There are so many benefits to studying creative writing in a virtual college environment, but perhaps the most attractive feature is that you can do so at your own pace. While some students might want to dive into their chosen field and get a job as soon as possible, you might want to take the time to master the basics first.
This is why we’ve put together this complete guide on learning creative writing in California. It will introduce you to the different types of courses, the admission requirements, and much more. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the right creative writing course for you.
Which Creative Writing Degrees Do You Need To Pursue?
As previously stated, not all creative writing degrees are created equal. There are four distinct types of creative writing degrees, and we’ll walk you through the basics of what they are and which one to choose.
MFA In Creative Writing
The most popular type of creative writing course out there is the MFA in Creative Writing. What is an MFA? It stands for Master of Fine Arts, and it is a general degree that can be applied toward a range of fields, including creative writing. Because it is such a broad degree, it is also the most popular choice for students who want to become novelists or short story writers. It is, however, extremely competitive to get into an MFA in Creative Writing. You’ll need to either have an impressive writing portfolio or have the backing of a university or college.
MA In Creative Writing
The MA in Creative Writing is essentially the same as the MFA in Creative Writing, but it is offered at a less prestigious level and is open to a wider audience. Why are these degrees less prestigious? It’s simple. The more letters that follow a degree, the more prestigious it is. A MA in Creative Writing is thus the same as an MFA in Creative Writing, but it is not as well-known or prestigious. It is often a good option for those seeking job progression in an already established industry, such as law, public relations, or business. With more people pursuing bachelor’s degrees, it is essential that you do your research and find the right course for your needs.
BA In Creative Writing
A bachelor’s degree in creative writing, often shortened to just a BA, is the least prestigious of the four degrees we’ll discuss here. However, you should not underestimate the value of this degree. What is a bachelor’s degree? It is the first degree you will need to get before you can pursue further studies. When applied toward a career in creative writing, a BA in Creative Writing is essentially the same as an MFA in Creative Writing, but it is the entry-level degree. It will get you foot in the door, so to speak, and maybe even afford you the opportunity to pursue an MFA or MA in Creative Writing. As a general rule of thumb, if you are looking for job progression or want to enter an already established industry, a BA in Creative Writing is a good option.
What Type Of Creative Writing Degrees Do You Need To Pursue?
In order to specialize in creative writing, you’ll need to have either an MFA or a BA in the subject. Let’s examine each of these options in more detail and see which one suits you best.
MFA In Creative Writing
An MFA in Creative Writing is the first and, often, only step you’ll need to take in order to pursue a career in writing. It is a very popular degree among students who want to become established novelists or short story writers. There are various routes to an MFA in Creative Writing. You can either follow the traditional route and get a graduate degree in Creative Writing from a reputable university or college, or you can complete several short-lived certificates or degrees in different areas of creative writing. The advantage of the traditional route is that you will be able to network with other aspiring writers and get a feel for what is entailed in being a professional.
An MFA in Creative Writing will make you well-suited for job progression in an already established industry, such as law, public relations, or business. Not only will you have the required skillset, but you’ll also have the opportunity to network and make contacts in these industries. An MFA in Creative Writing is thus a good degree to pursue if you want to become a successful writer.
MA In Creative Writing
A master’s degree in creative writing is often the next step in a writer’s or artist’s career. It is a good choice for those who want to become editors or critics of literary journals or anthologies. It’s also a popular qualification for university career counseling centers, as it is a versatile degree that can be applied toward a number of fields, including literature, linguistics, and communication. A master’s degree in Creative Writing is a recognized degree that can open up a range of opportunities for you.
A master’s degree in Creative Writing is very similar to an MFA in Professional Writing, with the main difference being that it is a less formal and more open to a wider audience. Because it is a generalized degree, it is open to a range of careers, from newspaper reporters to advertising copywriters, from magazine fiction editors to technical writing. A master’s degree in Creative Writing is thus a good option for anyone who wants to progress in their chosen field.
BA In Creative Writing
A bachelor’s degree in creative writing is the least formal of the four degrees we’ve discussed here and, as a result, it is often the first option for students who are unsure of what career path to take. A bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing is thus a good choice for those who want to become full-time freelance writers or enter an already established industry. It is also a popular choice for those who want to become filmmakers and are looking for a way to finance their education.
Although a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing is not as well-known or as prestigious as an MFA or MA in the subject, you should not underestimate it. A lot of very successful and well-known writers started out with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. It is thus a very viable option for those who want to enter an already established industry or want to become a full-time freelance writer.