A creative writing professor might be the job you’re looking for. You’ll teach short stories, creative nonfiction, and flash fiction to college students. You’ll work with them on developing their own creative writing skills. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll serve as a role model and guide them in their writing journey. After all, you’re a published author who has spent a lot of time honing your craft and perfecting your storytelling. You’ll help them do the same.
What degree do I need to be a creative writing professor? Let’s explore.
A Bachelor’s Degree
If you have a bachelor’s degree in English with a creative writing concentration, then you’re set. You don’t need to pursue further studies to be considered a creative writing professor. In fact, you might already be one since many universities offer concentrations in creative writing. Moreover, many creative writing professors have English bachelor’s degrees. You don’t need to worry about finding a job or getting a promotion. You’re guaranteed to have at least some job opportunities available to you. If you do decide to pursue a master’s degree, then you’ll have access to even more teaching opportunities. More importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own area of expertise and gain more recognition. A Ph.D. might not be necessary to become a creative writing professor, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
A Master’s Degree
If you’re looking for a more established career in academia, then you should consider pursuing a master’s degree in English or a closely related field. A master’s degree will undoubtedly provide you with more opportunities for employment and promotion. If you’re looking for a more traditional career path, then a master’s degree in English might not be the best choice. However, if you have a specific interest in creative writing, then a master’s degree in English with a specialization in creative writing could be the right choice for you.
A Doctorate
If you’re looking to make a major career change and find a more established job, then a doctorate might be the ticket. A doctorate will prove that you have the academic training and the intellectual capacity to teach at the collegiate level. It also proves that you’ve made the effort to pursue broader academic knowledge and gain more experience. If you’re looking for a more traditional route to a career in academia, then a doctorate might not be the best choice since you’ll be competing with thousands of others for limited career opportunities. However, if you have a specific interest in creative writing and are looking for a more established job or higher pay, then a doctorate might be the ticket to financial security. Many creative writing professors have their doctorates. Moreover, many universities only offer doctoral degrees in creative writing or English. It’s worth noting that a doctorate doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll become a creative writing professor. You might end up doing something else with your life. Nevertheless, a doctorate will certainly put you ahead of the competition.
Specialties
Not all English professors are creative writing professors. Many professors might specialize in another area of English. The most common areas of specialization are Shakespearean English and technical English. If you want to become a creative writing professor, then you might want to consider specializing in English composition or pedagogy. Moreover, many universities only offer graduate certificates and degrees in specific areas of specialization. If you do decide to get a graduate degree, then you’ll most likely have to take a few English courses before you can specialize in creative writing. In most cases, you’ll also need to complete a master’s degree in English before you can even apply for a teaching position. If you have a genuine interest in creative writing, then you shouldn’t let any of this concern you. Just focus on getting the best education you can. This way, you’ll be sure to give yourself the best chance of becoming a creative writing professor.
Other Considerations
While getting a bachelor’s degree is all well and good, you might want to consider getting a Master’s degree or even a doctorate. The higher the degree, the more opportunities you’ll have for employment and promotion. If you’re wondering if a Ph.D. is worth it, then you should ask yourself if you have the time to invest in your education. Many academic doctors work well into their seventies. Moreover, getting a Ph.D. is usually reserved for those who have spent at least 12 years in academics. If you don’t have the time to get a Ph.D., then the bachelor’s degree might be the better option. Otherwise, it’s always nice to have multiple degrees. It will increase your chances of getting a job or a promotion. Moreover, it will also make you a more attractive candidate for academic positions since you’ll have the necessary qualifications. At the very least, it’ll make you stand out amongst the thousands of other applicants for the limited number of available teaching positions.
What degree do I need to be a creative writing professor? Let’s explore some more.