How to Earn a Degree in Creative Writing
Since the explosion of creative writing programs at universities and colleges across the country, earning a degree in creative writing has been an important option for many students. While a creative writing degree isn't always necessary to get published, many editors for literary magazines and publishing houses now look at degrees, particularly in MFA programs, as part of a writer's credentials. Earning a degree in creative writing might sound easy compared to earning one in the sciences or other fields, but it requires the same amount of time and diligence and therefore, should be pursued with the same perseverance.
Instructions
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Research colleges that offer undergraduate or graduate degrees in creative writing. Not all colleges offer these degrees, especially in the MFA programs. Research schools that have the best reputations and that have better access to writers' communities or hire established or well-known authors as visiting scholars.
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Research what is expected of prospective students and follow any and all prerequisites for graduation. This includes passing required classes and maintaining a good grade average.
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Choose classes selectively. Follow the prerequisite requirements to earn degrees, but choose classes that will best teach or enhance one's craft. Most schools will require passing beginning classes before taking writing workshops. This is true for all students regardless of writing stage.
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Space out classes over the semesters. If attending as an undergraduate, writing or literature classes will have be taken with other graduation prerequisites outside the creative writing track. Choose classes based on writing level. Don't take more than one workshop per semester as the writing assignments and finals for each class might become overwhelming. Bear in mind that earning a degree might take more than four years, especially if a student is working his way through school.
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Research instructors. Not all writing instructors are equal. Some are graduate students earning teaching prerequisites, associate professors or tenured professors. Talk to other students in the same creative writing track who may have taken classes with various professors and determine which professors are more suitable to specific needs.
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Follow instructions and assignments. This is true for all classes, but certainly for writing classes. Creative writing professors can be demanding and will expect students to be committed to completing and passing classes.
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Keep a checklist of all the classes that need to be taken in order to earn a degree. Some classes, such as writing workshops, may be taken for more than one credit. A checklist will also keep a student informed as to how far she needs to go in order to graduate.
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Balance academics, work and personal life. Make certain that work and personal life don't interfere with completing class assignments. Schedule a certain amount of time for homework, reading, studying or any other activity assigned by instructors.
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Keep in touch with a creative writing adviser. Creative writing advisers help students navigate their way through the creative writing track, advising which classes to take and when. They can also offer advice on how to keep up grade averages and provide help if certain challenges arise that could affect a student's ability to finish a class or semester.
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Keep an open mind. Be open to criticism, whether from fellow students or instructors. Make the necessary changes to manuscripts presented in workshops or to finals packets. This will lead to favorable grades.
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