creative writing major msu

Creative Writing

Join a community of writers

Study multiple genres within the field of Creative Writing.

Develop skills to promote your own creative expression.

Gain sought-after skills in fields where creativity, collaboration, and strong writing are valued.

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Pursue a Degree in Creative Writing

A degree in Creative Writing will take your writing to the next level by helping you gain experience in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and graphic narrative. Build strong critical, analytical and collaboration skills through in-class workshops and opportunities work as part of a team on publications. Our graduates are well-prepared for further graduate study in Creative Writing and for occupations requiring critical and creative thinking and teamwork. Gain real-world publication experience by working on the English Department's Moon City Press.

Degree Options

The Department of English offers multiple pathways for achieving a degree in Creative Writing. Most students pursue a four-year plan with either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science distinction.

Career Opportunities

A Creative Writing degree will teach you marketable skills that apply in various job fields and can bring you in surprising directions. Aside from writing and publishing, a creative writing degree will provide you with transferable skills that will be useful in multiple fields, such as research, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. According to Coursera , “A humanities major often prepares you to pursue roles that require an understanding of people, creativity, communication, planning, problem-solving, teaching, as well as many other types of work.”

Creative writers often get jobs in fields that benefit from their versatile abilities:

• Marketing analyst
• Public information specialist
• Event planner
• Proposal writer
• Entrepreneur

Creative Writing News

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The English major provides an ideal balance between creativity and inquiry. Students may choose general literary studies, do a concentration in creative writing or popular culture, or get certified in secondary English education. Student–faculty interaction is central and a highly interactive and collaborative environment is offered to help students develop skills necessary for success in many different career fields.

Students are trained broadly to identify, assess and confront the types of complexities that surface in all social environments, including the workplace. They develop the critical thinking and writing, creativity, and problem-solving skills necessary for a constantly changing world.

What can I do with English?

Graduates in English pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of writing, communication and creativity.

Alumni work at:

Austin financial group, mars advertising, public and private schools, gannett company, nbc universal, techsmith corporation, alumni work as:, copywriters, editorial assistants, creative materials coordinators, client relations associates, technical communicators, communications & pr specialists.

Course Descriptions

The Course Descriptions catalog describes all undergraduate and graduate courses offered by Michigan State University. The searches below only return course versions Fall 2000 and forward. Please refer to the Archived Course Descriptions for versions prior to Fall 2000. Course Numbers Policy Definitions of Course Characteristics (pdf) Course Descriptions Frequently Asked Questions

Course Search

Keyword search, course descriptions: search results, eng 226  introduction to creative writing.

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Professional and public writing

Professional and Public Writing

  Interested in a professional writing degree?  The professional and public writing major prepares students to become innovative, strategic, and expressive writers and designers who can work with a wide range of documents and digital environments and in a variety of workplaces.  The program not only provides students with a college degree, but also prepares them to be lifelong learners who can apply what they learn in classes directly to careers in professional writing, digital and technical writing, editing and publishing, managing communications, and writing for community and nonprofit organizations.

ALUMNI PURSUITS

Graduates with a professional writing degree pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of writing, editing, publishing and communications.

Alumni work at: 

• General Motors
• Quicken Loans
• Notre Dame Athletic Department 
• Cartoon Network
• Founders Brewing Company
• Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau

Alumni work as: 

• Communications managers
• Social media strategists
• Copyeditors
• Web developers
• Photo coordinators
• Public affairs officers
• Digital marketing associates

More resources

Visit College of Arts and Letters More information on Professional and Public Writing View courses

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• College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• English, Philosophy & Modern Languages

Creative Writing

Our department offers a robust creative writing program, including continuing introductory and advanced workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and magazine writing.  The program also hosts visiting writers, lecturers, and guest instructors on a rotating basis.

• English Major Advising Worksheet

English, Philosophy & Modern Languages For questions, please contact: Sheryl Shockley , Administrative Associate LA 400 406.657.2348

Creative Writing

Explore Creative Writing courses and publishing opportunities at Midwestern State University! You can Major or Minor in English with a concentration in Literature or Writing. Check out the English, B.A. Major , English Minor: Literature Emphasis and/or English Minor: Writing Emphasis course catalogs for more information!

Available Courses:

ENGL2133-   Introduction to Creative Writing ENGL3103-   Special Topics in Creative Writing * ENGL3133-   Intermediate Creative Writing- Prose ENGL4133-   Advanced Creative Writing- Prose ENGL5133-   Advanced Creative Writing- Prose   (Graduate Level)

*May be repeated for credit

The James Hoggard Reading Series brings award-winning writers and poets from across the nation to campus. Visiting writers give a public reading of their creative work and interact with students in the classroom, providing valuable insight and guidance into the world of publishing, contemporary literature, and the writing life.

The  Red River Reading Series lets MSU students and faculty share their creative work with the campus community. At 4:00 PM on the first Friday of each month during the fall and spring semesters, two students and a faculty member present their poetry and prose. Readings are held in Legacy Hall and are open to the public.

Editing and Publishing Opportunities

Voices is Midwetern State University's Arts and Literature Journal. Students can submit their creative work for publication or they can work as editors on the student-run regional journal. More information can be found on the Voices website .

Creative Writing Awards

The Vinson Award is given annually to a current, full-time undergraduate MSU student who is in good academic standing. Students may submit work in poetry, short fiction, or creative nonfiction. The award is presented at the Honors Banquet during the spring term. In addition to publication in Voices , the prize includes a cash award of $1,000.

The Bryan L. Lawrence Creative Writing Award is given annually to the best submission to Voices . Poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfictin pieces are all eligible. In additon to a certification and publication in  Voices , the prize includes a cash award of $200.

What our students say

Develop technical skills and an appreeciation for the artistry of writing in a creative and exciting environment.

I was always afraid of writing, that I didn't have a sotry to tell. This class taught me that emotions are universal and even if you can't relate to the situation, you'll feel the same things I do.

You'll learn who you are and who you want to be as you learn to write.

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• Creative Writing BA

Creative Writing (BA)

Bachelor of arts, languages and literature.

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Program Requirements

4-year plan, major common core, cw 242w introduction to creative writing 4 credits.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

CW 340 Form and Technique in Prose 4 credits

Cw 341 form and technique in poetry 4 credits, cw 342 beginning creative nonfiction workshop 4 credits, cw 343 beginning fiction workshop 4 credits, cw 344 beginning poetry workshop 4 credits, cw 447w advanced creative writing 4 credits, major unrestricted electives.

Choose from CW, ENG, FILM or THEA - Choose 12 Credit(s).

ENG 300 - 499 credits

Film 300 - 499 credits, film 217 introduction to film production 4 credits.

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-11

THEA 487W Playwriting 3 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 100. Permission of instructor.

CW 300 - 499

Other Graduation Requirements

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan. * Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

Fall - 15 Credits

ENG 101 Foundations of Writing & Rhetoric 4 credits

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Spring - 15 Credits

Second Year

Fall - 14 Credits

Spring - 17 Credits

Spring - 14 Credits

Fourth Year

Admission to Creative Writing  is open. Contact the Program Director or Creative Arts Department to declare the major. 

GPA Policy : Majors must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in addition to the 2.0 overall GPA required by the University for graduation.

P/N Grading Polic y: A course leading to a Creative Writing major may not be taken on a P/N basis.

Transfer Credit : The program accepts no more than 16 credits from other colleges and universities as transfer credits to be applied toward the major. They must be taken in courses that match or are the equivalent of courses that are offered in the program. Please consult the Program Director regarding any transfer issues.

Student Advising:  Students are encouraged to consult the Program Director on a regular basis for advice about course selection and career planning. 

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• Montana State University
• English Writing

English – Writing 

The writing option for students who wish to specialize in the study and practice of a wide range of writing, including creative, professional and scholarly work, in preparation for professional writing careers or graduate study.

Writing – B.A. in English, Writing Emphasis

Students in the English Writing program at Montana State are expected to become skilled readers and writers through the study of language and literature. This option is also ideal for students who wish to double-major both in writing and another academic field. The study of literature and effective writing is useful in the areas of publishing, journalism, creative media and many other fields as various industries continue to seek people who are exceptionally literate and articulate.

The English major at Montana State offers two other Options Within a Major: Literature and English Teaching .

A Legacy of Excellence Graduates from Montana State’s English program have gone on to become New York Times bestselling authors and editors of major magazines.

The Writing Center The MSU Writing Center offers students free support for assignments, exam preparation and even resume writing.

Top Public University in Montana According to the Forbes list of America's Top Colleges, Montana State is the No. 1 Public University in the state based on value, post-graduation salary and student experience.

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment, and career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

English – Writing students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

• Public Relations

To explore more career possibilities, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success has a variety of tools available [BROKEN LINK] , including self-assessment and working with career coaches.

Sample Course Plan

Sample Course plan

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Courses and Requirements

The minor in writing at msu.

The Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures offers a Minor in Writing that is distinctive, flexible, and combines well with a variety of MSU majors to strengthen career and professional preparation. A distinctive feature of the minor at MSU is that courses are taught by faculty with industry experience in areas of scientific, technical, and professional writing, as well as editing and publishing. The minor gives you the tools not merely to compose for a class, but to produce compelling and accessible writing for a range of audiences and purposes. These foundational writing and critical thinking skills are necessary for today’s competitive job market.

Some students with aspirations for graduate, law or medical school studies, pursue the minor to better enable themselves to write more proficiently at higher academic levels, where work is more rigorous and written output is expected to be of a very high level. Others pursue the minor to gain experience with skills like project management, creativity, audience awareness, and digital communication—skills recruiters value in a wide range of careers.

The minor is flexible: you may elect to take courses that highlight your strengths and areas of interest within the writing field, prepare for applications in graduate writing programs (such as professional/technical communication), and enhance communication skills for the workplace.

Learning Outcomes

This minor frames writing as a powerful action, both in the workplace and in communities. Students in the minor know that rhetorics, technologies, disciplines, and cultures constantly shape each other and that writers must adapt to this interplay if they are to do good work in the world. More specifically, students in the minor

• demonstrate attention to rhetorical contexts.
• compose for and with diverse audiences.
• act as liaisons between and members of professional communities and their audiences .
• collaborate with attention to project management and citizenship.
• pay attention to their own positionality as well as the cultures they create for and within.
• make research-based arguments that are supported by clear claims and evidence.
• transfer rhetorical skills to professional and public contexts.

Requirements

Students in the minor will complete 15-18 credits from the following courses:

All of the following courses (6 credits):

Principles of rhetoric and writing applied to professional and public writing, with emphasis on writing as social and professional action. Definition and major theories of the field, research tools and practices, genres and conventions, and professional style.

Writing and research methods in and with local, global, and online communities and organizations. Topics include methods of field research and textual analysis, working with quantitative and qualitative data, and ethics of representation. Focus on the ways in which culture informs and influences community and writing by/with communities.

One of the following courses (3 credits):

Rhetorical and cultural dimensions of composing in digital spaces. Study of and practice with the rhetorical affordances and expectations of different writing spaces. Practice in messaging across contexts and composing with multiple technologies.

Rhetorical, social, political, economic, and ethical dimensions of digital communication, including identity, community, genre, and events. Rhetorical dynamics of communication across digital spaces such as apps, websites, software, and other experiences.

Various forms of public writing and rhetoric and their roles in civic and public culture. Emphasis on nonprofit communication practices, tools, and genres, and orientation toward culture and its influence on public and community writing. Practice in modes of public and civic discourse, including deliberative strategies and a range of public literacies with attention to cultural engagement.

Rhetorical and cultural dimensions of corporate writing. Practice in messaging across corporate contexts and composing for professional and consumer audiences.

Rhetorical and cultural dimensions of medical and scientific writing. Study of and practice with rhetorical affordances and expectations in scientific contexts.

Rhetorical and cultural dimensions of composing in public and civic spaces. Study of and practice with policy research, analysis, evaluation, narration, advocacy, and argumentation.

And electives with a WRA or XA designation at the 200-level or higher (3-6 credits)

Creative Writing Scholarships & Awards

Creative writing awards.

The Department of English sponsors an annual contest for the best original work in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and playwriting.  Congratulations to the 2020-2021 winners, judged by Philip Metres.  You can check out their winning manuscripts here .

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2022 Creative Writing Awards, judged by Aisha Sabatini Sloan! 

Creative Nonfiction Mary Claire Zauel, “Coming Out”–1st place Julia Rudlaff, “What I Remember”–2nd place

Fiction Denver Williams, “Home”–1st place Kelly Stapelman, “Oratia”–2nd place

Poetry Alexie Milukhin, “Perishable” (1st place) Durga Shanker, “Zora and Lily in the Summer” (2nd place)

Script MJ Telly, “Ho’oman” (1st place) Jeremy Weber, “Boon Country” (2nd place)

Finalists  Emma Brinks, “Breaking Rocks” (CNF) Emma Kolakowski, “Depreciation” (CNF) Sydney Logsdon, “Best Practices” (CNF) Alexie Milukhin, “Liminal Year” (CNF)

Sohaib Aboona, “The Abram” (Fiction) Emily Arnold, “Briar Springs” (Fiction) Ellie Franklin, “The Nature Trip” (Fiction) Aly Walters, “The Cans” (Fiction)

Ally Blovits (Poetry) Sydney Logsdon (Poetry) Adrianna Pipe (Poetry) Madeline Strong (Poetry)

Owen Jowett, “The Wanted” (Script) Maggie Lupton, “Mirror of Pink” (Script) Josie Mitchell, “Retirement” (Script) Madeline Strong, “Guppy Love” (Script)

Scholarships for Current Students

Scholarships of $1500 will be awarded to  outstanding students in the creative writing program  to be applied to tuition; any student in the creative writing program graduating December 2023 or later is eligible to apply.  If you are interested in applying, please submit a writing sample of 10-15 pages of work (in a single genre or in multiple genres) along, with a brief (500 word) aesthetic and contextual statement about your project and your goals as a writer.  Submissions for scholarships for 2022-23 will be accepted through April 3, 2023 via  Google Form .  Questions may be directed to Dr. Divya Victor ( [email protected] ).

Jim Cash Award for Outstanding Senior in Creative Writing

The Jim Cash Award honors graduating seniors in the Creative Writing Program.  Applicants are nominated by faculty.

Scholarships for Incoming Students

The Department of English offers up to three Creative Arts Scholarships for incoming students who plan to pursue the B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. 

To apply, students should submit the following application, as well as a creative writing sample (5-10 pages of poetry, prose, or screen/playwriting, or a short film on DVD) and statement of intent (minimum of 500 words) regarding their interest in creative writing no later than January 31, 2023.

https://admissions.msu.edu/documents/caschol_english.pdf

Complete applications should be submitted as either electronic documents to the Director of Creative Writing at [email protected] or as hard copy to:

Department of English c/o Director of Creative Writing Wells Hall C614 619 Red Cedar Rd. East Lansing, MI 48824