The Creative Writing major provides students with a common ground to explore their creative side and develop their skills. Creative writing is a broad discipline that can be applied throughout all walks of life, be it fiction or non-fiction, and can be used to express a variety of feelings and thoughts. This major allows students to explore a variety of themes and gain relevant real-world experience. It also provides them with a wide range of career opportunities since the employment rates for creative writing majors are on the rise.
Why Choose Creative Writing?
If you’re looking for a major that can put you ahead of the pack, then you should consider the creative writing major. According to the 2018 U.S. News and World Report, the average college graduate has a monthly debt of $1,024. With graduation rates at an all-time high and the job market still struggling, students are looking for ways to pay off their huge student loans. If you’re determined to graduate with no debts, then you should aim to major in creative writing.
The popularity of creative writing is due largely to the fact that it’s such a versatile major. With no specific requirements and a wide range of courses to choose from, you’re bound to find something that suits your interests. It can be applied to many different areas of study and opened up a huge range of career opportunities for students who complete it.
What is a Creative Writing Major?
Creative writing is a major that you can study for either an undergraduate or a graduate degree. You will study different forms of writing such as fiction, non-fiction, and plays. For an undergraduate degree, you must complete a B.A. in English or Creative Writing. In order to graduate, you must complete either an M.A. or a Ph.D. in English. The average salary for a creative writing major is around $47,000 per year.
What Can You Do With A Creative Writing Major?
As previously stated, the career prospects for a creative writing major are looking up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for creative writing majors are at an all-time high with no signs of slowing down.
With an increasing number of students pursuing their creative writing degrees, the demand for engaging and immersive educational environments is rising. Universities are responding by creating more specialized centers that offer intensive workshops and small class sizes.
If you’re looking to make your creative writing degree count, then you should look to take part in these specialized workshops since they will help you develop your practical skills and gain real-world experience. Some of the things you will learn in these workshops include how to effectively write a query letter, how to pitch a story, and how to develop characters and stories.
A Variety Of Careers Available
Not only will a degree in creative writing put you ahead of the pack when it comes to career prospects, but it will also provide you with a variety of careers that you can pursue. If you’re looking to make a change and are determined to pursue a career that you feel passionate about, then you should consider a creative writing major. You will learn a variety of skills that can be applied to many different sectors and industries including publishing, journalism, and advertising.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 there were 613,900 job openings for writers and journalists. In 2022, this figure is anticipated to rise by 16% to 731,700 job openings.
Based on the growing demand and opportunities for writers and journalists, graduate students are flocking to study this popular major.
A Popular Major With Gen Z
In order to attract younger students to their English or Creative Writing departments, many schools are looking to change the way they present themselves. One strategy is to invest in technology so they can provide specialized, personalized learning experiences for students. In addition to this, many universities are also exploring the use of career advisors and mentors who work in conjunction with student affairs or career services to help students discover their passions, interests, and skills.
When it comes to the English or Creative Writing major, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You will study a variety of topics including fiction, non-fiction, and plays, so you will be exposed to a variety of genres and styles. This means you will learn how to approach tasks and opportunities in a flexible way and how to better utilize whatever skills and talents you may have. If you’re looking to make your creative writing degree count, then you should consider a variety of paths that you can follow including teaching, journalism, and publishing.
More Than Meets The Eye
The English or Creative Writing major provides you with much more than you may initially think. It’s not just about writing. In fact, a large portion of your studies will involve critical reading, analyzing, and synthesizing of texts. This is something that you will learn to do for academic papers, dissertations, and scholarly articles. It also helps you develop your analytical skills which are vital for any walk of life, be it professional or personal.
According to the English department at the State University of New York at Cortland, “a creative writing major is a comprehensive major that integrates theory and practice in a way that prepares you to effectively engage with the real world. Whether you pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or marketing, your studies in this major will put you ahead of the pack.”
Choosing a major involves a lot of thought and consideration. You will want to choose an area of interest that you feel passionate about and that will allow you to gain the most from your studies. You should also consider the employment opportunities that exist for your chosen major and whether you will be able to find a tutor that suits your needs and interests. A good major overview can be found at monroe.edu/depts/english/education/academic_programs/creative_writing/index.aspx.