Creative Writing
Creative Writing combines small workshops (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and a variety of literature courses. The result is a strong but flexible program of study that develops students’ analytical and creative skills and prepares them for work or graduate study in any number of fields.
- CW 100—Introduction to Creative Creative
- CW 104—Introductory Narrative Writing
- CW 106—Introductory Poetry Writing
Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.
Creative Writing majors can use their communication skills in a number of different roles.
- High proficiency in reading/writing/speaking
- Ability to be highly imaginative
- Ability to be individually expressive through a variety of creative forms
- Ability to give and receive effective criticism
- Good listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills
- Ability to conduct/explain research
- Ability to make critical observations/decisions
- Ability to read analytically
- Ability to read for style/ideas
- Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
- Ability to relate to others with empathy and understanding
- Arranger
- Associate Media Director
- Author
- Biographer
- Book Reviewer
- Broadcast Supervisor
- Columnist
- Composer
- Continuity Writer
- Copy Editor
- Creative Director
- Critic
- Editorial Writer
- Electronic Publishing Specialist
- Fact Checker
- Fundraiser
- Humorist
- Librettist
- Lyricist
- Medical Writer
- Orchestrator
- Patient Relations Specialist
- Playwright
- Program Proposals Coordinator
- Project Supervisor
- Proofreader
- Publicity Assistant
- Publicity Director
- Reporter
- Researcher
- Sales Service Promoter
- Science Writer
- Screen Printing Inspector
- Screenplay Writer
- Speech Writer
- Staff Writer
- Story Editor
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
- Trainer
Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.
- Participating in undergraduate research
- Applying for a study abroad experience
- Utilizing resources of The Career Center
- Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Creative Writing Club: a group for creative writers from all majors who want to get together with peers for fun writing and performance activities.
- English Student Council: an organization for English, Creative Writing, and Teaching of English majors, and English and Creative Writing minors, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
There are several professional organizations dedicated to Creative Writing. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Creative Writing. These organizations include American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Association of American Publishers, and Modern Language Association.