A degree in creative writing can be useful if you want to become a professional writer or editor. If writing is something you enjoy doing, then perhaps consider pursuing a degree in literary arts, English, or communication. You may also want to read other posts on this blog to learn more about the different types of creative writing degrees offered at various universities across the country.
What Will You Study?
Since you’re deciding whether or not to study creative writing, you may as well find out what you’re getting into. You’ll have a chance to explore many different subjects, including literature, arts, and business. One of the most popular creative writing degrees among students is the MFA in creative writing at UNC-Chapel Hill. According to the school, applicants must have a background in the arts or sciences, with a strong interest in pursuing a career in writing. In addition, you must have a writing sample, which can be a short story, play, or poem. The school also looks at your writing portfolio and interviews to assess your creativity and originality.
How Is Graduation From This Degree?
When you graduate from the MFA program at UNC-Chapel Hill, you will be able to pursue a job in creative writing. Many of the schools that offer these degrees require that you complete your studies within four years. However, the number of schools that offer graduate degrees is increasing, so you may be able to extend your studies for a couple of years. The majority of the schools that offer this degree will also help you get your MFA. You’re starting to see a trend here.
The Benefits
Apart from providing you with a place to further your studies, getting an MFA in creative writing can also provide you with some unique opportunities. Many universities that offer these degrees will allow you to work on campus, or at least in a nearby creative writing center, which can give you a chance to network and find some extra motivation to practice your craft. The degree may also be required for some publishing houses, which can help open up more opportunities for you.
The Drawbacks
As with any other graduate degree, there are some drawbacks to getting an MFA in creative writing. One of the obvious ones is that it’s a lot of work. It takes a good amount of time to complete your studies at a top university, which may require you to spend more than a couple of years in school. In addition, you may not have a clear idea of what you’ll be getting into, since many universities offer a variety of degrees in creative writing. You may want to consider doing some research online, or at least talking to other students who have recently graduated to get an idea of what to expect.
Getting Into This Degree
Since you’ll be studying at a top university, you may have to deal with some fierce competition for places. According to Niche, there are typically about four to six qualified applicants for every place in an MFA in creative writing program. So, if you’re looking to get into this degree, make sure you stand out from the crowd by performing exceptionally well academically. In addition, be sure to apply early, as you’ll want to make a good impression on the admissions officials, especially if you’re applying to a highly selective program. Finally, be sure to visit the school’s website, or at least look at their social media pages, to get a feel for what the admissions experience is like.