The creative writing major is a very popular one at universities, apparently. As of 2013, almost 48,000 students were pursuing a bachelors in creative writing in America alone. In the UK, the number of undergraduates majoring in creative writing is also on the rise.
But why should you, as a future creative writer, study at a university and get a degree in this field? We take a look at the perks of an English Literature degree with a creative writing major.
Unexpected Career Opportunities
One of the great things about a creative writing degree is that it can open up a lot of possibilities in terms of career. Whether you want to become a full-time author or just gain enough in-house experience to get a job in publishing, the opportunities are there.
According to the Creative Writing majors online, almost 24% of students reported that their degree helped them to secure a job in creative writing. That’s good news for those hoping to break into the field, especially as the number of roles available is on the rise. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2018, there will be a significant increase in demand for writers and journalism graduates. So, if you’ve got a degree in literature and you’re hoping to make a career out of writing, now might be a good time to do so.
If you want to go the traditional route and gain a career in publishing, the same source predicts that the demand for literary agents will also increase by 2018. And who knows – maybe you’ll even end up working with one of the big six publishers!
A Degree That Will Help You Stand Out From The Crowd
Whether you decide to enter the creative writing field as a career or just to further your education, an English Literature degree with a creative writing minor will not only get you there quicker but also make you a more competitive candidate for the job. A report by the Creative Writing Grad student magazine states that 54% of employers think that a creative writing degree will help you get a job, as opposed to 20% who think that a business administration degree will do the same. That’s pretty high, considering that a majority of respondents were unaware of the differences between a creative writing and an English degree.
The fact that creative writing is seen as a distinct undergraduate major means that you will stand out from the crowd. Whether you see yourself as a future author or a journalist, having a degree in creative writing will place you above the competition.
An Education In The Humanities
The rise in popularity of creative writing as an undergraduate major might simply be due to the fact that students want to explore different genres and participate in a wide range of writing activities. So much of a bachelors in literature is dedicated to the classics, yet these are not always the most popular options. If you’re looking for a major that will gain you the most employment opportunities, consider the humanities – especially in terms of English Literature. This is a field that offers you a lot of variety, allowing you to specialise in one area or explore a number of different ones.
Whether you decide to write a novel, short story, or article for the English graduate magazine, having a degree in the humanities will give you the flexibility to explore a variety of different writing activities. If you’re a particularly skilled writer, you might even be able to get a job as a Creative Writing TA – teaching other students the craft of writing. This is an area where you can really make a name for yourself.
An Education In The Arts
While the majority of graduates from a bachelors in English Literature are likely to secure a job in publishing or as a creative writing tutor, this is certainly not the case for all students. If you’re looking for a degree that will land you a job in the arts, consider applying for an English degree with an Arts component. This can be a useful option if you want to explore a range of different art forms and gain a greater understanding of different cultures.
In terms of future employment opportunities, the degree will not bring with it the same prestige that an English Literature degree does. However, it can open up a number of different doors for you, allowing you to explore a wide range of artistic opportunities. From stage management to marketing, the list of jobs available is vast.
A Degree That Will Help You Cultivate Your Creative Instincts
If you’ve got a genuine interest in literature, writing, and the arts, then getting a degree in these areas can only be a good thing. During your studies, you will have the chance to participate in a number of writing activities – from short stories to plays to art installations. Not only will this allow you to develop your own creative skills, but it will also give you the opportunity to try out new things.
During your studies, you will have the chance to participate in a number of writing activities – from short stories to plays to art installations. Not only will this allow you to develop your own creative skills, but it will also give you the opportunity to try out new things. For example, if you’ve always wanted to write for the stage but don’t think that having a degree will open up this opportunity, consider pursuing a degree in English Literature with an Arts component. This can be a useful option if you want to explore a range of different art forms and gain a greater understanding of different cultures.
There are plenty of perks to a creative writing degree, not to mention a potentially successful career afterwards. If you’ve got a genuine interest in literature, writing, and the arts, then getting a degree in these areas can only be a good thing. An English Literature degree will get you further in your career than most other degrees, but a creative writing degree can also open up a world of opportunities for you.