English (Creative Writing), BA
Develop a literary voice that serves your academic, professional and artistic goals. You'll produce original poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, then graduate ready for careers that value strong writing or move onto advanced study.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
English (Creative Writing) degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in English with a concentration in creative writing, you focus on the study and practice of the literary arts, with courses in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.
You gain practical experience through writing workshops and internship opportunities.
The undergraduate program features an outstanding faculty whose many books have received major national and international recognition.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Why specialize in creative writing at ASU?
You can earn academic credit through internships, and apply for departmental scholarships that help support unpaid opportunities. Working closely with the director of internships, you can secure placements across editorial roles, publishing houses, literary magazines and creative organizations, including Hayden's Ferry Review, ASU's nationally recognized literary magazine. Online students receive the same level of support and can complete internships remotely or within their own communities, building professional networks, strengthening portfolios and gaining insight into careers in writing, publishing and the broader creative industries.
Through the Piper Center for Creative Writing, you can take part in in-person and virtual programming, read your work aloud remotely or in person, and connect with peers and Master of Fine Arts students on the Tempe campus.
Additional details
As a student in the Department of English, you can join ASU's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Both Tempe campus and online students are eligible for the Glendon and Kathryn Swarthout Awards in Writing, among the most generous university writing prizes in the U.S., along with Swarthout Summer Artistic Development Grants, which provide financial and mentorship support for students applying to MFA programs.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ENG 110 Approaching Big Problems |
| ENG 300 Your Degree in the World |
| ENG 281 Introduction to Creative Nonfiction |
| ENG 381 Craft of Creative Nonfiction |
| ENG 481 Advanced Creative Nonfiction |
| ENG 251 Reading as a Writer |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate a work-in-progress in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction and provide constructive feedback.
- Produce literary works (poems, stories, creative nonfiction)
- Produce a portfolio of creative writing: original poetry or fiction, with attention to content and form, via significant revision process informed by craft lessons.
Evaluate a work-in-progress in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction and provide constructive feedback.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore the English language at a deeper level through an extended lens of dialects, literature and terminology in one of more than 300 study abroad programs.
Students can enhance their resumes with the educational experience and heightened cultural competency, communication and critical thinking skills they acquire through study abroad programs.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Editor | -1.1% | $77,920 | Learn more |
| English Professor | 0.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Freelance Writer | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| SEO Specialist | 7.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Technical Writer | 0.8% | $90,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this creative writing concentration prepares you for
Graduates of degree programs in English are prepared for graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They are also prepared for employment in a variety of careers in diverse fields. Employers seek those with strong writing, communication and critical thinking skills. Some of the most common professions for English majors are in the fields of:
- business
- journalism
- law
- media
- nonprofit service
- publishing
Graduates often find roles in which they spend time:
- developing web content
- editing
- managing public relations
- teaching
- writing professional and technical content
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Department of English
|
RBHL 170
englishadvising@asu.edu
480-965-3168
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
