Northwestern University is a private university located in Chicago, Illinois that awards degrees in over 40 fields. Students can get an education that will prepare them for a variety of careers, whether they plan on becoming a writer or not. However, over the years, the school has emerged as a prominent academic home for those who want to pursue creative writing degrees.
While some may question whether or not a college degree in creative writing is worth it, the fact is that there are numerous jobs available that require little to no experience, but pay very well. As a result, the number of creative writing degrees awarded by Northwestern is on the rise.
The Most Popular Creative Writing Degree
Undoubtedly, one of the most popular creative writing degrees at Northwestern is the Master of Arts in Creative Writing. According to the school’s website, the program’s goal is to “develop innovative and independent thinkers who can write sensitively, imaginatively, and effectively.” Students are required to complete a master’s thesis in creative writing as part of the program’s requirements. With the ability to earn up to $40,000 a year, many students see the merit in completing this particular program.
The Master of Science in Creative Writing is also a very popular option among students interested in obtaining a writing degree. According to the school, this program’s primary goal is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to become professional writers. While many programs offer similar goals, the advantage of this particular degree is that it also focuses on the teaching of literary theory as it relates to creating original and compelling stories.
Why Are So Many Students Choosing to Study Creative Writing at Northwestern?
Northwestern University is known for its rigorous academic standards and exceptional faculty. In addition, the school offers a variety of specializations, allowing prospective students to find a course of study that suits them perfectly. With over 300 undergraduate courses available, it is clear that Northwestern has something to offer everyone.
In terms of specific concentrations, the school is most popularly known for its journalism department, which has won numerous awards for its annual festivals and student publications. To accommodate those students pursuing a career in journalism, the university has a number of specializations available, ranging from broadcast news to photography. In addition, students may complete a minor in multimedia journalism, which allows them to specialize even further and gain valuable on-the-job training skills. Students also have the option of majoring in public relations, which is another lucrative career path that offers many opportunities for those who pursue this degree.
What Does A Creative Writing Degree At Northwestern Entail?
A creative writing degree at Northwestern entails gaining practical and theoretical knowledge of the craft as well as developing critical thinking skills and originality. In addition to this, students are expected to write a number of short stories, flash plays, newspaper articles, and blogs. Furthermore, every student is required to complete a Master’s thesis or other significant project under direct supervision of a faculty member. Finally, as part of this degree, students are also required to attend classes and participate in various writing groups and forums, allowing them to further develop their skills and become part of a learning community.
A number of reputable employers are looking for candidates with degrees in creative writing. Some of the highest paying jobs for creative writing graduates include being a magazine editor, newspaper reporter, public relations professional, or radio playwright. So, while the job prospects may not be overwhelming, those who complete a creative writing degree will certainly be able to find work that pays sufficiently well.
In conclusion, prospective students may not know exactly what sort of job they will be able to obtain upon graduation with a creative writing degree, but they will certainly be qualified for many high-paying positions. In light of this, it is clear that Northwestern has something valuable to offer those who pursue this specialized degree, as well as those who simply want to become professional writers.