You’re in the middle of studying literature in one of the most historic universities in the U.S. when suddenly, a light bulb goes off in your head: “Hey! I can do that too!”
Creative writing is a broad term that covers a wide array of literary genres, from short stories and flash fiction to poems and plays. At Carnegie Mellon University, you can study the craft and theory of creative writing, develop your skills, and become job ready when you graduate.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in creative writing, but feel nervous about where to begin, this guide will help you figure out if CMU’s program is right for you.
Is Creative Writing for You?
First things first: Does creative writing sound like it might be fun? Do you enjoy reading and writing poetry, short stories, or plays? Do you find it therapeutic to write out your feelings and thoughts?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then CMU’s program might be for you. You’ll learn to develop your creative writing skills and become job ready for the industry. You won’t just learn to write, you’ll learn to edit, to review, and to market your work.
On the other hand, if you answered no to these questions, then maybe creative writing isn’t for you. Why? It might not be the right fit for your personality. Is it possible that you can have a successful writing career without being creative? Absolutely! Just take a look at how many successful authors there are out there. They certainly didn’t all create their work in a mad rush, by pulling inspiration from somewhere or something randomly. (In fact, some of them didn’t even start writing until well into their adult lives.)
You might also want to consider whether or not you want to teach. While it’s an amazing feeling to finally graduate from college and have the opportunity to pursue your dreams, you might find that you have a stronger desire to teach. If this is the case, then CMU’s Master of Arts in Literary Studies with a specialization in English Education might be the right choice for you. There will be plenty of opportunities to work with students as you develop your skills and gain experience. Your love for literature and desire to inspire others will no doubt serve you well in your career too.
CMU: Industry-ready or just a fancy degree?
When you’re deciding whether or not to apply to a certain program, the first thing you should consider is the industry that the program is geared toward preparing you for. Not only does this determine what classes you’ll need to take, but it gives you a better idea of the type of work that is being produced and the type of students that the school is attracting.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the movie industry, for example, you might want to consider applying to the Carnegie Mellon School of Cinematic Arts. Not only does this program offer the unique opportunity to study a subject that isn’t commonly covered in academic settings, but it also boasts an amazing alumni network that can put you in touch with countless job opportunities. Sound like a good fit?
On the other hand, if you’re looking to pursue a career in advertising, you might want to consider applying to the Columbia University School of Journalism. Not only does this program give you the opportunity to gain experience that you wouldn’t get if you were just entering the field, but it also allows you to study a subject that is rapidly growing in importance. Advertising isn’t just about selling products anymore. It’s about connecting with and engaging with audiences in interesting ways that make them feel something, tell them something about the product, and hopefully, lead them to buy it. (Which is, of course, the whole point of advertising.)
What’s the Difference between an MFA and a BFA?
Once you’ve decided that you might want to pursue a Master’s degree, the next step is to figure out what type of degree you’ll need to get there. This is a very common question amongst emerging writers, and the answer is: it depends. It depends on your intended career, your past academic performance, and the size of the program you’ve chosen.
If you’ve decided that you want to become a writer and are looking for an MFA, then you might want to consider applying to one of the many MFA programs available. These are usually four years of intense study, with courses that focus on both theory and practice, and can involve up to a year of full-time study abroad (if access is available).
On the other hand, if you’ve decided to go the route of a Bachelor’s degree and are looking for a specific focus, then you might want to consider applying to one of the many BFA programs available. These are usually two years of study, with a more traditional curriculum that will teach you the basic elements of creative writing and eventually lead you to apply for a Master’s degree. (Not all BFA programs are created equal, though. Make sure you go with a reputable school that can put you in touch with tons of job opportunities upon graduation.)
Why Study at a Heritage University When You Can Get the Same Education At a Business School?
If you’re coming from a non-English speaking background and aren’t sure what type of education you’ll need to pursue your chosen career, then it might be well worth your while to study at a university that is well-known for its teaching. (Yes, even non-English speaking students can apply for financial aid to study at a university that offers a foreign language. Just make sure that you do your research before you start applying for loans.)
You might think that a business-oriented degree will get you closer to your dream job. While it’s true that many of the jobs that you’ll find upon graduation will be in business, that doesn’t mean that a degree from a reputable university won’t help you find a job in creative writing. After all, being able to write well and creatively can certainly make you stand out among other applicants. And who knows? Maybe business school will even open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
The key is to look for the best possible job you can find, not just the one that is closest to your desired career. Every graduate needs to be prepared for the jobs that are available at the moment they graduate. While it’s always great to have a dream job in mind, it’s also essential to be able to adapt to whatever comes your way. (This is one of the reasons why it’s always a good idea to study abroad as an undergraduate. You’ll be able to take your degree with you and be fully prepared for what lies ahead.)
The Difference Between A Master’s and A Doctoral Degree In Creative Writing
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to pursue a Master’s degree in creative writing, the next step is to choose which type of Master’s degree you’ll be seeking: A Master’s in English or a Master’s in Literature?
As previously stated, not all Master’s degrees in creative writing are created equal. You might want to consider applying for a Master’s in English with a concentration in creative writing. This type of degree will give you the opportunity to study literature in depth and develop your vocabulary as you learn to express yourself through written and spoken word. (And remember: spoken word is just as important as written word. Your ability to speak with ease and fluency will undoubtedly help you in your career too.)
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a program that will prepare you for a career in literature and can also lead you to a doctorate degree, then you might want to consider applying to one of CMU’s many PhD programs in English Literature.
Both of these degrees will give you a strong foundation in your chosen field, as well as the tools to become a successful and independent writer. Which one will you choose?