportunity cost of continuing to work while earning a degree allows students to earn a wage while earning a writing degree. Next, distance learning can be accomplished from virtually anywhere. Thus, the need to live on campus can be averted saving considerable expenses of housing, food, transportation, and parking. Next, accredited programs recognized by the DOE allow students to apply for federal financial aid. Lastly, talk to the school's admissions team about credits for life experience to further reduce your writing degree requirements.
  • Access & Flexibility Students enrolled in an online course have the unique ability to jump online at any time without the traditional restrictions of being in class. With little to no physical limitations, distance from the school and class scheduling is much easier for students and working professionals. In fact, many online programs start every eight weeks giving you the ability to start on a rolling basis versus waiting through the traditional school year cycle.
  • Accreditation Enrolling in an online program offered by a regionally or nationally accredited program is critical to your success. Accreditation is earned by colleges and universities by independent, third-party organizations that vet a schools processes, procedures, and curriculum to ensure quality standards are met from program to program.
  • Quality Curriculum & Instruction Quality of online degrees are on par with classroom-based degrees based on surveys from graduates across the country. With a published instructional model and organized syllabus, online classes can have the same feel as a traditional writing degree program integrating a capstone course, thesis, cumulative examination and dissertation according to the program.
  • Pace Many online writing degree programs in finance are self-paced in an asynchronous learning environment allowing students to take as many classes as time allows at a given time. Additionally, the notion of a traditional school year is augmented with many classes starting on a rolling basis instead of just once a year.
  • Student Services Online programs offer students access to dedicated academic advisors and career advisors to help answer questions about your future. Students studying online will have access to substantive student services to help them succeed in school and land a job after graduating by leveraging the schools career counselors and alumni network.

What Colleges Offer Creative Writing Degrees?

A number of regionally or nationally accredited colleges or universities offer creative writing degrees and creative writing certificates. The most important thing to keep in mind is to find the best degree program for you.

Take the time to perform deep research on the programs found on this resource page by simply requesting information from schools that fit you or utilize our proprietary matching system to find the perfect school for you. Once you have information from a number of top schools, you can narrow down the list to a few programs and submit an application for admissions online.

Remember to stay organized, focus on what is important to you, and seek to learn valuable skills transferrable to the workplace during your course of study.

Requirements for Creative Writing Students

Though any individual may endeavor to pursue creative writing, there is a variety of programs that encourage and educate one in the methods and processes involved in creative writing. These programs can range from the associate level to high level graduate degrees, with higher level degrees often exploring theoretical and educational aspects of writing and allowing for employment in colleges and universities. Newer programs may also focus on a wider area of writing, including television and screenwriting.

A curriculum in creative writing may include a number of the following learning domains:

  • Fiction Writing
  • Introduction to Poetry
  • Comparative Literature
  • Writing for Television
  • Writing for Genres
  • Creative Nonfiction
  • Memoir Writing
  • Screenplay Writing
  • Magazine Writing
  • Writing Mysteries and Thrillers
  • Spirituality
  • The Art of the Sentence
  • History-Based Fiction
  • Young Adult Novel
  • Short Stories

Employment Opportunities for Writers

Individuals with an education or interest in creative writing may pursue employment in a variety of fields. This includes screen and television writing, short or long form fiction, poetry, and other such writing endeavors.

Success in writing may not be immediate as it is a field that requires experience and acknowledgement in order to be successful, and as such many individuals turn to related occupations that utilize the skills earned through creative writing, such as technical writing, advertising, and teaching positions.

What Can You Do with a Creative Writing Degree?

By earning a degree in creative writing, students can set themselves up to work in a number of capacities across various industries. Creative writers can find themselves working for public institutions, government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations in any number of industries. A list of top job titles you can earn with a creative writing degree include:

  • Advertising copywriter
  • Arts administrator
  • Technical Writer
  • Creative director
  • Reporter
  • Digital copywriter
  • Editorial assistant
  • Blogger
  • Copywriter
  • Lexicographer
  • Public relations specialist
  • Magazine journalist
  • Newspaper journalist
  • Writer

Writers Salary and Job Growth

Salary for writers will depend highly on one's position and can be incredibly low, or incredibly high based on the type of work one finds and pursues.  The median annual income for a creative writer is $61,240 with the top 10% averaging $118,640 a year and the bottom ten percent making $29,380 a year.

Job growth for creative writing is expected to remain steady over the coming decade.  Publishing opportunities for writers today has never been better.  Mediums and applications that support the writing community are abounded to provide examples of quality work and inspiration.  Employment opportunities will vary based on the type of work pursued based on work experience, writing prowess, and exposure.

Largest Employers of Creative Writers
1. Advertising and PR Firms 7,000
2. Publishers 4,970
3. Independent Authors 3,640
4. Motion Picture Industry 3,460
5. Technical Consultants 2,370
States with the Highest Employment of Creative Writers
California 8,380
New York 6,790
Texas 2,060
Florida 1,830
Massachusetts 1,580
Top Paying States for Creative Writers
1. District of Columbia $97,970
2. California $95,920
3. New York $83,060
4. Maryland $80,110
5. Colorado $74,660

Resources for English Speaking Writers

Individuals interested in the creative writing option may also be interested in general writing, rhetoric & composition, playwriting & screenwriting, communications, or technical & business writing. Trade associations in writing may be worth the investment of time and money for those serious about creative writing. Organizations to investigate provide advice and insights to help propel your career and may include:

  • Novelists Incorporated
  • Writers Relief - NEA
  • American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
  • Author's Guild (AG)
  • The National Writers Union (NWU)

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