uw creative writing minor

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Creative Writing

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Pursue a literary career with UW’s creative writing minor

Dream of becoming a writer? Consider adding a creative writing minor to your degree.

The creative writing program at the University of Wyoming teaches students how to create original work in traditional genres, including poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Creative writing students are also encouraged to explore UW’s opportunities outside the classroom, including student readings, the creative writing club and the annual undergraduate creative writing contest.

Program Details

Tuition and Fees

Please visit our cost of attendance page

Creative Writing Minor Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

College of Arts & Sciences Department of English

About the Minor in Creative Writing

Program overview, admission requirements.

In UW’s creative writing program , students learn the fundamentals of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and autobiographical writing.

Students can choose the courses that interest them most, making this minor the perfect complement to any major.

Not only do students learn creative writing skills, but they learn communication skills that will further their careers, regardless of industry or job title.

Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program to pursue a minor in creative writing. All courses must be completed with grades of C or better to count toward the minor.

What Can You Do with a Creative Writing Minor?

If you’re thinking, “What can I do with a creative writing minor?” The answer is that there are many things you can pursue! A creative writing education is, of course, beneficial for those seeking literary careers as authors, poets and editors. However, written communication skills benefit any career path.

Creative Writing Careers

Here are some of the job titles that UW grads have held:

• Senior Managing Editor
• Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing
• Narrative Producer
• Creative Writing and English Language Specialist
• Freelance Writer
• Public Relations and Marketing Manager
• Director of Marketing and Communications

Creative Writing Degree Highlights

At the University of Wyoming, we know it’s important to fuel students’ interests and give them hands-on learning opportunities. The creative writing minor does exactly that. Students can get involved on campus, choose courses that excite them and participate in the school’s annual writing contest.

On-Campus Involvement

Creative writing minor students are encouraged to pursue opportunities outside the classroom, including:

• Student readings and workshop sessions
• Creative writing club
• The Meadowlark Review — a student-run publication

Annual Creative Writing Contest

Creative writing students can put their work to the test by entering the University of Wyoming’s annual undergraduate creative writing contest . Students may submit a fiction, nonfiction or poetry piece for consideration.

2023 winners received gift cards and the opportunity to share their work in a live reading.

I am so glad that I pursued a minor in Creative Writing at UW. Each class offered a fascinating exploration of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or a surprising combination of multiple genres. UW's Creative Writing instructors are world-class. Their encouragement and support helped me grow as a writer and gave me the confidence I needed to continue on my path to a writing life.

- Katherine, B.A. in English

Related Programs

Interested in a creative writing degree? These programs may also be of interest to you:

• B.A. in English
• B.A. in Journalism
• B.A. or B.S. in Communication

We're Eager to Help!

Creative Writing Program

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-3269

Email: [email protected]

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A minor is an additional area of specialization (25-35 credits). You are not required to have a minor, but you may complete up to three in addition to a major. See if there is a minor you are interested in on our list of minors.

Earning a minor

Minors offer you a way to explore a department or interdisciplinary theme with less commitment of time than a major. Where a major requires at least 50 credits, most minors require only 25 to 35 credits.

Because the courses in your minor can also count toward general education requirements, if you plan carefully you may be able to complete one or two minors within the 180 credits required for your degree.

Minors are optional. You may complete as many as three minors per degree, or none at all.

What should I minor in? You may choose to complete a minor related to your major. For example, if you major in chemistry you will already have a head start on a math minor, because the chemistry degree requires a lot of math. Alternatively, you might choose to minor in an area that, combined with your major, gives you insight into an area you'd like to explore further in your career or in graduate or professional school. For example, you might major in environmental studies and minor in political science, then plan to go to law school and later specialize in environmental law. Or you might major in psychology and minor in music, then go on for further training in music therapy. Or you might choose to minor in a subject completely unrelated to your major; this is completely legitimate, too. For example, if you major in mechanical engineering but are fascinated by the visual arts, you might decide to minor in Art History.

Does a minor look good on my transcript? The value of a minor is difficult to quantify. Minors will not necessarily make you more attractive to graduate or professional programs or employers. You may find that many employers are not particularly interested in your major, much less your minor. Although you may complete a minor related to the career you hope to pursue after graduation, minors are mainly opportunities for you to explore in depth some of the vast resources of the University.

What are the admission requirements for minors? Any undergraduate student with at least sophomore standing (45 credits completed) who is declared in a major may declare a minor. There are no departmental admission requirements for minors at UW-Seattle, except for Entrepreneurship which is capacity-constrained and requires an application to the Foster School of Business. An  exception  to the rule that you must have 45 credits and a major to declare a minor is Marine Biology; you may declare a minor in Marine Biology at any time.

How do I declare a minor? To declare a minor, meet with your major department adviser. Only the adviser in your major department may sign the form to declare a minor; this is to ensure students meet satisfactory progress requirements. There are no deadlines for declaring minors, except that you cannot declare a minor after the deadline for applying to graduate. In other words, you cannot declare a minor after the third week of the quarter in which you intend to graduate.

Rules and regulations Minors are optional. You may earn up to three minors as part of each degree completed. Postbaccalaureate students (students who have already earned a bachelor's degree) may not be awarded a minor. Requirements to declare a minor Any undergraduate student with at least sophomore standing (45 credits completed) who is declared in a major may declare a minor. An  exception  to the rule that you must have 45 credits and a major in order to declare a minor is Marine Biology; you may declare a minor in Marine Biology at any time. Only the adviser in your major department can sign off to declare a minor; this is to ensure you meet university satisfactory progress requirements. You are strongly encouraged to meet with the minor adviser to discuss the subject matter of the minor and your plans for completing of the minor. Credits required to earn a minor Most minors require 25-35 credits. In some cases, background requirements will increase this total. Most minors require a minimum of 50% or 15 credits (whichever is greater) must be completed in residence at the UW campus granting the minor. Grades Most minors require a minimum 2.00 GPA for the courses taken to complete a minor. Some minors may require a minimum grade in each course taken for the minor. In such cases, the course-grade minimum is specified as part of the minor requirements, as listed in the General Catalog. If a course-grade minimum and GPA minimum is not specified, any passing numerical grade and minor gpa is acceptable. Courses taken S/NS may not be counted toward a minor. Majors and minors You may not complete a major and a minor in the same program at the same time. Once you complete a major, you may not ever earn a minor in that program. Any undergraduate may declare any minor at UW-Seattle. Declaring a minor, however, is not a backdoor route toward entering a major. If a department has admission requirements for the major, you must apply and meet those requirements even if you have already declared a minor in that field. You may have a major in one college and a minor in another. You will complete the general education requirements of the college of your major; you are not required to meet the general education requirements of the college of your minor. You may have a major in the Evening Degree Program and a minor in the UW-Seattle day program, or vice versa. However, since there are limitations for Evening Degree Program students on taking day classes, students in this program should consult with their adviser on possible minor options. You may combine a major on one UW campus (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma) with a minor from another campus. Cross-campus minors are declared via the Change of Major/Minor form, submitted to your home campus (not the campus offering the minor). You must be careful, however, to meet UW's residence requirement: at least 45 of the final 60 credits must be completed at the campus granting the degree. For more information see  Cross-Campus Registration . Overlaps allowed Although you cannot major and minor in the same program at the same time, some majors and minors include courses from more than one department. In such cases you may overlap, but the amount of overlap might be restricted. For example, some Religion courses may count toward the Comparative History of Ideas minor. If you minor in Comparative History of Ideas and major in Comparative Religion, you may count these courses toward both your minor and your major with no restriction. However, the Diversity minor restricts overlap with your major to 10 credits. Be sure to check the minor requirements to determine how much overlap with your major is allowed. Courses in your minor may also count, as appropriate, toward foreign language, Q/SR, writing, and Areas of Knowledge requirements, without restriction. Postbaccalaureate students Postbaccalaureate students (students who have already earned a bachelor's degree) may not be awarded a minor. Advising General questions about minors can be answered by your major department adviser or by a premajor adviser, but you are strongly encouraged to meet with a minor adviser to talk about the subject matter of the minor and your plans for competing the minor. Applying to graduate Your degree application must list any minors you plan to complete. Your major adviser will run a DARS audit for your minor and include it with your graduation application. Once you have declared a minor and have included it on your degree application, you must complete that minor or drop it officially, or you will not graduate. This protects you from being graduated when your actual intent is to continue on in order to complete the minor. If you want to add a minor after your graduation application has been submitted, see your adviser, who will update your application and notify the Graduation and Academic Records Office. You may not add a minor after the graduation application deadline — the third Friday of the quarter in which you plan to graduate — unless at the same time you postpone your graduation date to a later quarter. Certifying completion of a minor Minors will be posted on your transcript. A minor must be awarded at the same time a bachelor's degree is awarded.

Minors (that are also majors)

Minors only, minors offered by uw-tacoma, minors offered by uw-bothell, degree overview, did you know.

Electives are a great way to explore different majors/areas of interest. Electives  can also be another way to complete requirements for a minor.

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Creative Writing Minor

Students develop creative-thinking skills that emphasize the value of innovation and collaboration. Creative writing classrooms are supportive communities that foster the development of diverse voices, each member committed to helping one another improve as writers, readers, and creative-thinkers. In composing original stories, scripts, and poems, students learn to apply literary techniques used by classical and contemporary authors. Hands-on experiences in publishing are available, as well as opportunities to work on (or be published in) the student journal, The Catalyst .

Writing minor restriction

(All colleges)

Prerequisites include ENG 110 or ENG 112 .

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Creative Writing minor

Do you enjoy writing novels, stories, poems, memoirs? Or would you like to but don't know where to start? No matter what your skill-level and experience, La Crosse has a program to help you excel as a creative writer.

UW-La Crosse offers an   18-credit Creative Writing minor  .  With a large selection of courses, creative writing students can model their education around the writing form of their choice or create a schedule of eclectic courses.

See the requirements for this minor

Use this printable checklist for advising (double-check requirements with your advisor and WINGS)

Visit Our Official Website

Founded In 1996 by members of the UW-La Crosse English department,  Steam Ticket: A Third Coast Review  is a nationally-distributed annual literary journal that publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and artwork from writers and artists around the world. Students enrolled in English 320 (Literary Journal Production) work as editors and readers to select engaging works from established prize-winning writers as well as from new and emerging writers. The process is overseen by a professor who has experience in creative writing and publishing. The  Steam Ticket  staff commits itself to celebrating diversity in the selections of its content. 

As part of a panel that took place during UWL’s 2019 Creative Imperatives Festival, a collection of Creative Writing students were invited to share their responses to this prompt: "Why I Write." Here’s what they had to say.

Why We Write Collection

English Department

Creative Writing Minor

Creative writing (25 credits), introduction/what is the study of creative writing.

The Creative Writing minor focuses on writing courses: creative writing in fiction, drama, poetry, or nonfiction prose.

Why Consider a Creative Writing Minor?

Creative writing minors develop skills in creative thought and expression through study and practice of the craft of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and/or drama. Students participate in both the critical analysis and creative practice of writing, gaining widely-applicable experience in self-expression, artistic technique, and modes of communication.

Sample Careers

Freelance writer | Web content writer | Editor/Publisher | Writing Teacher | Video game writer/designer | Ghostwriter

Requirements

• ENG 351 Introduction to Fiction Writing (5) ( prereq : ENG 101)
• ENG 451 Creative Writing Seminar: Fiction (5) ( prereq : ENG 351)
• ENG 456 Special Topics in Fiction Writing (5) ( prereq : ENG 351)
• ENG 354 Introduction to Nonfiction Writing (5) ( prereq : ENG 101)
• ENG 454 CW Seminar: Creative Nonfiction (5) ( prereq : ENG 354)
• ENG 458 Special Topics in Creative Nonfiction Writing (5) ( prereq : ENG 354)
• ENG 353 Introduction to Poetry Writing (5) ( prereq : ENG 101)
• ENG 453 Creative Writing Seminar: Poetry (5) ( prereq : ENG 353)
• ENG 457 Special Topics in Poetry Writing (5) ( prereq : ENG 353)
• ENG 466 Screenwriting (5) ( prereq : 1 from ENG 364, 350, 351, 353, or 354).
• ENG 455 Living Writers (5) ( prereq : ENG 351, 353, or 354)
• ENG 460 Multigenre (5) ( prereq : ENG 351, 353, or 354)
• ENG 459 Editing and Publishing (5) ( prereq : ENG 351, 353, or 354

Interested in declaring an English major or minor?

Please see the Remote Advising section's page for more information.

Declaring this minor will not give you access to major-restricted classes. Major restrictions are usually lifted on the 6th day of registration each quarter. Courses taken for credit in minor programs may not be counted toward English majors.

Writing Studies

• Technical Communication minor

CAC Faculty Resources

Main Content

The Major in Writing Studies enables students to learn to write effectively in a range of genres, and to think critically and creatively, with a well-rounded liberal arts education in the sciences and the humanities. Three tracks: Creative Writing, Technical Communication, and Rhetoric, Writing, and Social Change. 

The Writing Studies major requires 65 credits if choosing the Technical Communication track, or 60 credits if choosing either the Creative Writing track or Rhetoric, Writing, and Social Change track. 

The Creative Writing track offers the opportunity for focused study of literary and popular forms of creative writing with supportive faculty who publish in these genres and provides a strong base for students wishing to pursue a Master of Fine Arts. Our creative writing track takes a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to creative writing: students choose classes in more than one genre (poetry, nonfiction, and fiction), a wide range of literature courses from multiple perspectives, as well as professional/technical writing courses that can prepare them for writing jobs in a variety of fields. In addition, the creative writing track reflects the curricular guidelines of the Association of Writing Programs (AWP), the national professional organization in creative writing. Students can gain professional experience as editors and writers of Tahoma West, UW Tacoma’s student-run literary and arts magazine, as well as the school newspaper, The Ledger. Students also have opportunities to engage in the vibrant literary community of the Puget Sound and are encouraged to apply for internships at local arts and publishing organizations. 

In the technical communication track, students learn to communicate complex information in a way that is concise, usable, and compelling. Coursework in the technical communication track is grounding in the human-centered design process. Students learn how to identify the needs of an audience, design through an iterative process and make changes based on applied research. Students take a variety of courses on writing, research, and technical topics. Courses emphasize real world design projects and students develop skills in collaborative problem solving and creativity. Students completing the Technical Communication track are well positioned for careers in technical and professional communication, user experience, usability, web design, and other fields where communicating scientific and technical topics plays a central role, across a variety of industries, for governments, and for non-profits. Students are encouraged to gain professional experience by completing internships and working with community partners. 

Begins Autumn 2023

The Rhetoric, Writing, and Social Change track explores writing as civic action. Working with community partners in the city of Tacoma and beyond, students will engage ethically in multimodal composition for public audiences with an aim to bring about social change.  Students will examine how power shapes writing contexts and develop their own sense of agency within the local and global communities to which they belong. Through co-learning experiences, writers participate in civic engagement, resistance, grassroots activism, and community organizing. Grounded in the interdisciplinary orientation of the faculty in Writing Studies, this track centers anti-racist pedagogy, critical methodologies in Rhetoric and Composition, and problem-posing skills that will prepare students for professional and real-world scenarios.

Completion Requirements  

To be eligible for graduation with the Bachelor of Arts degree, students enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180) and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements: 

• Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details. 
• Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more. 
• Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses. 
• Complete 5 credits of (C) Composition designated course with a minimum 2.0 grade.  
• Complete the requirements for a major (minors are optional). 
• No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details. 
• Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma. 
• 45 upper-division credits and 45 credits of SIAS courses are required for graduation from SIAS. 
• Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.

Creative Writing Track Requirements: 60 Credits

• TWRT 200 Introduction to Creative Writing (5)
• TLIT 101 Understanding Literature (5)

Choose 20 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Creative Writing Electives. At least 10 credits of Creative Writing Electives must be 400 level. 

Choose at least 5 credits from the following list:

• TWRT 270 Poetry Writing 
• TWRT 280 Fiction Writing 
• TWRT 287 Creative Nonfiction Writing  
• TWRT 372 Writing Eco-poetry
• TWRT 382 Writing Popular Fiction
• TWRT 389 Nature Writing

Choose at least 5 credits from the list above or the following:

• TWRT 274 Spoken Word Poetry
• TWRT 333 Writing Through Comics
• TWRT 364 Food Writing for Cultural Exploration
• TWRT 384 Writing Historical Fiction 

Choose at least 10 credits from the following list:

• TWRT 470 Advanced Poetry Writing (repeatable once)
• TWRT 480 Advanced Fiction Writing (repeatable once)
• TWRT 487 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing (repeatable once)
• TWRT 499 Advanced Topics in Creative Writing (maximum credits - 15)  

Choose 15 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Literature Electives.

Choose 5 credits from the following list:

• T LIT 390 Varieties of Literary Criticism

Choose 10 credits of upper division coursework outside of American literature from the following list: 

• TLAX 476 Latin American Women Writers 
• TLIT 335 Middle Eastern American Literature
• TLIT 343 Shakespeare
• TLIT 351 Ancient Greek Tragedy 
• TLIT 352 Medieval Quests 
• TLIT 371 The World Stage
• TLIT 380 Myth and Literary Sagas in Creative Expression
• TLIT 406 Children's and Young Adult Literature
• TLIT 481 Postcolonial Fiction
• TLIT 487 African Folklore and Literature
• TWOMN 434 Women's Voices: Transnational Testimonials

Choose the final 5 credits from the list above OR any 300-400 level TLIT course.  

Choose 15 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Writing Electives.

• TWRT 291 Technical Communication in the Workplace
• TWRT 292 Power, Privilege, and Bias in Technology Design
• TWRT 320 Rhetoric, Public Life, and Civic Engagement 
• TWRT 330 Written and Visual Rhetoric 
• WRT 331 Writing in the Natural Sciences
• WRT 340 Asian American Rhetorics, Literacies, and Activism 
• WRT 350 Principles of User-Centered Design
• TWRT 353 User Experience Writing
• TWRT 355 Usability Testing Research
• TWRT 360 Playwriting
• TWRT 365 Literary Editing and Publishing
•  TWRT 388 Writing for Social Change 
• TWRT 391 Advanced Technical Communication
• TWRT 420 Rhetoric and the City: Composing Urban Landscapes
•  TWRT 450 Principles of Accessible Design
• TWRT 440 Cross-Cultural Communication Design
• TWRT 464 Teaching Writing
• TWRT 492 Special Topics in Rhetoric and Composition
• TCOM 348 Non-fiction Writing for Television
• TCOM 387 Writing for Public Relations
• TCOM 484 Opinion Writing for the Mass Media
• TCOM 486 Feature Writing for Print Media
• TFILM 350 Screenwriting
• TIAS 491 Professional Portfolio Design

Technical Communication Track Requirements: 65 Credits

One required course

• TWRT 291 Technical Communication in the Workplace (5)

Choose 5 credits from the following list. These courses can only be taken for credit once, as either Track Foundational Courses or Electives:

• TWRT 331 Writing in the Natural Sciences (5)
• TWRT 350 Principles of User Centered Design (5)
• TWRT 391 Advanced Technical Communication (5)
• TCOM 320 Principles of Web Design (5)  

Choose 20 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Technical Communication Electives.

• TWRT 330 Written and Visual Rhetoric
• TWRT 331 Writing in the Natural Sciences
• TWRT 350 Principles of User Centered Design
• TWRT 355 Usability Testing and Research
• TWRT 450 Principles of Accessible Design
• TCOM 220 Social Media
• TCOM 320 Principles of Web Design
• TCOM 350 Editing and Design for Print Media
• TCOM 420 Advanced Web Design
• TIAS 491 Professional Portfolio Design  

Choose 35 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Creative, Scientific, and Technical Topics Electives.

• TWRT 200 Introduction to Creative writing
• TWRT 201 Creative Writing in the Global Context
• TWRT 280 Introduction to Fiction Writing
• TWRT 287 Creative Nonfiction Writing
• TWRT 320 Rhetoric, Public Life, and Civic Engagement
• TWRT 340 Asian American Rhetorics, Literacies, and Activism
• TWRT 362 Writing and War
• TWRT 372 Writing Eco-Poetry
• TWRT 384 Writing Historical Fiction
• TWRT 388 Writing for Social Change
• TWRT 470 Advanced Poetry Writing
• TWRT 480 Advanced Fiction Writing
• TWRT 487 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing
• TWRT 499 Advanced Topics in Creative Writing
• TCOM 275 Writing, Reporting and Editing for the Mass Media
• TCOM 349 News Writing
• TCOM 482 Investigative Reporting
• TCSS 142 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
• TESC 201 The Science of Environmental Sustainability
• TEST 332 A Natural History of Garbage
• TEST 335 Environmental Impact Analysis
• T GEOS 241 Oceanography
• T GEOS 243 Geography of the Physical Environment
•  T GEOS 341 Climate Change
• T INFO 210 Foundations of Information Management 
• T INFO 220 Foundations of Human Computer Interaction for Information Technology and Systems
•  T INFO 230 Web Design and Programming
• T INFO 310 Foundations of Information Assurance
• T INFO 370 Managing Technical Teams
• T INST 207 Living and Working in the Virtual World
• T INST 312 Computer Networks and the Internet
• T INST 401 Technology in the Service of Society
• T INST 475 Entrepreneurship in Computing and Software Systems
• T WOMN 211 Women in Science

Rhetoric, Writing, and Social Change Track Requirements: 60 Credits

Two required courses

• TWRT 211 Argument and Research (5)
• TWRT 388 Writing for Social Change (5)  

Choose 25 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Rhetoric and Writing Electives. These courses can only be taken for credit once, as either Rhetoric and Writing Electives or Social Change Electives. 

• TWRT 320 Rhetoric, Public Life, and Civic Engagement  
• TWRT 330 Written and Visual Rhetoric  
• TWRT 333 Writing Through Comics  
• TWRT 340 Asian American Rhetorics, Literacies, and Activism 
• TWRT 353 UX Writing  
• TWRT 364 Food Writing for Cultural Exploration 
• TWRT 420 Rhetoric and the City: Composing Urban Landscapes 
• TWRT 440 Cross Cultural Communication Design  
• TNPRFT 451 Essentials of Grant Writing   
• TWRT 492 Special Topics in Rhetoric and Composition     

Choose 25 credits, see Writing Studies website for approved list of Social Change Electives. These courses can only be taken for credit once, as either Rhetoric and Writing Electives or Social Change Electives. 

• TWRT 291 Technical Communication in the Workplace  
• TWRT 292 Power, Privilege, and Bias in Technology Design  
• TWRT 331 Writing in the Natural Sciences  
• TWRT 350 Principles of User Centered Design  
• TWRT 355 Usability Testing and Research  
• TWRT 391 Advanced Technical Communication  
• TWRT 450 Principles of Accessible Design  
• TWRT 389 Nature Writing  
• TWRT 492 Special Topics in Rhetoric and Composition   
• TCOM 250 Media Activism   
• TCOM 310 Contemporary Environmental Issues and the Media   
• TCOM 387 Writing for Public Relations   
• TCOM 484 Opinion Writing for Mass Media   
• TEGL 306 Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific 
• TEGL 401 Critical and Indigenous Methodologies  
• TEGL 419 African American Culture and Consciousness    
• TEGL 435 Migration in the Modern World  
• TEGL 380 Gender and Sexuality Across Cultural and Historical Context  
• TLAX 380 Latinx Sexualities  
• TLAX 333 U.S. Latino Histories  
• TLAX 356 Latinx Urban Communities   
• TLAX 476 Latin American Women Writers   
• TSOC 254 Race and Ethnicity in the United States 
• TSOC 335 Social Class and Inequality  
• TSOC 365 Advanced Sociological Theories of Race and Ethnicity 
• TSOC 434 Women Race and Class   
• TSOC 436 History of Social Welfare Policy in the United States  
• TSOC 437 Immigration Today  
• TSOC 465 Asian and Asian American Laborers in the U.S.  
• TSOC 455 The Sociology of Gender 
• TWOMN 434 Women’s Voices: Transnational Testimonials
• TWOMN 455 Contemporary Theories in Gender and Sexuality Studies
• TEDUC 301 Community Education: Learning Beyond the Classroom  
• TEDUC 310 Racism in Schools in the U.S: Critical Race Theory and the Maintenance of Societal Inequality  
• TEDUC 471 Diversity and Equity in Schools and Curriculum  
• TEDUC 474 Native American Education Narratives and Centering Tribal Sovereignty  
• TARTS 395 Community-Based Arts Practice  
• TARTS Eco-Art: Art Created in Response to the Environmental Crisis  
• TARTS 405 Cultural Identity and Art  
• TARTS 410 Community and the Public Arts  
• TFILM 434 Disability in Film  
• TFILM 438 Gender and Sexuality in Film  
• TURB 312 Race and Poverty in Urban America   
• TUDE 310 Social Production of Space   
• TURB 480 Housing in the United States   
• TSUD 475 Community and Economy  
• TLIT 237 Introduction to Literature and Environment 
• TLIT 320 African American Literature from Slavery to the Present   
• TLIT 324 African American Women’s Literature   
• TLIT 425 Literature and the Harlem Renaissance 
• TLIT 431 Contemporary Native American Women’s Literature 
• TLIT 432 American Indian Literature 
• TPSYCH 312 Mental Illness Across Cultures  
• TPSYCH 345 Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination  
• TPSYCH 441 Diversity and Health Psychology 
• TPSYCH 455 Immigrant Youth Development  
• TESC 301 Sustainability in Action  
• TESC 345 Pollution and Public Policy  
• TSOC 270 Introduction to Asian American Sociological and Interdisciplinary  
• TPOLS 317 The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States 
• TPOLS 343 Community and Labor Organizing 
• TPOLS 410 Labor Rights and Human Rights  
• TECON 360 Poverty in Developing Countries 
• TLAW 452 Race, Ethnicity, and the Law  
• TLAW 465 Law and Public Policy in the United States  
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College of Letters and Science Creative Writing Minor

The Creative Writing minor encourages creativity in writing and thinking. Students enjoy the opportunity for self-expression in these classes, but their skills also lead to job opportunities after graduation. Employers seek out individuals with creative perspectives, and what you learn in the Creative Writing courses—the ability to write, revise, study and workshop stories and poems as well as engage in small group activities designed to build your creative voice—will help you in whatever major you choose to pursue. Careers our majors have landed in involve teaching, professional writing, journalism, copyediting, and continuing study in graduate school.

The minor is administered by the Department of English. It consists of 24 credits beyond the General Education Composition requirement.

For more information, visit the  Course Catalog , search by the name of this program, and filter by semester.  

English - Creative Writing Emphasis

Major or minor or certificate, explore the english - creative writing emphasis bachelor's degree program at uw-eau claire.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's English - creative writing emphasis bachelor's degree offers the invaluable opportunity to focus on the craft of writing with the support and instruction of an array of well-published, award-winning faculty. Graduates of the program leave with the knowledge and skills to create original and effective poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction works.

The growing major is an excellent choice for those who love to read and write, and are passionate about expressing themselves through language. Classes include multi-genre writing workshops, as well as those that focus on specific types of writing such as playwriting, novel writing and creation of essays, short stories and poetry. Through unique projects and class discussions, you'll foster creativity, insight and empathy — skills that are highly sought after by writers. A variety of electives and course topics throughout the emphasis allow you to study the areas that interest you and best align with your career goals. 

While pursuing your degree, you'll experience the incredible benefits of small class sizes. Our courses allow for personalized learning, individualized mentoring and the formation of meaningful, lasting connections. Your professors and classmates will know you by name and do all they can to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Whether you dream of publishing a novel, sharing your poetry, crafting blogs or writing a play, a bachelor's degree in creative writing from UW-Eau Claire can help make anything possible. 

At home in the English department

When Nora Schmidt came to UW-Eau Claire, choosing her mathematics minor was easy. Finding her major proved to be far more difficult, though in hindsight the answer was right in front of her all along — English-creative writing. 

Once she made her decision, she never looked back. Nora's English professors and fellow students helped her find her place on campus and a future that excites her. She says she’s been fortunate to have had some of the same professors teach her in more than one course, creating a sense of familiarity that makes her feel at home in the department.

Learn more about Nora's experience as an English-creative writing major .

Why English - creative writing emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

Academic apprenticeships and tutoring opportunities.  As a creative writing major or minor, you'll have the unique opportunity to work as an academic apprentice. This may require you to facilitate class discussions, assist teams with group work, answer questions, provide input for class activities and assignments and teach part of a class session. You may also choose to tutor other students outside of the English department by becoming a Center for Writing Excellence writing assistant. These experiences provide a chance for you to build skills in leadership, interpersonal communication and problem-solving, while also enhancing your writing abilities.

Fascinating research opportunities. Endless undergraduate research opportunities are available to students at UWEC. Some of the exciting projects taken on by students and faculty in English involve conducting research and interviewing research subjects. Your work could lead to presentations at local and national research conferences, providing you with even more learning and networking opportunities.

Valuable student organizations. Joining a student organization at UWEC builds your skill set — and your resume. You may mentor current and potential students, organize events or give back to the community. You'll also meet students who, like you, are interested in English and all that it offers. A popular student org for creative writing majors is NOTA, or None of the Above, which is a campus literary magazine — entirely student-run — that publishes a biannual collection of the top student submissions in the categories of art, poetry and prose.

A chance to see the world. Writing in a new and different environment can lead to some pretty incredible work. Find inspiration while studying abroad in places like England, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, South Africa or Japan. Or join faculty on a cultural immersion program to renowned places right here in the U.S. These enriching academic experiences are exactly the kind of high-impact practices that set UW-Eau Claire apart from other institutions, making UWEC an excellent place to pursue your creative writing degree. 

97% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

English - creative writing emphasis program details.

• Program length: four years
• Offered: in person
• Campus: Eau Claire
• This major requires a minor or certificate.
• This program is also available as a minor and certificate. 
• Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Student organizations

• English Ambassadors
• English Festival
• None of the Above (NOTA)
• Sigma Tau Delta

What can I do with an English - creative writing emphasis degree from UWEC?

Graduates of UW-Eau Claire's English - creative writing emphasis degree leave with the knowledge, tools, skills and passion to become successful, published authors. 

Creative writing jobs

• Content manager
• Content writer
• Technical writer
• Social media director
• Freelance writer

Some people might stay away from English classes because they think they're bad writers. I would say no one is a bad writer. Writing, like art, is very subjective, and I promise you there is someone out there who will share your story and see the light in your writing. If you're interested in expressing yourself or just have feelings you need to work through, creative writing is something that you should try. Maggie O'Brien Teaching - English and Language Arts and Creative Writing Major

English - creative writing emphasis bachelor’s degree program curriculum

The English - creative writing emphasis bachelor's degree includes countless opportunities to create and evaluate forms of verbal art, including poetry, fiction and nonfiction. Coursework throughout the program will help you to become a better reader and writer of imaginative literature. Pair your studies with a minor or another major in areas like history, marketing, journalism, public relations, communication studies, political science or graphic design for even more career opportunities. 

What classes do English - creative writing emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• American literature
• Creative and narrative nonfiction 
• Poetry writing 
• Creative writing workshops 
• Short stories
• English linguistics 
• Playwriting

Learn more about the English - creative writing emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog .

Learn more about the English - creative writing minor in the UWEC course catalog .

Learn more about the English - creative writing certificate in the UWEC course catalog .

Learn more about UWEC

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in English? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.

• Communication - Communication Studies Emphasis
• English - Critical Studies in Literatures, Cultures, and Film Emphasis
• English - Linguistics Emphasis
• English - Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture Emphasis
• Art - Graphic Communications Emphasis
• Integrated Strategic Communication - Advertising Emphasis
• Integrated Strategic Communication - Public Relations Emphasis
• Teaching - English and Language Arts
• Theatre Arts

Department information

Minor in Creative Writing

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 21 credits selected from the following options:

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Creative Writing Minor

2024 - 2025 catalog, creative writing minor.

A minor in creative writing requires six three- or four-credit courses. In meeting the requirements of this minor, a student may not use more than nine credits that are also used to meet the requirements of any other major or minor. The courses must include:

• Creative writing workshops: three courses chosen from ENGL 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, 207, 210, 214 (ENVI 214), 215, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309, and 391, with at least one at the 300-level.
• Literature: two literature courses in English, including one chosen from courses numbered between 222 and 296 and one chosen from ENGL 299 or English courses numbered between 312 and 386.
• One additional course chosen from the above or from ENGL 403, 453. Students majoring in a discipline without an emphasis in literature are strongly encouraged to choose an elective course from the Literature category (number 2 above). English majors wishing to complete a Creative Writing minor should elect a fourth workshop, a 403 in creative writing, or a creative honors thesis in English.
• Participation in a capstone public reading in winter or spring of the senior year.

​One course may, with English Department approval in advance, come from a department or program other than English. It may substitute for a requirement in any category above, as long as reading and writing requirements are commensurate with English Department standards for a course of that type.

• Creative writing workshops:

three courses chosen from:

A course in the practice of creative writing, with attention to two or more genres. Pairings vary by instructor but examples might include narrative fiction and nonfiction; poetry and the lyric essay; and flash and hybrid forms. This course involves workshops, literary study, and critical writing.

A course in the practice of writing plays, involving workshops, literary study, critical writing, and performance.

A course in the practice of writing short fiction, involving workshops, literary study, and critical writing.

A course in the practice of writing poetry, involving workshops, literary study, and critical writing.

A course in the practice of writing nonfiction, involving workshops, literary study, and critical writing.

An expeditionary, multi-genre course (fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry) in environmental creative writing. Readings focus on contemporary "EcoWriters." We take weekly expeditions, including creative writing hikes, a creative writing visit to a Thai Forest Buddhist monastery, and a creative writing visit to the workshops of a landscape painter and bloomsmith. The course involves moderate to challenging hiking. We research the science and social science of the ecosystems explored, as well as the language of those ecosystems. The course has two primary aspects: (1) reading and literary analysis of multi-genre eco-literature and (2) developing skill and craft in creating EcoWriting through the act of writing in these genres and through participation in "writing workshop."

A course in the practice of creative writing, involving workshops, literary study, and critical writing.

A single-genre poetry course in the practice of writing environmental poetry, involving poetry workshops, the literary study of environmental poetry (historical and contemporary), and critical writing.

Same as ARTS 215. A course which is both a creative-writing and a studio-art course. Students study graphic narratives as an art form that combines image-making and storytelling, producing their own multi-page narratives through the writing of images. The course includes a theoretical overview of the comics form, using a range of works as practical models.

This course is an introduction to the publishing industry, its culture and commerce. We examine the history of the industry and how it operates today, with an emphasis on active learning and practice. This class consists, in part, of active discussions with industry professionals, studying the life of a single book: its author, its agent, its editor, its book designer, its publisher. It gives you an overview of how the publishing industry works through the eyes of the people who work in it. It also gives you a chance to put what you learn into practice. Using a book you're working on (or a theoretical book you may someday write), you compose a query letter, design a book jacket, and create marketing material in support of your project. The term culminates with a book auction where students form publishing teams and bid on the books they would most like to publish.

A workshop in writing poems, requiring regular writing and outside reading.

A workshop in writing fiction, requiring regular writing and outside reading.

Flannery O'Connor once said that any writer who could survive childhood had enough material to write about for a lifetime. Memoir is a mosaic form, utilizing bits and pieces from autobiography, fiction, essay and poetry in ways that allow the author to muse (speculate, imagine, remember, and question) on their own life experiences. Modern literary memoir requires tremendous work from the author, as she moves both backward and forward in time, re-creates believable dialogue, switches back and forth between scene and summary, and controls the pace and tension of the story with lyricism or brute imagery. In short, the memoirist keeps her reader engaged by being an adept and agile storyteller. This is not straight autobiography. Memoir is more about what can be gleaned from a section of one's life than about chronicling an entire life. Like a mosaic, memoir is about the individual pieces as much as the eventual whole. Work focuses on reading established memoirists, free writing, and workshopping in and out of class.

An advanced workshop in creative writing. Genres and topics will vary, but all versions involve intensive reading and writing.

• Two literature courses in English, including one chosen from courses numbered between 222 and 296 and one chosen from ENGL 299 or English courses numbered between 312 and 386.
• One additional course chosen from the above or from

Students majoring in a discipline without an emphasis in literature are strongly encouraged to choose an elective course from the Literature category (number 2 above). English majors wishing to complete a Creative Writing minor should elect a fourth workshop, a 403 in creative writing, or a creative honors thesis in English.

Directed study individually arranged and supervised. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.

An apprenticeship in editing with the editor of Shenandoah, Washington and Lee's literary magazine. Students are instructed in and assist in these facets of the editor's work: evaluation of manuscripts of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, comics, and translations; substantive editing of manuscripts, copyediting; communicating with writers; social media; website maintenance; the design of promotional material.

Students receive an introduction to Shakespeare's verse in performance; read and analyze scripts from some of the plays to be observed during spring term; and engage in a team-building workshop and the creation of walking tours of modern London, each built around a particular cultural theme. The course consists of six two-hour meetings.

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College of Letters & Science English

Creative writing.

Students who major in English with a creative writing concentration focus their studies in either poetry or fiction, but all will write in more than one genre before they graduate. Creative writing workshops, where students’ works are the main texts, form the bulk of the curriculum, particularly at the more advanced levels; it’s in this way that students develop not only their writing skills but also their critical reviewing and thinking skills.

Our graduates have gone on to many different careers — far from being a narrowly-focused degree, a major in creative writing serves a wide variety of careers well, including editing, publishing, advertising, marketing, public relations, teaching, law and more. Whatever field they choose, what’s common is that they do uncommonly well. (Just this past year, one of our graduates received mention in the famed Best American series.)

For requirements and electives, visit our undergraduate major requirements page.

For more information, contact our coordinator:

Professor Liam Callanan [email protected] Curtin Hall 593

Creative Writing Core Faculty

Minor in Creative Writing

• Creative Writing (BA)
• Creative Writing (Minor)
• Creative Writing (MFA)

In the Creative Writing minor, you’ll receive an introduction to creative writing and practice your skills in fiction, poetry and literary nonfiction. You’ll study style and techniques as well as technical trends in different kinds of writing.

Curriculum & Requirements

Creative Writing Minor

Catalog Listing

Sample Courses

Crwr 217. beginning fiction workshop. 5 credits..

Notes: required for BA in Creative Writing. Pre-requisites: CRWR 210. A beginning workshop focused on writing and discussing short stories. Students will become conversant, in writing and orally, in the language of the craft including story elements such as: viewpoint, setting, plotting, pacing, characterization, etc. They will draft a single short story and will learn to effectively offer written and oral analytical/critical feedback via the workshop format. They will understand sentence mechanics and the revision process as central elements in fiction writing.

CRWR 302. FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS: POETRY. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: CRWR 210. This course is a study of the foundational texts in poetry, from a writer’s point of view, considering various periods and stylistic approaches. Students will read poetry and verse ranging from ancient to Modernist texts. They will learn how to effectively analyze foundational texts in writing and orally.

CRWR 311. FORM AND THEORY OF FICTION. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: CRWR 210. This course is a close study of the style and techniques utilized in contemporary fiction, including a delineation of the development of major technical trends in contemporary fiction. Students will read literary fiction from the post-Modern era (late 20th century) to the present. They will analyze texts (short stories, novels) in writing and orally utilizing the language of the craft.

CRWR 313. FORM AND THEORY OF LITERARY NONFICTION. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: CRWR 210. Students will study the nature of literary nonfiction. Contemporary sub-genres to be studied may include nature writing, travel writing, science writing, the memoir, literary journalism and others.

Lisa Denker

Coordinator:  Erica Cavanagh Phone : 540-568-3761        Email : [email protected] Website: http://www.jmu.edu/english/undergraduate/minors.shtml

The cross disciplinary minor in creative writing is designed to encourage students to develop their writing talents across a number of literary forms and communication contexts.

Course offerings in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, screen and playwriting give students the opportunity to shape the minor to suit a variety of artistic interests and professional objectives. With the choice of at least one course from a group involving advanced topics, narrative and poetic forms, media criticism and film analysis, students will gain informed perspectives on current issues affecting readers, viewers, writers and their creative works. These courses support the core workshop courses and are vital to competence in the field.

The minimum requirement for a minor in creative writing is 18 hours. Two courses may be double-counted between the minor and the major. Students electing this minor may acquire more information from the creative writing advisor of the Department of English   , the School of Media Arts and Design    or the School of Theatre and Dance   .

Required Courses

Select four or five core courses from two or more departments: 12-15 credit hours.

• ENG 391. Introduction to Creative Writing – Nonfiction Credits: 3.00
• ENG 392. Introduction to Creative Writing – Poetry Credits: 3.00
• ENG 393. Introduction to Creative Writing – Fiction Credits: 3.00
• ENG 493. Advanced Creative Nonfiction Credits: 3.00
• ENG 494. Advanced Poetry Writing Credits: 3.00
• ENG 495. Advanced Fiction Writing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 250. Scriptwriting Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 251. Screenplay Writing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 311. Feature Writing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 340. Advanced Screenplay Writing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 498. Senior Seminar in Media Arts and Design Credits: 3.00 (when topic is appropriate) 1
• THEA 347. Playwriting Credits: 3.00
• THEA 441. Senior Seminar in Theatre Credits: 3.00 (when topic is appropriate) 1
• THEA 447. Advanced Playwriting Credits: 3.00

Select one or two support courses from the following: 3-6 Credit Hours

• ENG 390. The Environmental Imagination Credits: 3.00
• ENG 483. Narrative Form Credits: 3.00
• ENG 484. Poetic Craft and Creativity Credits: 3.00
• ENG 496. Advanced Topics in Creative Writing Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 373. Media Analysis and Criticism Credits: 3.00
• SMAD 463. Film Adaptations Credits: 3.00
• THEA 481. Theory and Performance Studies Credits: 3.00

Total: 18 Credit Hours

1 Students must check with the professor or creative writing coordinator to see if these courses are appropriate for this minor.