{"id":474,"date":"2018-12-04T22:09:00","date_gmt":"2018-12-04T22:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/study\/?post_type=areas&#038;p=474"},"modified":"2026-08-10T12:24:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T16:24:43","slug":"english-creative-writing","status":"publish","type":"areas","link":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/study\/areas\/english-creative-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"English: Creative Writing"},"content":{"rendered":"<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><section class=\"wp-block-umw-hero alignfull umw-custom-block umw-hero umw-hero--dark-text umw-hero--media-float-right umw-hero--white umw-hero--with-media umw-hero--with-no-content\"><div class=\"umw-hero__inner\"><div class=\"umw-hero__media\"><picture class=\"umw-hero__media__picture\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"umw-hero__media__image\" src=\"\/study\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/08\/1064-K-Pearlman-Photography-scaled-1.jpg\" alt='A sign for the \"UMW National Day on Writing 2017\" surrounded by sticky notes that say why people like writing.'><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"umw-hero__title\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"umw-hero__title__wrapper\"><div class=\"umw-hero__eyebrow\">majors, minors &amp; Areas of study<\/div><h1 class=\"umw-hero__title__header\">English: Creative Writing<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><h2 id=\"h-english-creative-writing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">English: Creative Writing<\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-columns umw-aos-callout is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column umw-aos-callout-col1 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 id=\"h-unleash-your-words-to-change-the-world\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unleash Your Words to Change the World<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creative writing challenges, entertains, enlightens, and transforms. Study creative writing at UMW and you&rsquo;ll channel those powers as you develop your craft and build your body of original work &ndash; and launch a career as a writer, novelist, poet, editor, or journalist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column umw-aos-callout-col2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h3 id=\"h-paths-of-study\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paths of Study<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Major<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-explore\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.umw.edu\/undergraduate\/majors\/english-creative-writing-concentration\/#planofstudytext\">Major Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.umw.edu\/undergraduate\/minors\/english-creative-writing\/#requirementstext\">Minor Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.umw.edu\/undergraduate\/majors\/english-creative-writing-concentration\/#learningoutcomestext\">Learning Outcomes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.umw.edu\/undergraduate\/majors\/english-creative-writing-concentration\/#planofstudytext\">Plans of Study<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<i class=\"wp-block-umw-icon umw-icon-blurb-icon iconoir-bookmark-book\" style=\"color:#b8c11c;font-size:48px\"><\/i>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-you-ll-study\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">What You&rsquo;ll Study<\/h3>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our creative writing major and minor gives students the opportunity to develop skills in multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Through the study of language, literary theory, and writing, creative writing students develop the tools, confidence, and creative range to tell stories only they can tell.<\/p><h5 id=\"h-sample-course-topics-include\" class=\"wp-block-heading umw-aos-sample-courses\">Sample course topics include:<\/h5><ul class=\"wp-block-list umw-aos-course-list\">\n<li><strong>ENGL 304A<\/strong> Poetry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ENGL 305A<\/strong> Fiction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ENGL 312<\/strong> Nonfiction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ENGL 206A<\/strong> Global Issues in Literature<\/li>\n<\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a full list of courses in acting, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.umw.edu\/undergraduate\/\">Academic Catalog<\/a>.<\/p><h3 id=\"h-why-creative-writing-matters-at-umw\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Creative Writing Matters at UMW<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At UMW, creative writing is a community of readers, writers, thinkers, and storytellers. Students have the opportunity to focus on the craft and art of writing, editing, and analyzing their own original work alongside the work of established writers and peers. Through workshops, readings, and one-on-one guidance from faculty, students find their voice, deepen their literary understanding, and build a body of work that is distinctly their own.<\/p><h4 id=\"h-program-highlights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program Highlights<\/h4><div class=\"wp-block-columns umw-aos-highlights is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 id=\"h-small-classes-individual-attention\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small Classes, Individual Attention<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To foster discussion, personal growth, and provide more individual attention, the department limits enrollment in many courses. Upper-level seminars give students the chance to lead class discussions, pursue independent study and produce substantial creative work, alongside faculty who are invested in each student&rsquo;s growth and development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 id=\"h-a-vibrant-writing-community\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Vibrant Writing Community<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to coursework, UMW creative writing students have access to a variety of writing-inspired opportunities, including working on student-run publications such as the campus newspaper and literary journal, and assisting fellow students as writing consultants in the UMW Writing Center. They can also connect with like-minded writers through student clubs and campus events like the National Day on Writing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 id=\"h-real-world-experience\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real-World Experience<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many students pursue internships to apply classroom skills in professional settings and explore career interests. Students may also elect individual studies or choose to study abroad, building a creative writing education that extends beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<i class=\"wp-block-umw-icon umw-icon-blurb-icon iconoir-graph-up\" style=\"color:#b8c11c;font-size:48px\"><\/i>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-career-outcomes\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Career Outcomes<\/h3>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UMW creative writing graduates build careers in publishing, editing, teaching, communications, journalism, and public relations. Many are lifelong writers, going on to publish their own work in novels, magazines, newspapers, and journals, both in print and online.<\/p><div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<i class=\"wp-block-umw-icon umw-icon-blurb-icon iconoir-journal-page\" style=\"color:#b8c11c;font-size:48px\"><\/i>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-umw-creative-writing-in-the-news\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">UMW Creative Writing &ndash; In the News<\/h3>\n<\/div><!-- wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller --><div class=\"wp-block-umw-horizontal-scroller umw-horizontal-scroller umw-custom-block\" data-module=\"horizontal-scroller\">\r\n  <div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__inner\">\r\n    <div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__wrapper\">\r\n      <div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__grid umw-horizontal-scroller__grid--columns-3\">\r\n                  <!-- wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller-column -->\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-umw-horizontal-scroller-column umw-horizontal-scroller__column umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__column__inner\">\r\n  <!-- wp:umw\/news-card {\"link\":\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/24\/humanities-symposium-taps-into-art-environment-preservation-and-more\/\",\"media\":{\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/06\/NewRelease_ArtsandHumanitiesSymposium.jpg\",\"id\": 0},\"eyebrow\":\"June 24, 2026\",\"title\":\"Humanities Symposium Taps Into Art, Environment, Preservation and More\"} -->\r\n<div class=\"umw-news-cards__article-wrapper\">\r\n    <news-card data-title=\"Humanities Symposium Taps Into Art, Environment, Preservation and More\" data-date=\"June 24, 2026\" data-picture=\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/06\/NewRelease_ArtsandHumanitiesSymposium.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/24\/humanities-symposium-taps-into-art-environment-preservation-and-more\/\"><\/news-card>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- \/wp:umw\/news-card -->\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<!-- \/wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller-column -->\r\n                  <!-- wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller-column -->\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-umw-horizontal-scroller-column umw-horizontal-scroller__column umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__column__inner\">\r\n  <!-- wp:umw\/news-card {\"link\":\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/18\/umw-alumna-receives-fulbright-award-to-teach-in-northern-ireland\/\",\"media\":{\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/NewRelease_JessicaMcCaughey.jpg\",\"id\": 0},\"eyebrow\":\"February 18, 2026\",\"title\":\"UMW Alumna Receives Fulbright Award to Teach in Northern Ireland\"} -->\r\n<div class=\"umw-news-cards__article-wrapper\">\r\n    <news-card data-title=\"UMW Alumna Receives Fulbright Award to Teach in Northern Ireland\" data-date=\"February 18, 2026\" data-picture=\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/02\/NewRelease_JessicaMcCaughey.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/18\/umw-alumna-receives-fulbright-award-to-teach-in-northern-ireland\/\"><\/news-card>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- \/wp:umw\/news-card -->\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<!-- \/wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller-column -->\r\n                  <!-- wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller-column -->\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-umw-horizontal-scroller-column umw-horizontal-scroller__column umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__column__inner\">\r\n  <!-- wp:umw\/news-card {\"link\":\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/21\/mary-washington-shines-a-spotlight-on-the-art-and-craft-of-writing\/\",\"media\":{\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/NewRelease_NationalDayonWriting.jpg\",\"id\": 0},\"eyebrow\":\"October 21, 2025\",\"title\":\"Mary Washington Shines a Spotlight on the Art and Craft of Writing\"} -->\r\n<div class=\"umw-news-cards__article-wrapper\">\r\n    <news-card data-title=\"Mary Washington Shines a Spotlight on the Art and Craft of Writing\" data-date=\"October 21, 2025\" data-picture=\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/NewRelease_NationalDayonWriting.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/21\/mary-washington-shines-a-spotlight-on-the-art-and-craft-of-writing\/\"><\/news-card>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- \/wp:umw\/news-card -->\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n<!-- \/wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller-column -->\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"umw-horizontal-scroller__spacer\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div><!-- \/wp:umw\/horizontal-scroller -->\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"umw_cb_additional_links":[[]],"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_advisory_expires_time":"","_advisory_meta_include":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"creator":[2,3],"class_list":["post-474","areas","type-areas","status-publish","department-elc","key-major","key-minor","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>English: Creative Writing - Majors, Minors, and Areas of Study<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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