Creative writing provides an in-demand skill set, allowing students to pursue a range of careers. It also offers a way to explore a range of topics, allowing students to become well-rounded individuals.
A creative writing major can also be a stepping stone to a career in journalism, advertising, or even publishing. The opportunities are endless!
While creative writing is often seen as a minor or an extension of English, journalism, or English literature, it is, in fact, a stand-alone major. Since 1909, the University of Iowa has offered Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in creative writing and since 1952, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has offered a similar major. With a focus on both fiction and non-fiction, these degrees prepare students for a career in the field of creative writing.
The Rising Popularity
As print media continues to decline in terms of readership, the appetite for content grows. To keep readers engaged, content must be both diverse and compelling. This is where storytelling, or narrative writing, comes in.
Whether it’s an autobiography, novel, or short story, narrative writing offers a unique perspective into the experiences of the writer. Through compelling narratives, writers can engage with and entertain readers, drawing them into the story and keeping them reading. So, if you want to be in demand in the literary world, or just want to be well-rounded, study creative writing!
In-Demand Skill Set
With so many different types of writing careers available, students can become well-rounded individuals. In order to write creatively, one must first be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. While many are skilled at speaking, some might be better at writing. In terms of the former, one might become an excellent public speaker but lack the latter. In such a case, becoming a literary agent might be a possible job option.
A good writer should also be a decent researcher and editor. With strong research skills, one could become an in-demand science writer, providing authoritative explanations of complex scientific topics for nonspecialist readers. Working as an editor for a publishing company, reviewing manuscripts for novels, short stories, or screenplays, one could hone their critical thinking and textual analysis skills.
Career Paths That You Can Follow
With so many different types of writing careers available, students can become well-rounded individuals. In order to write creatively, one must first be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. While many are skilled at speaking, some might be better at writing. In terms of the former, one might become an excellent public speaker but lack the latter. In such a case, becoming a literary agent might be a possible job option.
A good writer should also be a decent researcher and editor. With strong research skills, one could become an in-demand science writer, providing authoritative explanations of complex scientific topics for nonspecialist readers. Working as an editor for a publishing company, reviewing manuscripts for novels, short stories, or screenplays, one could hone their critical thinking and textual analysis skills.
Diverse Genres
With the rise of e-books and the decreasing cost of computing power, students can access a wider range of books than ever before. However, in order to draw in an audience and gain the most from these books, one must tailor their studies to suit a range of interests. Luckily, creative writing allows for this flexibility, with students able to focus on specific genres or topics within the field.
With specific genres ranging from horror fiction to fantasy, as well as historical and contemporary fiction, one can explore a range of topics that appeal to them. Students can also develop their critical thinking skills by taking on a range of interesting topics within the field – from biographies to historical fiction, from supernatural horror to science fiction, and from classic to contemporary fiction.
Field Of Excellence
One of the things that makes creative writing a standout option as a major is its flexible study. Unlike other majors which usually involve a fixed curriculum, creative writing students are able to shape their study around their chosen career. If one is interested in becoming a science writer, for example, they can take relevant science courses and get professional experience by interning at a science news website or publishing company.
Additionally, since it is a stand-alone major, it is not necessary to have a clear idea of what career path one wants to pursue. Students can take general courses in order to become well-rounded individuals, while also narrowing their focus on a range of topics which they find interesting and which fit their skillset. This means they can prepare themselves for a variety of careers, not just one.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, creative writing is a burgeoning field, currently catering to a range of interests and providing students with a well-rounded education in the process. By considering a major in creative writing, you can prepare yourself for an exciting career, while also broadening your knowledge and skillset.