You may be wondering what creative writing major you can pair with your minor in English. Believe it or not, there’s more than one way to answer that question. Depending on what you’re looking for, you may find several different combinations that can get you there. Let’s explore a few of them.
MFA
If you’re looking for a fully-fledged creative writing degree, then an MFA is what you need to go for. An MFA in creative writing is a three-year degree that can put you in the running for a lucrative literary publishing or magazine career. Having an MFA will also enhance your ability to write creatively for television or motion pictures. It’s a valuable degree to have. In fact, it’s considered to be among the most valuable and prestigious of all creative writing degrees.
Some of the best-known creative writing MFA programs include:
- The Master of Fine Arts at The University of Iowa
- The MFA in Creative Writing at The University of Southampton
- The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at The University of Central Florida
- The MFA in Creative Writing at Rice University
- The MFA in Creative Writing at The University of Texas at Austin
- The MFA in Creative Writing at Vanderbilt University
All of these degrees have three years of full-time study and coursework. You’ll be expected to publish a substantial amount of creative work and participate in a variety of group projects and residencies. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to teach creative writing and literature classes as a part of your educational role. It’s a demanding curriculum, but it’s one that will pay off in spades if you want to be taken seriously as a creative writer. An MFA can open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.
MA
If you have a strong background in writing and an interest in pursuing a creative writing career, then a MA in Creative Writing is likely what you need. A MA in Creative Writing is awarded after you’ve completed either an MFA or a related graduate coursework. You’ll be trained in a number of different areas, including literature, media literacy, and research techniques. In addition, you’ll gain professional skills in pitching your work to publishers or agents, and getting your writing published online or in print. It’s a great choice for students who want to become professional creative writers, but don’t have the time to pursue an advanced degree.
Some of the best MA Creative Writing programs include:
- The MA in Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- The MA in Creative Writing at the University of South Carolina
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Memphis
- Master of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Delaware
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing – Online at Virginia Tech
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Georgia
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Houston
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing at the University of Florida
- The Master of Arts in Creative Writing at New York University
All of these programs have three years of full-time study and involve several different methods of creative writing instruction. In addition to classroom learning, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with experienced and acclaimed writers in a variety of reading groups and writing workshops. You’ll also be expected to take full advantage of the University’s renowned writing resources and participate in a range of literary events and activities. It’s a great opportunity to hone your craft and gain valuable experience as a creative writer.
BA
If you’re looking for a more traditional route to gaining experience and finding a secure career in creative writing, then a BA in Creative Writing (with a minor in something else) is what you need to go for. A BA in Creative Writing is often considered to be a stepping stone to a career in academia or teaching. It’s a popular choice for students who want to pursue a more traditional route to gaining experience, and who then want to go on to complete an MFA or related graduate degree. If you’re looking for a more flexible route to your dream job, however, an MFA is still considered to be the gold standard.
Some of the best-known creative writing BA programs include:
- The BA in Creative Writing at Indiana University
- The BA in Creative Writing at the University of California, Irvine
- The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at Montclair State University
- The BA in Creative Writing at Rutgers University
- The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at Virginia Tech
- The BA in Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- The BA in Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida
A two-year curriculum, combined with several internships, research, and creative writing opportunities, awaits you at each of these locations. You’ll be expected to participate in group projects, develop your professional skills, and participate in community activities. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to teach creative writing classes, as well as take part in special lectures and events. The list of options available to you is endless, but with hard work and the right combination of courses, you’ll be able to find your way to a degree that can put you in good stead for the future.
Bachelors Without Degrees
If you don’t want to go down the traditional route, and you don’t want to pursue an MFA either, then you might want to consider a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. A Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is also known as a General Studies program, and it’s often seen as a stepping stone to a career in academia or teaching. The flexibility of the program allows you to structure your studies around your own personal interests and priorities. With a BA in Creative Writing, you’ll be able to specialise in a field of study that interests you, while also getting the experience of a fully-fledged literary studies degree. If you’re looking for a more flexible route, and you don’t want to commit to an MFA, then a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is a great option.
The important thing to remember about all of these combinations is that they require you to apply for specific admission to the University you’ve chosen to attend. After you’ve been accepted, it’s then down to you to decide which program to apply for, and which courses to take. It’s a common mistake for students to apply for the most prestigious degree, without having first made sure that the University they’ve chosen is actually capable of providing the program. A good place to start is the University’s website, where you’ll be able to find all the information you need about the specific programs and their admission requirements. Be sure to read the fine print before you make any decisions. It’s not always what it seems, and there are frequently opportunities for students to study abroad which a good MFA creative writing program will take advantage of. Make sure you’re getting the best education for the money, and that you’re not being fooled by the University’s marketing spin. The internet is a great source of information when it comes to higher education, and comparing courses and graduation rates between different institutions. If you’re looking for graduate employment, then keep your eyes open for opportunities both within and outside of your chosen area of study. Good luck!