Creative Writing, B.A.
Undergraduate Degree
Take the Next Step
At Marshall University, we believe in the power of education to transform lives - we see it happen all the time. So, create your Marshall Moment. We're ready when you are.
bison
Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Creative Writing offers a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring writers. Creative Writing majors develop their skills in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction; they have opportunities to study with talented writers on Marshall’s faculty; and they get to share their own writing in workshops with other writers.

This degree helps strengthen skills in communication, analysis and critical thinking. These are skills that are valuable for a career in writing—and important to professional work across a wide range of fields.

How Will You Meet the Moment?
bison
Featured Courses
Eng 350 - Intro to Textual Analysis
An introduction to critical reading of texts from a range of genres and media. Develops explication, critical reading, and research skills.
Eng 360 - Intro to Creative Writing
An introduction to writing of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Eng 470 - Form/Theory: Creative Writing
Readings in creative writing illustrating formal and theoretical concerns. Readings will also be applied to student writing.
bison
Program Highlights
Hands-On Resources

Creative Writing majors can find many opportunities to grow their skills and gain valuable, job-ready experience with extensive, hands-on work as part of their courses. Junior and senior level writing workshops help students develop their writing in a collaborative workshop setting.

The Marshall University Writing Center, where students can work with specially-trained writing tutors, is also a tremendous resource for Creative Writing majors to sharpen their writing skills. Advanced Creative Writing students can apply to tutor at the Writing Center, gaining solid professional experience.

Internships

Creative Writing majors have access to many valuable internship opportunities, including working with several local nonprofits and other organizations, including: Huntington Museum of Art, Mountain State Press, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, Developmental Therapy Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Huntington Steel and the Cabell County Public Library.

Creative Writing majors can intern with a small, independent local company called Mountain State Press, which promotes writing in Appalachia, with an emphasis on West Virginia works. Interns gain valuable real-world skills and an up-close view of how to run a successful nonprofit organization. Interns perform such tasks as writing for social media and the Web, assessing manuscripts for possible publication, assisting with the editorial and marketing processes, and interacting directly with authors.

Salary

The median annual wage for writers and authors was $67,120 in May 2020, according to the BLS. Across the salary range for writers and authors, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,460.

bison
Career Opportunities
Through the Creative Writing bachelor's degree program, students develop skills in critical thinking and analysis, communicating clearly, writing effectively and more, all of which serve as excellent preparation for work in a variety of fields. A Creative Writing major can lead to much more than writing books, although Marshall graduates certainly do this, too.
  • Professional and Technical Writers
  • Authors
  • Journalists
  • Editors
  • Business Owners
  • Lawyers
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Teachers
bison
Request Info
  • Find out which of our academic programs is right for you.
  • Meet some of our current students and hear about their favorite Marshall moments.
  • Receive invitations to special events for future students.
  • Get help with the application and enrollment process.
Loading...
Take the Next Step