The common application for admission to the California State University Channel Islands
universities asks prospective students a series of questions regarding their intended
major. One of these questions is:
How long is a Master of Creative Writing degree at CSUSM?
The answer is three years, which is about the same as many other California State
Universities (CSUs). The only difference is that one of the Channel Islands,
California
Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), requires students to take only two years for
their M.S. in Creative Writing.
The Cal Tech Creative Writing program was founded in 1955 and is one of the six
original schools of the California Institute of Technology. Students who graduate with
an M.S. in Creative Writing from Cal Tech will be well prepared for any creative
writing job in fiction, nonfiction, or screenplay writing.
Why Is a CSUSM Master of Creative Writing Degree Different From
Others?
While all the other CSUs have a three-year M.S. in Creative Writing, students at
CSUSM are expected to complete a thesis (the master’s project). For their thesis
projects, CSUSM graduate students can take inspiration from many different sources
including but not limited to:
- literature (e.g., Frankenstein, The Old Man and the Sea, The Lord of the
Rings) - film (e.g., Black Swan, Hugo, Inception)
- comics (e.g., Watchmen, Animal House, Doctor Strange)
- drama (e.g., Romeo and
Juliet, The Crucible) - video games
- real-life events (e.g., 9/11, Hurricane Katrina)
In other words, when you graduate with a Master of Creative Writing degree from
CSUSM, you will not only have a strong base of knowledge but you will also be able to
apply that knowledge in a meaningful way to a real-life setting.
What Will A CSUSM Master of Creative Writing Degree
Look Like?
Depending on your school, upon graduation you will receive a certificate or a
diploma. Some of the courses you will take include:
- English Composition I
- English Composition II
- Creative
Writing: Introduction to Literature - Creative Writing: Literature From 1900–1950
- Literary
Theory - Modern and Contemporary Literature
- Research Design and Practice
- Research
Ethics and Practice
You will also take classes in specialized areas such as rhetoric, composition,
history, or literature. There are also a variety of elective courses that you can take
to further expand your knowledge.
How Does CSUSM Compare to Other Universities When It
comes to Financial Aid?
Unlike many other universities, Cal Tech does not offer funding for
students. Therefore, the only way you can apply for financial aid is through
private donations or through institutional grants and loans. According to the
university, there are several scholarships available for students who are
committing to full-time study.
In order to be considered for these scholarships, you will need to
submit a completed application form to the university’s financial aid office. On that
form, you will need to include your name, the name of the university you are
applying to, your birthdate, your citizenship, and your intended major. You will also
need to provide official copies of your ACT/SAT scores and a copy of your high school
diploma or GED.
Once the university determines your eligibility for these scholarships,
they will notify you by mail. You will then have six months to complete your
studies.
Is A CSUSM Master of Creative Writing Degree Worth
Enrolling In?
If you are looking to further your education and are considering a
California State University, then you should definitely consider CSUSM. Not only does it
have one of the most respected English Department in the state but it also offers a
practical degree that you can use right away in a job interview. The only downside is
that the tuition is a bit higher than at other California State Universities. Still, the
opportunities for further learning and the job prospects after graduation are so
worth it.
Where Can I Study Creative Writing At CSUSM?
There are several options for students who want to study creative writing
at CSUSM. Here are the various types of housing available to you:
- On-campus Living: In this scenario you will live in one of the beautiful
residences on the California State University, San Marcos, campus. The residence
facilities typically provide you with a communal sense of community while also giving
you the opportunity to meet new people and make some new friends. In addition, many
off-campus apartments and houses also provide you with a sense of privacy, if that is
what you are looking for. - Off-Campus Living: In this scenario you will
live either in an apartment, a house, or a condo that is located either on or off
campus. Whether you choose to live off-campus or on, you will have the opportunity to
take advantage of the city’s renowned restaurant scene, nightlife, and cultural
events. In addition, you will have easy access to the university’s diverse group of
academic and athletic facilities. Finally, living off-campus will also provide you with
a more independent lifestyle, which some students may find appealing. - Residential Study Abroad: In
this scenario you will live either in an apartment, a house, or a condo that is
located either on or off campus. Whether you choose to live off-campus or on, you will
have the opportunity to take advantage of the city’s renowned restaurant scene,
nightlife, and cultural events. In addition, you will have easy access to the
university’s diverse group of academic and athletic facilities. Finally, living
abroad will also provide you with a more independent lifestyle, which some students
may find appealing. - Live/Work Space: In this scenario you will either rent a
studio or apartment that is located either on or off campus. Whether you choose to
live in a shared space or in an individual apartment, you will have the opportunity to
take advantage of the city’s renowned restaurant scene, nightlife, and cultural
events. In addition, you will have easy access to the university’s diverse group of
academic and athletic facilities. Finally, living in a residential space will
provide you with a better sense of community, which some students may find appealing. - Dormitory: In
this scenario you will live in one of the university’s comfortable dormitories
that offer you a sense of privacy and a place to study. If you want to be connected
to the city’s vibrant culture and enjoy the company of other students, then living
in a dormitory is the perfect option for you. - Apartment: In this scenario you will
either rent an apartment or condo that is located either on or off campus. Whether you
choose to live in a shared space or in an individual apartment, you will have the
opportunity to take advantage of the city’s renowned restaurant scene, nightlife, and
cultural events. In addition, you will have easy access to the university’s diverse
group of academic and athletic facilities. Finally, living in an apartment will
provide you with a more independent lifestyle, which some students may find appealing.
For more information about the California State University Channel Islands
universities, please visit their website at https://www.csusm.edu/ or contact
their financial aid office at 800-538-4788. You can also visit the website of
the California Institute of Technology, which offers the M.S. in Creative Writing
program, http://www.technology.caltech.edu/owl/graduate/creative-writing/. And,
lastly, you can contact the admissions office at 562-883-5555 or visit
http://admissions.caltech.edu/ for more information about Cal Tech.