With all the different specializations out there, the idea of being a creative writer can seem almost impossible to achieve.
Whether it’s novels, short stories, or screenplays, the list of creative writing specialties seems endless. Still, the idea of being a creative writer and making a career out of it seems more achievable than ever.
What is a masters in creative writing (MSc.), and how long does it take to complete?
We’ll answer these questions and more in this educational article.
What Is A Masters In Creative Writing?
For those who want to pursue a masters in creative writing, here’s a good overview of what that entails.
A masters in creative writing is a two-year full-time program that teaches students the theoretical and practical sides of creative writing. Students learn to analyze genres and styles, build a portfolio, and give informative critiques. Most importantly, they learn to think creatively and write effectively.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the worldwide demand for professional creative writers and editors will grow 21% year from 2020 to 2025.
Why should you pursue a masters in creative writing?
Good question. Here are some reasons.
A Career As A Creative Writer
With the increasing demand for freelance writers and editors, it’s no surprise that so many individuals are considering a career in creative writing. In fact, freelance writing and editing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. In 2022, there will be a huge shortage of skilled freelance writers and editors, and many prestigious institutions, such as the MFA, have adjusted their curriculum to include specialized training in creative writing.
If you have a flair for writing and the theoretical background behind it, a masters in creative writing can open many professional doors. There are several fields that you can pursue after you graduate, such as magazine editing, newspaper editing, or corporate communications. If you’re looking for a stable career with a growing field, a masters in creative writing could be the ticket.
Specializations
Besides teaching you the theoretical and practical sides of creative writing, a masters in creative writing at CSUSM will give you a chance to specialize in different areas. Depending on your interests, you can further specialize in fiction, non-fiction, or screenwriting.
You can even become an expert in a specific field of creative writing and apply what you’ve learned. For example, if you’re interested in romance, you can specialize in romantic fiction and become an expert in writing love stories. This, in turn, can land you some fantastic jobs if you live in the right place. For a comprehensive list of opportunities, consult the NACE job board.
The Range Of Topics
In the first two years of a masters in creative writing at CSUSM, you will learn a variety of valuable skills. To name a few:
- Advanced grammar and punctuation
- Professional standards for writers
- Research methods and tools
- Creative writing pedagogy
- Introduction to psychology
- Introduction to film theory
- Introduction to comics theory
- Introduction to digital story-telling
- Introduction to digital publishing
- Creating digital story-boarding apps
- Introduction to advertising
- Introduction to copywriting
The Course Syllabus
The course syllabus for a masters in creative writing is quite comprehensive. Here’s a good overview:
- Masters in Creative Writing: An Outline of the Program
- An Introduction to Creative Writing
- Genres and Styles
- Theory of Narrative
- Research Methods and Tools
- Creative Writing Process
- Specialization
- Portfolio Development
- Thesis and Dissertation
- Career Opportunities
How Long Does A Masters In Creative Writing Take To Complete?
So you’re headed to college and planning to major in creative writing. What exactly does that mean, and when do you have to start paying back all that money you spent on your university education?
A good question. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Two Years
After you apply for admission and are accepted, you will be required to complete two years of study. This includes about 40 hours per week, and often includes a combination of on-campus and online classes. This is a full-time commitment, so you’ll need to be prepared to study 12 to 14 hours per day.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the nationwide demand for skilled freelance writers and editors will grow 21% year from 2020 to 2025.
Starting in the fall of your second year, you will start taking classes that are directly related to your chosen specialty. For example, if you’re a fiction writer, you will take classes in novel writing, creative writing, or writing for adolescents. Depending on your interests, you can even take a hybrid course that includes teaching you theoretical principles and applying them to professional practice.
After you graduate, a typical employer will expect you to have a solid portfolio and be able to prove your worth with some sample work. For this reason, you won’t be able to officially begin your career until about a year after you graduate.
Full-time
Since this is a demanding program, expecting you to study full-time is not unusual. In fact, as an enrolled student, you are required to maintain a minimum academic average (based on a 4.0 scale) throughout your college career. This can put extra pressure on you if you’re already behind on your classes. To make matters worse, many graduate school institutions require a thesis or dissertation as part of the degree. This can be quite the learning curve if you’re not prepared for it.
MSc.
The Masters in Creative Writing is quite a mouthful, isn’t it? Here are some universities that offer the MSc in creative writing: