Creative writing is a broad field that can encompass a variety of creative outlets. From short stories to screenplays, novelizations to radio drama, there is a creative writing degree that can help you find your perfect match.
If you’re wondering why more and more students are choosing creative writing as a major, here are a few interesting tidbits about the subject.
The Degrees
You might be surprised to learn that many colleges and universities offer Bachelors in Creative Writing. Even more surprisingly, these degrees don’t require you to have any specific literary training or knowledge. This opens up a world of possibilities for aspiring writers.
For those who want to become published authors, screenwriters, or playwrights, this is a great option. You won’t need to worry about finding work in your chosen field, as there will be plenty of opportunities.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Creative Writing which require you to take at least one English course. The advantage of this option is that you will gain valuable training in various areas of creative writing. Whether you’re interested in screenwriting, shortstory writing, or playwriting, you will have the opportunity to explore different techniques and gain some invaluable knowledge.
Career Prospects
With more and more students choosing to study creative writing, it’s important to take a look at the careers that can arise from this major. While many degrees can lead you to a variety of careers, here are a few examples of what jobs you might be able to get with a Bachelors in Creative Writing.
- Screenwriter
- Novelist
- Playwright
- Journalist
- Editor
- Blogger
If you decide that a career in creative writing is not for you, there are plenty of other options. However, if you like brainstorming, being able to come up with ideas, and expressing yourself through written words, then this is a path you should seriously consider.
The Demand For Creative Writing Degrees
While many students choose to study creative writing as a major, there is a distinct lack of qualified teachers available to guide them through the studies needed to become a professional in the field.
With more and more students choosing to study creative writing, and fewer and fewer qualified teachers able to train them, it’s no wonder that students are looking for creative writing degrees and trying to find the best fit for their own personal tastes. Some of the most sought-after publications in the industry for writing jobs are listed below.
Top-Notch Training
One of the things that makes creative writing degrees so appealing to students is that many of these programs will give you extensive training in the areas where you need it most. While it’s important to learn to write concisely and correctly, it’s also important to learn how to write the type of content that will make you famous.
If you want to be a successful screenwriter, it’s important to learn how to write compelling characters, how to build suspense, and how to shoot and edit a film. All of these things require a solid grasp of grammar and language, but more importantly, they require someone with talent and imagination. If you want to be a novelist, it’s important to learn how to write a gripping story that keeps the reader turning the pages, how to create a compelling setting, and how dialogue can make or break a scene.
Variety Of Mediums
One of the things that makes creative writing degrees so interesting is that practically every major in creative writing will let you pursue your passion for writing in a variety of different mediums and platforms. This will give you the opportunity to specialize and become an expert in your field. While many writing majors will teach you to write for the screen, stage, or novel, they will also teach you how to write short stories, poems, or even magazine articles. If you want to write a non-fiction book, you will have the opportunity to learn how to do so. What’s more is many of these programs will give you the training and experience to become a full-fledged publisher.
Broad Training
In addition to giving you practical training in the areas that you need it most, many of these programs will also give you the theoretical training that you need to understand what you’re learning. Even more impressively, many of these programs will give you the opportunity to specialize in various fields. If you’re particularly interested in film, you will be able to take classes that will give you a firm grasp of all the theoretical and practical elements of screenwriting. The same goes for novel writing or journalism. The list of theoretical classes that you can take is incredible and ranges from creative writing theory to business management to psychology.
If you have a specific area of interest, you should consider the variety of classes that are available and tailor your schedule to fit around your studies. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge, you will develop valuable skills that will help you in your chosen career. From copywriting to editing, from web content to literary criticism, you will have the opportunity to develop essential skills that will help you succeed in the creative writing field.
At the end of the day, when you choose to study creative writing, you will not be disappointed. From teaching assistants to administrative staff, to published authors, all of whom have a story to tell, you will find people who are willing to help you along the way.