How to Determine Education and Career Options for the English Degree in Creative Writing?

Answer 1

A creative writing degree is a type of English degree. Creative writing is a term used to describe works of literature that are original and most often fictitious. Many people choose creative writing as a career path because they have a passion for it. There are no guarantees in creative writing, and those who choose to make their living from it often work day jobs and write part-time. Novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and creative non-fiction are some of the various types of creative writing.

Career Options

Rather than suffer through life as a starving artist, most students who study creative writing eventually go down a different career path. They may work as editors, agents, journalists, freelance writers, teachers, or at any other field where a degree in English or Journalism is required. There are very few people who earn a living solely from their creative writing.

Education

To attend a creative writing degree program, a student must apply to a college or university that offers a specialization in creative writing. Almost all 4-year colleges and universities offer English degrees, but many do not offer the creative writing tract. Apply to the school as an undergrad, and then declare a major in English. In order to complete the English degree, students must take numerous courses in literature and composition. Workshop courses are required of all creative writing majors. During workshops, students bring in their own original work and have it critiqued by their peers. Most creative writing programs offer the degree in fiction writing or poetry. Some offer screenwriting, playwriting, and non-fiction writing.

After undergraduate school, some students choose to pursue an M.A. or an M.F.A in Creative Writing, both of which are graduate degrees in English. These degrees are often terminal, though some schools offer a doctoral program in the discipline. Most of these programs have low acceptance rates, but those who gain admission are taught by professional authors. Students are introduced to a community of writers who can offer advice on polishing their manuscripts and publishing them. Students may also have the opportunity to teach undergraduate English courses while studying as a grad student.