Majors, minors & more
Creative Writing
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Specialization track in English
Overview
Creative writing, offered as an option in the English major, builds applied skills in reading, critical thinking, and various kinds of writing — professional, analytical, and especially the various types of creative writing — in a range of contexts, including print and electronic. It also involves the study of the literature and cultural functions of the English language.
- Strengths of the program
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- The English department operates the state-of-the-art Avery Microcomputer Lab, equipped with Windows and Apple workstations for writing classes.
- Courses that emphasize small-group discussion and provide opportunities to work closely with professors.
- Enjoy the flexibility of focusing on particular areas of interest or pursuing second majors in other departments.
- Learn from professors who make important contributions to the fields of literary studies, linguistics, and writing.
- Develop high-level skills in critical thinking, analysis, and writing, all vital to academic success and effective leadership careers.
- Courses you could take
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Creative writing program
The creative writing program is part of the English major, so you'll be studying writing and literature together. It's a flexible program, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to take classes in the areas that interest you most.
Core courses
Introduction to English Studies
Intro to Creative Writing: Exploring Genres
Writing Poetry
Writing Prose (fiction or nonfiction)
Form and Theory in Creative WritingOne from the following:
Topics in Magazine Editing and Creative Writing
Multimedia Authoring: Exploring New Rhetorics
Technical and Professional Writing
Internship (editing or publishing)
Independent Study in Creative WritingEnglish and creative writing electives
As an English major, you can choose from a huge variety of elective courses to shape and add to your creative writing emphasis.
Here are just a few examples:
Digital Storytelling
Film as Narrative
Documentary Film Theory and Production
Intro to Creative Writing PedagogyShakespeare
British Literature (many different courses)
American Literature (many different courses)
Principles of Rhetoric
Intro to Literary Criticism
Intro to LinguisticsAsian/Pacific American Literature
African American Literature
Native American Literature
Chicano/Chicana Literature
Gay and Lesbian Literature
Young Adult LiteratureYou're also encouraged to seek out courses in American and world cultures, history, and society to round out the liberal arts education that prepares you for careers in creative writing, editing, publishing, and related fields.
Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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For creative writing students
The Department of English offers undergraduate scholarships from four different endowed funds, most providing $1,000 tuition stipends annually. In addition, all English majors may apply for University-level scholarships and for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.
For all students
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.