creative writing major uw

English is at the heart of the liberal arts. One of the largest departments in the UW College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English makes major contributions to the intellectual vitality, academic excellence, and educational mission of the University. The many interests and instructional programs of the Department - including literature, rhetoric, culture, theory, criticism, history, pedagogy, and creative writing - are linked by the study of this common language.

 Undergraduate Programs

 program of study: major: english.

The undergraduate English major at the University of Washington offers students a broadly based, historically grounded introduction to the literatures of Britain, the United States, and, increasingly, Anglophone literature from around the world. Courses in literature emphasize techniques of literary analysis, theoretical problems posed by the interpretation of texts, the social, historical, and political context of literary production and reception, and the pleasures of reading. Most require significant written work and stress the development of critical thinking skills. Courses in language study examine the structural, historical, social, and aesthetic dimensions of English. Our Creative Writing Program offers a range of workshops in verse, short story, novel, and creative non-fiction or expository writing.

• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English
• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English: Creative Writing

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English

The English major provides a rigorous course of study in the language, literature, and culture of the English speaking world. The major is structured around three key principles: historical depth, power and difference, and a reflexive awareness of genre, method, and language. These three overlapping areas of study help students see how language, literature, and culture are always intertwined with the movement of history, bound up with questions of power and difference, and shaped by form, genre, and grammar. By giving students the tools to think critically and reflectively about these concepts, the major prepares them to be engaged readers, writers, and thinkers throughout their lives.

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Foreign languages, classics, English history, American history, and philosophy.

• Minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA
• Minimum cumulative 2.50 English GPA
• Enrolled students may declare the English major in the Humanities Advising Center, A2B Padelford, during the first two weeks of autumn, winter, spring, and summer quarters.
• Minimum 2.0 grade in ENGL 202, taken within one quarter of admission to the major.
• Minimum 2.0 grade in ENGL 302, taken within two quarters of admission to the major.
• Historical Depth Courses (15 credits): Focused on pre-1945 materials, of which at least 5 credits must focus on pre-1700 materials. Refer to department website for list of approved courses.
• Power & Difference Courses (15 credits): Refer to department website for list of approved courses.
• Genre, Method, and Language Courses (15 credits): Refer to department website for list of approved courses.
• Capstone (5 credits): Minimum 2.0 grade in approved 400-level senior capstone English course. Refer to department website for list of approved senior capstone courses.
• Maximum 20 credits of 200-level courses and maximum 5 credits of creative writing may apply towards the major.
• Minimum 30 credits of English at the 200-level or above must be completed in residence through the UW.

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English: Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Option prepares students not only to be more effective communicators and artists, but also creative problem solvers and more nuanced critical thinkers. By situating small, student-oriented writing workshops alongside literary models, Creative Writing classes enhance the broader study of literature and critical theory, helping students gain a greater understanding of the social and cultural forces informing their work. A student completing the program is more able to situate themselves in a larger context and make more meaningful, informed decisions about their own artistic practice. In addition, through the intense practice of creative writing students are able to see the world more clearly, in a more nuanced and meaningful manner, and apply these skills to a wide variety of work and life situations.

• Admission to the English major
• Minimum 2.0 grade in ENGL 202.
• ENGL 283 and ENGL 284 or transfer equivalents
• Submission of an unofficial transcript and a writing sample of 3-5 poems and 5-10 pages of fiction (preferably a complete story)
• Students interested in the creative writing option should apply to the Creative Writing Office, B-25 Padelford, during the first three weeks of autumn, winter, and spring quarters.
• Admission is capacity constrained. Completion of the above requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum 65 credits

• ENGL 283 and ENGL 284
• Power & Difference Courses (15 credits): Refer to department website for list approved courses.
• ENGL 383 and ENGL 384
• Approved 400-level creative writing courses (10 credits)
• Maximum 20 credits of 200-level courses may apply towards the major.

All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.

 Program of Study: Minor: English

With an English minor, students will: Develop familiarity with and deeper appreciation for English-language literary and cultural texts. Gain an understanding of how literary texts and language shape/are shaped by culture and history. Strengthen critical reading skills by learning techniques for parsing, analyzing, and contextualizing a variety of texts and genres. Improve writing, research, and communication skills through explicit attention to constructing arguments, using evidence, crafting prose, and structuring discourse for a variety of audiences, genres, and contexts. Acquire introductory awareness of the variety of methodologies and theories employed by scholars of literature, language, and culture to interpret texts (and their effects).

• Minor in English
• Minor in English: Writing

 Minor in English

The English minor encourages students to develop familiarity with and deeper appreciation for English-language literary and cultural texts, and gain an understanding of how literature and language shape, and are shaped by, culture and history. It also strengthens critical reading skills by learning techniques for parsing, analyzing, and contextualizing a variety of texts and genres, and improve writing, research, and communication skills through explicit attention to constructing arguments, using evidence, crafting prose, and structuring discourse for a variety of audiences, genres, and contexts. Students acquire introductory awareness of the variety of methodologies and theories employed by scholars of literature, language, and culture to interpret texts and their effects.

• Minimum 30 credits of ENGL courses at the 200-level or above, excluding ENGL 295 and ENGL 491
• Minimum 20 credits of upper-division ENGL courses
• Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied toward the minor
• Minimum 20 credits must be completed in residence through the UW
• Maximum 5 credits of creative writing may be applied toward the minor. Refer to department website for list of courses.

 Minor in English: Writing

The Writing Minor is designed to provide students with concentrated study of and practice in writing, language, and rhetoric. The minor is most appropriate for students entering writing-intensive careers such as journalism, business, marketing, law, publishing, editing, education, and public relations, or for students interested in enhancing their writing, analytic, and communication skills.

• 25 credits, of which 15 must be upper-division, with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied toward the minor.
• 15 credits from approved list of courses in academic, professional, and creative writing. 10 credits from approved list of courses in theory, history, and design. See adviser or department website for approved lists. No more than 5 credits from creative writing or courses outside the English Department.
• Minimum 15 credits must be completed in residence through the UW.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

The undergraduate program of study in English concentrates on developing students' critical and interpretive abilities with regard to literatures written in English. Students become familiar with the critical developments in the study of language and literary forms, including especially understanding the cultural and historical contexts of various forms of literature. Students are, accordingly, asked to cultivate a habit of self-conscious and careful reading of written texts. Honing a successful habit of reading depends on acquiring an early awareness of the broad range of critical and interpretive methods available to readers of literature, as well as comprehending the basic purpose and effects at stake in different reading methods. Finally, students develop the ability to compose effective and persuasive written analyses of texts in a manner that demonstrates comprehension of the complexities or nuances of language, literature, and culture.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: Computer laboratories in Mary Gates Hall for computer-integrated sections.
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: The English internship program maintains an active list of over 200 local employers, including publishers, arts organizations, the media, advertising agencies, social service groups, schools, and businesses. Credit is available to declared English majors (ENGL 491).
• English Department scholarships are available to declared English majors enrolled at the UW for at least two quarters with a 3.50 UW GPA and a 3.70 UW English GPA. Scholarship recipients must enroll for at least two quarters and carry at least 6 credits each quarter during the term of the scholarship. Applications, due in early March, are available in A11 and A2B Padelford.
• Additional scholarships and prizes in creative writing are open to UW English majors only. Applications, due in early March, are available in B25 and A2B Padelford.
• Student Organizations/Associations: Bricolage is a student literary arts annual published entirely by UW undergraduates and features the works of University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Students from all majors welcome. See department website for details.

Of Special Note: :

• Students considering teaching English at the secondary level should consult an English adviser regarding coursework for the English Language Arts endorsement required for entry into the Secondary Teacher Education Program (TEP).
• The Department of English offers study abroad opportunities in London and Rome. Students from all majors welcome. See department website for more information.

 Graduate Programs

 program of study: doctor of philosophy (english).

• Doctor Of Philosophy (English)
• Doctor Of Philosophy (English: Textual Studies)
• Doctor Of Philosophy (English: Theory And Criticism)

Contact department for requirements.

 Doctor Of Philosophy (English)

 doctor of philosophy (english: textual studies),  doctor of philosophy (english: theory and criticism),  program of study: master of arts (english).

• Master Of Arts (English)

 Master Of Arts (English)

 program of study: master of arts for teachers (english).

• Master Of Arts For Teachers (English)
• Master Of Arts For Teachers (English: Of English To Speakers Of Other Languages)

 Master Of Arts For Teachers (English)

 master of arts for teachers (english: of english to speakers of other languages).

Our two-year Master of Arts for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) program provides a well-balanced curriculum of theoretical and practical coursework to a diverse body of students from the United States and around the globe. Our students develop a comprehensive understanding of second language acquisition theory, language pedagogy, assessment, and research while also learning about the sociopolitical, multicultural, and racialized global contexts within which English instruction takes place. Students are given the unique opportunity to take two practicum courses in which they work with international students and are mentored by experienced English language teachers as they learn to translate theory into practice. We also offer a limited number of competitive TAships, generally to second year students, which enable students to teach their own English classes.

Core courses (25 credits) : ENGL 571, ENGL 572, ENGL 574, ENGL 575 or LING 461, ENGL 576

Practicum (5 credits): ENGL 570

Practicum electives (5 credits) : ENGL 567 or ENGL 570

Electives (15 credits) : Course list maintained by department

Linguistics competency : Must have completed linguistics coursework as an undergraduate or complete LING 400 while enrolled as a graduate student at UW, which would count towards Electives credits (5 credits total).

Language competency : Must have completed one year of coursework or its equivalent in a language other than English with a 3.0 or higher as an undergraduate no earlier than three years before entering graduate studies at UW; or pass a language exam administered by the UW Educational Assessment Center; or complete one year of coursework in a language other than English while enrolled in graduate studies at UW.

 Program of Study: Master Of Fine Arts (English)

• Master Of Fine Arts (English: Creative Writing)

 Master Of Fine Arts (English: Creative Writing)

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As part of their general education requirements undergraduates must take at least one 5-credit composition ("C") course, and 7-10 credits of writing-intensive ("W") courses. There are a variety of options for you to satisfy these requirements, ranging from the English department's two writing programs to writing intensive ("W") courses that may be offered within your major. In addition to course offerings, UW offers a wide range of writing support for undergrads and grad students so that you can succeed in your courses, and finish your degree as a more knowledgeable and empowered communicator.

Writing Studies

• Technical Communication minor

CAC Faculty Resources

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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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Featured story slideshow, master of fine arts in creative writing & poetics.

Image: LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs performing the opening keynote at the 2019 Fall Convergence

UW Bothell: Where Writers and Artists Converge

Find your voice as a writer while inquiring into the social, cultural and technological aspects of writing. How is writing an ethical, political and aesthetic endeavor?

Our students experiment across genres and are encouraged to extend their practice beyond the page, drawing upon media, art and performance.

Our unique curriculum includes workshops, seminars and opportunities to participate in readings, conferences and festivals.

Earn your degree with flexible evening classes designed for working professionals. Join a creative community and gain valuable skills for a vibrant writing career.

Learn more about our program below.

Explore the UW Difference

Designed for.

Writers who want to join a supportive community of literary peers and gain the credentials to work in diverse industries or teach at the college level

Program Highlights

• Experimental writing, hybrid forms and performance
• Critical thinking about contemporary literature and art
• Exploration across genres and media
• Hands-on collaboration with faculty
• Visiting writers and artists
• Connection with Seattle’s thriving literary community

Degree You'll Earn

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Poetics

Program Length

2 years / 6 quarters

When Classes Meet

Evenings; part-time and full-time options available

Autumn 2024 Application Deadline

February 1, 2024

Our Faculty

Anida Yoeu Ali

Senior Artist-in-Residence

Investigates the artistic, spiritual and political collisions of a hybrid transnational identity

Amaranth Borsuk

MFA Program Director Associate Professor

Works at the intersection of print and digital media

Naomi Macalalad Bragin

Associate Professor

Dancer, writer and performance ethnographer

Ching-In Chen

Assistant Professor

Hybrid writer, community organizer and performer

Jeanne Heuving

Founding Director

Teaches classes in creative writing and poetics, literature and cultural studies

Ted Hiebert

Seattle-based interdisciplinary artist and theorist

Joe Milutis

Writer and media artist

Outcomes Worth the Investment

Alumni accomplishments.

MFA alumni go on to publish their work, found literary journals and small presses, study in doctoral programs and build literary communities in Seattle and beyond. Here are some recent stories:

• MFA's Talena Lachelle Queen’s new exhibit at Paterson Museum
• MFA alumni Amy Hirayama and Emily Mundy teach workshops in somatic exploration
• MFA alum Troy Landrum Jr. selected as Wa Na Wari Fellow

Average annual salary for writers and authors in Washington state in 2022

Projected annual job growth for writers and authors in Washington state (2020–30), which is much faster-than-average job growth

* Source: O*Net Online

“ Having other people come from an experimental poetry section, which I didn’t even know was a thing. And then also Filipino mythology and folklore, and people who are brilliant poets who use sound poetry — how the words sound and feel in your mouth as opposed to how they look on the page. Experiencing all these different artistic approaches was phenomenal. It was absolutely worth every second I could spend in class to learn .”

TERRELL FOX

Creative Writer, Editor, Mediator and Leader Alumnus, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Poetics

Brought to you by UW Continuum College

© 2024 University of Washington | Seattle, WA

• Faculty & Staff

Students admitted to the UW now have until June 1 to commit, a result of FAFSA delays. We anticipate that financial aid offers will be sent in late April or early May.

Choosing a major

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Aeronautics & Astronautics

• Capacity-constrained

This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.

Aeronautics and Astronautics deals with the design, analysis and performance of air and space vehicles and a broad spectrum of related engineering science, such as aerodynamics, structural mechanics, automatic controls, flight mechanics, space dynamics, propulsion, plasma dynamics and related topics.

American Ethnic Studies

You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.

American Ethnic Studies is the interdisciplinary and comparative exploration of historical and contemporary relations of power and issues of social justice in American societies. Our main fields of research and pedagogy focus on the United States but also extend into questions about global and transnational dimensions, concepts and histories concerning race and ethnicity in America. Students earn a BA degree in American Ethnic Studies by taking core courses on ethnic-specific and comparative, multi-ethnic subjects. At the same time, they develop…

American Indian Studies

American Indian Studies approaches its teaching and research from a decolonized, community-based and global perspective. American Indian Studies faculty and students strive to develop innovative theories and methodologies that increase knowledge about Indigenous Peoples and support the needs of Indigenous communities. The department promotes faculty and student exchange programs with institutions that are committed to a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities and Peoples throughout the world. Graduates of this degree pursue a variety of careers such as cultural resource management,…

Anthropology

The anthropology major includes the study of human evolution, the archaeological record, language and culture, the relationship between humans and their environment, and cultural modes of being as these differ in time and space. While pursuing a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches, anthropologists work toward a common goal: to document and understand our many interconnected ways of being human in a world now inhabited by six billion people speaking five thousand languages. Graduates of this degree pursue careers…

Applied & Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS)

Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS) is a multidisciplinary BS degree program designed for students interested in the application of mathematical and computational concepts and tools to solve problems in government, industry and research. Depending on the curricular option, students can specialize in applications in biology, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, physical science and social science. The program is offered jointly by the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics.

Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics incorporates interdisciplinary study in the physical, engineering and biological sciences. We provide dynamic and engaging training that is especially strong in mathematical methods (scientific computing, data science, etc.) and in application areas (mathematical biology, health sciences, nonlinear waves and coherent structures, mathematical finance, data analysis and climate modeling).  

Aquatic & Fisheries Sciences

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences studies aquatic organisms, the rivers, lakes and oceans in which they live and how we conserve them. The degree draws on the disciplines of natural history, physiology, ecology, evolution and quantitative sciences and applies these principles to conservation and management of natural resources. Graduates of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences are uniquely qualified for careers in universities and other educational settings, management agencies at the local to international levels, environmental consulting,…

Architectural Design

The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate study in a Master of Architecture professional program, a requirement for a career as a licensed architect. Admission is offered at the junior level through a competitive application process, based on completing two years of general university requirements and program prerequisites. The program features six quarters of design studios as well as coursework in building technologies and architectural theory. Students gain design skills that…

Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Architectural Studies is a four-year, undergraduate degree program in which students explore the many factors that shape our built environment. The program provides a liberal studies approach to the study of architecture that explores socio-cultural influences, urbanism, spatial reasoning, aesthetics, political and economic structures, landscape, construction, building technologies, and ecology. The program engages students in the experience of architecture as a complex, multi-faceted discipline. It also offers the opportunity to focus their studies through…

• Minimum requirements

You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.

Students within the Division of Art in the School of Art + Art History + Design develop technical proficiencies, engage in creative collaboration and advance their knowledge of visual literacy. Students are encouraged to work with faculty and art advisers to develop individual educational and career goals that take full advantage of options and opportunities afforded by this degree.  

Art History

Art History is the study of art and visual culture as instruments of knowledge and methods of human expression that operate in many arenas of history, tradition and the contemporary environment. Art history students have the opportunity to study a broad geographical, temporal and ethnic range of cultures to explore the variety of ways in which visual artifacts are used to express and convey the diverse values of society. Graduates with this degree pursue careers in fields such as business,…

Asian Languages & Cultures

Students will develop their ability to read, write and speak one or more Asian languages and will combine those language skills with Asia-related studies in various humanities disciplines. Students are encouraged to explore wider interests by taking courses in other units and to take advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities. A popular option for many is to combine a minor in Asian Languages and Cultures with a major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration, or Global and…

Asian Studies

The Astronomy Department offers a full curriculum that covers planetary astronomy, stellar structure and evolution, interstellar matter, Milky Way structure, galaxies and cosmology, all of which build on associated coursework in physics and mathematics. The BS in Astronomy also emphasizes skill building in computational techniques (including data science), writing, public speaking for both science and public outreach and astronomical observations with our 30-inch telescope in central Washington. The department encourages close working relationships between faculty and students and fosters undergraduate…

Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric sciences is a wide-ranging discipline that includes topics as diverse as weather forecasting, global warming, air quality, Pacific Northwest weather and climate, mountain weather, marine weather, El Nino, the ozone hole, ice ages, and the weather of Mars. It considers problems that are both scientifically challenging and critical for the welfare of modern society. These problems are addressed with theory, measurements and computer simulations. Minor available.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. The department offers BA and BS degree programs. Graduates pursue careers in biomedical research, the health care professions or biotechnology. The degree is also good preparation for graduate school in any aspect of biochemical or biomedical research.

Bioengineering

Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to the fields of biology, medicine and health care. Students will utilize knowledge from the biological sciences as well as mechanical, chemical, electrical and computer engineering in order to invent the future of medicine through novel, innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Through coursework in the classroom, lab and field, as well as research opportunities, internships and study abroad, Biology undergraduates gain the knowledge and skills for careers in basic and applied research, education, health sciences, environmental sciences, science policy, government, business and the nonprofit sector. Biology offers one BA and five BS degree options. The General Biology option, offered as both BA and BS degrees, is the most flexible option, enabling students choose from a wide range of electives through several…

Bioresource Science & Engineering

The Bioresource Science and Engineering (BSE) major is designed for students seeking training in chemical and physical sciences and chemical engineering as applied to manufacturing fiber products, fuels and chemicals from biomass resources. It emphasizes the application of mathematics, chemistry and engineering to paper and related bioresources-based industries. BSE is an engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. BSE provides extensive faculty contact, active student groups and research opportunities.

Business Administration

A Business Administration degree provides a liberal arts curriculum along with a full spectrum of the many areas of business. Students can take a variety of upper-division electives or choose to specialize in one area of business by declaring a formal option.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is the study of transforming matter under constraint. Chemical engineers find industrial employment in areas of energy, the environment, biomedicine, electronics, food production and materials. Chemical engineers also find careers in academia and government and military service. Students study chemical processes at the molecular level and the chemical plant level and gain an engineering education deeply grounded in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and materials science.

Chemistry deals principally with the properties of molecules, the chemical reactions that occur between them and the natural laws that describe molecular interactions. Chemistry is a central science, having strong interactions with biology, medicine, earth and environmental sciences, physics and mathematics. B.A. and B.S. decree programs in chemistry prepare students for graduate school, health professions, careers in the chemical industry, teaching at a high school level and a host of other career options.

The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major and minor in Chinese, through which students develop their ability to read, write and speak Chinese and gain an understanding and appreciation of the literature, linguistics and culture associated with the language. A popular option is to combine a major in Chinese with a second major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration or Global and Regional Studies. Graduates of this degree program go on to a…

Cinema & Media Studies

An undergraduate major in Cinema and Media Studies allows students to develop their understanding of how films function as a distinctive mode of transmitting and critiquing cultural values and practices. International in scope and interdisciplinary in orientation, it emphasizes intellectual breadth and maximizes students’ opportunities to design their own courses of study. This degree program is in the Department of Comparative Literature, Cinema and Media. Graduates of this degree pursue careers in a variety of fields such as film, marketing,…

Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree provides students a broad-based educational experience, enabling them to address complex and multi-faceted civil engineering problems in construction, transportation, structural, transportation, water and environmental engineering. After completing the required 300-level core curriculum, students may explore the areas of their interest with greater focus in their senior year or explore a variety of topics at the 400-level.

Classical Studies

Classical Studies opens the door to exploring the literature, history, art, archaeology and philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans, primarily through English translations. Students see the lasting influence of these complex civilizations in our civic, professional, intellectual and cultural lives through a variety of learning opportunities: interactive language classes, specialized courses on topics ranging from gender and sexuality to STEM in the ancient world, and affordable study abroad opportunities. From this work, they develop intermediate skills in ancient Greek…

Classics is the study of the languages and cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose civilizations shape our present cultural, intellectual, professional and civic lives. Our students develop proficiency in the languages, literatures and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Through their studies, they uncover connections to their own experiences of the world, helping them build a deep, informed perspective on current affairs. In addition, they master skills including innovative analysis, creative and collaborative problem solving, and outstanding, persuasive…

Communication

Undergraduate study in communication at the UW has four foundations: communication literacy, communication inquiry, theory and concepts and community engagement. We teach our students to think critically, respect diversity, communicate effectively and develop the skills needed for the lifelong learning that is central to successful careers and rewarding lives. We nurture socially responsible, literate citizens who can interpret and evaluate the images and messages they create and receive. Graduates of the department pursue careers in a variety of fields such…

Community, Environment & Planning

Community, Environment and Planning (CEP) is an award-winning, interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree housed in the Department of Urban Design and Planning. Unlike most majors, CEP does not provide a pre-defined educational path. Instead, CEP empowers students to draw on the tools of planning — collaboration, leadership, intentionality, stewardship and vision — to pursue their own educational goals in the company of other self-directed students in cohorts limited to 38 students. The CEP core curriculum focuses on theory and practice…

Comparative History of Ideas (CHID)

Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) is a unique interdisciplinary undergraduate major emphasizing the examination of ideas and their cultural, historical and political contexts through experiential learning and self-reflection. CHID offers students the creative freedom to follow their curiosity by tailoring their education to their own interests and professional goals. The program provides extensive opportunities to study abroad and to interact with local and international organizations. CHID majors engage thoughtfully in intellectual inquiry and reflection, developing critical thinking skills and competencies…

Comparative Literature

An undergraduate major in Comparative Literature trains students in the critical analysis of texts. It explores how the rhetorical and aesthetic features of those texts — whether literary, visual or theoretical — respond to and shape social values, attitudes and beliefs. International in scope and interdisciplinary in orientation, the major emphasizes intellectual breadth and maximizes students’ opportunities to design their own courses of study. It explores the relationships among different cultures and between literature and other fields of knowledge, both…

Comparative Religion

The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that emphasizes maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions—Western Emphasis; History of Religions—Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression….

Computational Finance & Risk Management

In the finance industry, there is a great demand for advanced quantitative computational finance competencies. Mathematical models, statistical methods and computational techniques are becoming increasingly important as tools for quantitative analysis, risk management, as well as models and strategies implementation. The Computational Finance major is designed to provide UW undergraduate students with a rigorous applied mathematical foundation and a solid understanding of how mathematical models, as well as statistical and computational methods, are used in financial applications, such as portfolio…

Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering combines education in hardware and software development, with students gaining the background necessary to become broadly educated professionals who are knowledgeable in both domains, understanding how the domains interact, restrict or enable interdependent capabilities. Core coursework encompasses the physical and mathematical sciences, object-oriented programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, technical communications, circuits and systems, microprocessors, embedded systems and operating systems. The major also offers the opportunity to build a strong foundation in network…

Computer Science

The Computer Science major is appropriate for students who are primarily interested in the design of software systems and applications, or who want to earn a double major with another College of Arts and Sciences program.

Construction Management

Construction management is a diverse discipline focused on the coordination, planning and delivery of projects that compose the world’s built environment. The major classifications of construction differ markedly from one another: residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure, as well as specialties such as electrical, mechanical, framing, excavation and roofing. Construction management’s technical and business aspects make it an interesting and gratifying field of study.

The Department of Dance is a learning community that promotes access, inclusion and excellence. We offer a diverse and stimulating educational experience dedicated to connecting theoretical inquiry to experiential learning. Students explore dance from several analytical and methodological frameworks: technical, creative, historical, cultural, aesthetic, pedagogical and scientific, resulting in a rigorous balance between creative work and academic study. Undergraduates considering careers in performance and choreography, dance education, dance-related fields such as arts administration and physical therapy, or those interested in…

A major in Danish fosters excellent linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Danish studies can serve as a platform from which to explore art, literature and philosophy, history and politics, the environment, social democracy and women’s and gender studies. Students gain advanced linguistic proficiency in Danish and acquire cultural and historical knowledge of Denmark, Scandinavia and the Baltic. Denmark is the birthplace of world famous philosophers and writers and a leader in international business and culture. Graduates of this degree pursue…

The Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design educates and trains designers to create and develop concepts that optimize the function, value and appearance of communications, products and systems for the benefit of both industry and society. The Design Division offers three Bachelor of Design degrees. Industrial Design is a professional program aimed primarily at industrial design practice in the corporate and institutional innovation sector, where new technologies lead to the development of new…

Disability Studies

Disability Studies examines how society understands and represents disability, and investigates issues of discrimination and social justice. Disability Studies enhances the understanding of disability by incorporating social, cultural, historical, legal and political perspectives, including the connections between disability and other identities such as race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Graduates of this degree pursue careers in a variety of fields, including public policy, nonprofit, health care, business, social work, psychology, education and law, among others.  

The BA in Drama focuses on the study of the history, methods and applications in the dramatic arts. Students who graduate from the School of Drama have evolved creative skills, are poised to become citizen leaders and possess a wide range of skills applicable to any career that requires collaboration, creative innovation, project realization, personnel organization and critical thinking. We have designed the major so that students can access the hundreds of diverse course offerings at the UW and, if…

Early Childhood & Family Studies

The Early Childhood and Family Studies (ECFS) major provides the opportunity to study early childhood development, early learning and family studies from a variety of perspectives across a range of disciplines. The degree will prepare you for careers in early learning, childcare, policy, parent and family support and education and social/mental health services. It is also a pathway to graduate studies in education, child and family studies and other areas. The ECFS major offers the Teaching and Learning pathway for…

Earth & Space Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences is designed for students interested in geology and geophysics, and a career path in graduate studies or in the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills are an important asset. Students pursuing the B.S. in Earth and Space Sciences choose from one of four options: Geology, Biology, Physics or Environmental Earth Sciences. The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Sciences enables students to obtain a broad understanding…

Economics studies the institutions and arrangements that are used to create, protect and allocate scarce resources, and advances our understanding of the behavior of individuals, firms, governments and other organizations. The BA is for students who are intrigued by economic problems and are attracted to an analytical approach to explaining social phenomena. The BA provides an excellent preparation for employment in the private and public sectors and for graduate study in a variety of fields, such as public policy, law…

Education Studies

The Education Studies program is designed for students who are interested in working with children, youth, families and communities and the variety of ways that we all teach and learn, both in and beyond traditional classroom settings.

Education, Communities & Organizations

The Bachelor of Arts in Education, Communities and Organizations major provides students with a solid foundation in learning theory, human development, equity studies, organizational theory and community-based research and practice. Through elective courses, students will build on this knowledge to explore diverse areas of study. All students complete a community-based capstone internship.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering students design and build hardware and software for a variety of electronic devices with a wide range of applications ranging from nanoscale computer chips to multinational power grids. Academic pathways within ECE include sustainable energy systems, sensing and communication, neurotechnology, control systems, VLSI design / digital systems design, computing, photonics, computer architecture, embedded systems, machine learning, microelectronics and nanotechnology.

English – Creative Writing

The English Creative Writing concentration prepares students not only to be more effective communicators and artists, but also creative problem solvers and more nuanced critical thinkers. By situating small, student-oriented writing workshops alongside literary models, creative writing classes enhance the broader study of literature and critical theory, helping students gain a greater understanding of the social and cultural forces informing their work. A student completing the program is more able to situate themselves in a larger aesthetic and social context…

English – Language, Literature & Culture

The undergraduate English major offers students a broadly based, historically grounded introduction to the literatures of Britain, the United States and, increasingly, Anglophone literature from around the world. Courses in literature emphasize techniques of literary analysis, theoretical problems posed by the interpretation of texts, the social, historical and political context of literary production and reception and the pleasures of reading. Most courses require significant written work and stress the development of critical thinking skills. Courses in language study examine the…

Environmental Engineering

The Environmental Engineering curriculum, which is designed to comply with ABET accreditation criteria, emphasizes the use of core knowledge in math, physics, biology, chemistry, and its application to environmental engineering and develops student understanding of natural processes in air, water, and soil during environmental engineering decision-making. The curriculum additionally provides opportunities for student to place their skill set within a greater social, cultural, and political context. The degree complements the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree by providing opportunities…

Environmental Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health is a great fit for students who love science and who are passionate about using their scientific skills to address human health issues related to the built and natural environments. From water quality to workplace safety, environmental health majors are engaged in problem-solving to keep communities safe and healthy. In the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health, students learn to identify, prevent and control environmental factors that can threaten human health….

Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management

Students in Environmental Science and Resource Management (ESRM) learn about natural and human-dominated landscapes and how to apply this knowledge to real-world problems. With a focus on sustainability, students work with professors and regional experts on environmental issues. Field work gives students enhanced opportunities for experiential learning and service in a rich contextual landscape.  

Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies (ENST) major is designed for students who want to act critically and creatively in response to the environmental challenges facing the world today. The major’s two pathways – Sustainability & Society (S&S) and Conservation Science & Management (CSM) – share a commitment to educating future practitioners who can address those challenges in their professional careers and personal lives. ENST teaches students to integrate environmental knowledge across the natural and social sciences, as well as the arts and…

Ethnomusicology, B.A.

Ethnomusicology encompasses studies of music and culture and integrates aspects of musicology and anthropology as well as music performance, history and theory. Interdisciplinary work, field study and explorations of music and culture have been key components of the UW Ethnomusicology program since its beginnings in 1963. Students in the program study music and musicians in various contexts and through various disciplinary lenses. The Bach­e­lor of Arts degree is intended for stu­dents whose pri­mary desire is for a well-rounded lib­eral arts…

European Studies

The purpose of the curriculum in European Studies is to help prepare students to pursue careers requiring an understanding of all the forces, both material and cultural, contemporary and historical, that are shaping Europe today, in the transitions involved in the post-Soviet era and the movement toward greater political, economic and cultural integration among the various nations of Europe West, East, North and South. Students may pursue European Studies either as an area concentration for its own sake or as…

A B.A. in Finnish Studies opens doors in architecture, technology, arts and culture, linguistics, education and business by fostering strong linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Students gain advanced linguistic proficiency in Finnish and acquire cultural and historical knowledge of Finland, Scandinavia and the Baltic. Finland is a center of business, education and culture in Europe and a gateway to Russia. Graduates of this degree pursue careers in a variety of fields such as business, government, technology, international relations, education and…

Food Systems, Nutrition, & Health

Food Systems, Nutrition and Health provides students with a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food systems, food studies and population health. Through an examination of food and nutrition policies and practices that affect sustainable diets and long-term health, students will gain a multidisciplinary perspective of the food environment, including the interplay of food and nutrition, human behavior, business, culture and the environment.

An undergraduate major in French Studies allows students to develop advanced French language skills and cultural fluency. French is a key language of government and non-governmental organizations, business and the arts, and an official language of countries in Africa, Europe, the Americas and Southeast Asia. Students refine their skills in French while pursuing topics ranging from the literature of the European Middle Ages to contemporary popular culture. As they engage with cultural forms (art, literature, cinema, environment, sport) through a…

Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies

Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) examines social and political realities shaped by gender, sexuality and power. GWSS approaches topics from transnational and intersectional perspectives, enabling students to analyze and address issues of gender, sexuality and social difference at personal, historical, institutional and structural levels. GWSS is devoted to generating and bringing visibility to many kinds of feminist knowledge production such as women of color feminism, transfeminism, queer feminism, feminist science and technology studies and more. Graduates of this degree…

Geographers research and engage the world by asserting the importance of space, environment, context, location, place and scale in relation to society’s most pressing environmental and social concerns. We draw from interdisciplinary theories across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences to address how these concerns are mapped, represented and understood in a changing world. Linking theory to practice, our students develop a unique skillset that brings together quantitative and qualitative data analysis, tech knowledge, research, writing and oral communication….

The major in German places the artistic and intellectual traditions of German-speaking countries and their people in a revealing interdisciplinary context. Students investigate the language and cultures of these countries using approaches from linguistics, theater and performance studies, film and media studies, philosophy, Jewish studies, gender studies, queer theory, eco-criticism, environmental studies and more. They build advanced proficiency in the German language through study abroad, internships and a capstone intensive language course, with the option to pursue departmental honors. By…

Global & Regional Studies

The Jackson School combines the social sciences, humanities and professional fields to enhance understanding of our increasingly interconnected world. The Global and Regional Studies (formerly International Studies) program equips students with the skills (including writing and foreign languages) and the disciplinary tools needed to analyze global issues and challenges. Students can choose from a variety of thematic and regional concentrations in shaping their course of study. The program’s capstone class, Task Force, provides a bridge between academic and professional pursuits…

Global Literary Studies

A dynamic collaboration of multiple UW departments and housed in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Global Literary Studies (GLITS) introduces students to works of literature from around the world and from all eras of human history. Drawing on the expertise of faculty from across the Humanities Division, GLITS offers students a rich array of courses that reveal the importance and lasting impact of various forms of imaginative writing and speech. All GLITS courses are taught in English and…

Classics concerns itself with the languages and cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose civilizations had a central role in shaping the basic conceptual categories of our present cultural, intellectual, professional and civic lives. Study of Ancient Greek and Latin and the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome fosters broad and deeply informed critical perspectives on the human experience and develops excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. The BA in Greek allows students to develop advanced expertise in the…

Guitar, B.M.

The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required for entry into performance and music education degree programs.

The Department of History cultivates in undergraduates a lasting curiosity about the world and imparts useful tools for understanding and participating in it responsibly. With an emphasis on critical reading and writing, discriminating research skills and persuasive communication, the history major prepares students for a variety of occupations in the fields of business, government, nonprofit, education and many more. Our courses frequently focus on themes such as the history of Gender, Race and Power; War and Society; Empire and Colonialism;…

History & Philosophy of Science

History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) studies the theories, methods, practices and institutions of science from historical and philosophical perspectives. It strives to provide a genuinely interdisciplinary structure for critical reflection on science in all its aspects.

Human Centered Design and Engineering

Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) undergraduate students learn design and engineering processes to solve problems through a deep understanding of people and their contexts. Students in the HCDE Bachelor of Science program graduate with an engineering degree and a strong foundation in designing user experiences and interfaces, creating information visualizations, conducting user research, designing for the web and building web technologies. Upon graduation, students find jobs as user experience (UX) researchers and designers, multimedia and web developers, usability engineers,…

Individualized Studies

An Individualized Studies major is a special interdisciplinary major designed by an individual student. Each Individualized Studies program is unique.

Industrial & Systems Engineering

The Industrial and Systems Engineering curriculum focuses on system integration and methods to analyze, design and improve manufacturing and service systems. The first two years include pre-engineering courses, basic mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals, humanities and social science. The last two years are devoted to studies in operations research, including optimization and stochastic models, manufacturing engineering, production planning and plant layout, human factors and human interface technology, statistics and design of experiments, quality and reliability engineering, and a comprehensive senior…

Informatics

Informatics is the study of people, information and technology. Students are prepared to design, build, manage and secure information systems that make a difference in society, organizations and individual lives. The curriculum uses an experiential learning approach that emphasizes problem-solving, group work, research, writing, oral presentations and technology.

An undergraduate major in Italian Studies allows students to develop advanced Italian language skills and cultural fluency. Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, remains central in the realms of art, design, food and manufacturing. In the major, students refine their skills in Italian while pursuing topics ranging from Dante to contemporary popular culture. As students engage with cultural forms (art, literature, cinema, language and identity, fashion, immigration, religion), they develop robust analytical, rhetorical and methodological skills. Graduates of this degree…

The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major and minor in Japanese, through which students develop their ability to read, write and speak Japanese and gain an understanding and appreciation of the literature, linguistics and culture associated with the language. A popular option for many undergraduates at the UW is to combine a major in Japanese with a second major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration or Global and Regional Studies. Graduates of the…

Jazz Studies, B.M.

Jewish studies.

The Jewish Studies major offers students from varied backgrounds and disciplines a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the study of Jews and Judaism. Students learn about the geographic, historical, philosophical and cultural diversity of the Jewish experience, including contemporary. They also gain critical and analytical skills that can be applied widely, including the understanding and study of current challenges facing Jews and Judaism in the world.  

The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major and minor in Korean, through which students develop their ability to read, write and speak Korean and gain an understanding and appreciation of the literature, linguistics and culture associated with the language. A popular option for many undergraduates at the UW is to combine a major in Korean with a second major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration or Global and Regional Studies. Graduates of the…

Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture is a professional degree that studies urban ecological design, design activism, ecological infrastructure, ecological learning and literacy, design for human and environmental health and social and environmental justice.

Classics concerns itself with the languages and cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose civilizations had a central role in shaping the basic conceptual categories of our present cultural, intellectual, professional and civic lives. Study of Ancient Greek and Latin and the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome fosters broad and deeply informed critical perspectives on the human experience and develops excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. The BA in Latin allows students to develop advanced expertise in the…

Latin American & Caribbean Studies

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies major combines language study in Spanish and Portuguese with work in history, the humanities and the social sciences. It provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of this major world region, emphasizing themes such as economic development, popular movements, critical analysis and hemispheric relations. At the same time, it gives students the option to develop their own particular disciplinary and thematic interests.

Law, Societies & Justice

Law, Societies and Justice (LSJ) offers opportunities for students to understand the complex roles of law in society. Law takes multiple forms and performs a wide array of important functions. At the same time, the work of law is shaped by numerous political, economic, social, cultural and geographic factors. As a result, law on the books is not the same as law in action. Students in the LSJ major develop a deep appreciation for the variety of dynamics that shape…

Linguistics

Linguistics is the study of language as a natural phenomenon. It focuses on grammar, the social context of language variation, the physics of speech sounds and the properties of language evolution. As language is an exclusively and intrinsically human characteristic, research on the structure, acquisition and use of language cuts to the heart of human cognition and the social world, linking linguistics to psychology, anthropology, information science and many other disciplines. The degree program in General Linguistics leads to a…

Marine Biology

Marine Biology involves the study of life processes of organisms inhabiting saltwater environments — from genetics and evolution to physiological traits and ecosystem functioning. The major examines the marine aspects of biodiversity, ecology and ecosystems and organismal processes, along with impacts from ocean change.

Materials Science & Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field where the scientific fundamentals of materials, their structure and properties and their design and processing for real-world applications are explored. Developing new equipment for materials development, and exploring new uses for existing and new materials are also essential tasks of MSE, particularly to meet the needs of modern technology. MSE offers two bachelor’s degrees, one in MSE and another in MSE with a degree option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering. A…

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics offers four degree programs. The BS and standard BA options provide students with the opportunity to study subjects ranging from algebra, analysis and geometry to probability, combinatorics and optimization. There are two additional BA options for students interested in mathematics and philosophy or interested in preparing to be secondary mathematics teachers. All four options promote abstract thinking, logical rigor, analysis and critical writing, opening the door to careers in the mathematical sciences, industry, business, finance, academia,…

Mechanical Engineering

Undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering explore fundamental principles of mechanical engineering and their application to modern technological problems. Students collaborate on interdisciplinary work where they research and design creative, leading-edge solutions to these problems. Our curriculum focuses on the study of dynamics, controls and robotics; manufacturing processes and advanced materials; energy and environmentally-friendly “green” engineering; engineering for health with biotechnologies and biomechanics.

Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science, offered by the Department of Laboratory Medicine, is a profession of highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who perform clinical laboratory tests on patient samples. This is a critical part of healthcare, as the results obtained by these laboratory tests are a vital tool for physicians in their diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. The disciplines within Laboratory Medicine that students learn about and train in are: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine, Urinalysis and Clinical Research.

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa) and viruses. Because of their simplicity and rapid growth rates, microorganisms are readily amenable to study in the laboratory. Because their cellular processes closely resemble those of higher organisms, they are ideally suited for fundamental studies of biological structure, physiology, metabolism, genetics and development. The Microbiology department at the UW works mainly in cutting-edge research in bacteria and viruses.

Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures

The Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures provides a liberal arts education in new global realities and their connections specifically to history of culture in the Middle East and Central Asia. A detailed and critical knowledge of ancient and modern languages of these regions is of utmost importance for a better understanding of their rich cultural heritages, and development of language skills requires cultural-historical knowledge.  

Music Composition, B.M.

The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. The School’s highly selective composition program emphasizes mastery of technique and encourages students to develop their own artistic voices.

Music Education, B.M.

The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Music education students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. The undergraduate degree in Music Education prepares students to teach at the primary and secondary levels. An audition—either voice or an instrument—is required for entry into this degree program.

Music, B.A.

The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Along with the core curriculum common to all degree programs at the School of Music, students at the undergraduate levels may investigate degree programs geared toward general competence in music within their areas of focus while obtaining a liberal arts education. * Application to the School of Music is a two-step process: You must apply to the University of Washington, and you must audition for the School of Music….

Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, with the ultimate goal to understand higher brain function and neurological disease at the cellular and molecular level. Neuroscientists use molecular, physiological, computational and behavioral approaches to achieve this goal. For most of us, the excitement of this field comes from the attempt to understand the organ that defines us as individual, conscious human beings. The Neuroscience major is a small, intense, multidisciplinary program that leads to a BS. It is…

A Bachelor of Arts in Norwegian Studies fosters strong linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Norwegian studies can serve as a platform from which to explore art, literature and philosophy, history and politics, the environment, social democracy and women’s and gender studies. Students gain advanced linguistic proficiency in Norwegian and acquire cultural and historical knowledge of Norway, Scandinavia and the Baltic. Norway is the birthplace of world famous modern artists and a leader in peace and conflict resolution and environmental philosophy….

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a two-year professional program that prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. As a BSN student, you will learn from our nationally acclaimed faculty in class and using interactive scenarios in our Learning Lab, allowing you to practice nursing skills in a safe environment before performing them in a supervised clinical setting. A solid foundation of science and humanities prerequisite coursework sets you up for success in our program….

Oceanography

The undergraduate program in Oceanography provides students with an interdisciplinary science background that prepares them for a broad range of careers. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or a Minor in Oceanography. Oceanography partners with other departments to support interdisciplinary minors in Marine Biology, Climate and Arctic Studies.

Orchestral Instruments, B.M.

The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required for entry into performance and music education degree programs. * Application to the School of Music is a two-step process: You must apply to the University of Washington, and you must audition for the School of Music. Visit the School of Music website for…

Organ, B.M.

Percussion performance, b.m..

Philosophy is the study of fundamental issues concerning reality, knowledge, values and ethics. It is dedicated to probing the foundations of things, to asking questions and to thinking about what sorts of answers to our questions should be satisfying. Through the study of philosophy, students build skills of critical reflection, careful reading and writing and creative thinking. Generally speaking, training in philosophy will be valuable in any occupation that requires examination and analysis of problems, critical evaluation of alternative perspectives…

Physics is the study of the behavior of matter, space, time and fields. Using highly sophisticated experimental and mathematical techniques, physicists gather detailed measurements of phenomena from the largest scales involving the entire universe to the smallest scales involving the most fundamental particles to construct theories that explain how the universe and the things in it behave. The department encourages the involvement of undergraduates in research and educates students at all levels, from general education through preparation for teaching. Graduates…

Piano, B.M.

Political science.

Political science is the study of power and how political institutions and individuals engage in the public realm. In the major, students explore concepts like freedom and justice; governmental structures; how law and courts function; how economics affects political behavior; international conflict and cooperation; media; and how traits like race, gender and class are political and shape identity, institutions and policy. Undergraduates acquire knowledge of political institutions in the United States and around the world. Students learn to think critically…

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain and behavior, with the ultimate goal of promoting healthy minds and society. The Psychology major provides a broad curriculum coupled with opportunities to participate in undergraduate research and applied fieldwork. The BA focuses on developing scientific reasoning skills to address issues at the forefront of the field of psychology, including optimizing human potential, promoting social equity and providing insight into the brain and behavior. The BS involves deeper specialization in data…

Public Health – Global Health

Public Health is a school-wide liberal arts major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, which uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to help students develop competencies in assessment and measurement, communication, environment, ethics and social justice, natural science, population health, policy and politics, and social science with particular emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking across these domains. Graduates move on to a range of career and educational options in business, economics, education, health sciences, law,…

Real Estate

The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Real Estate is designed to provide students with a comprehensive exposure to the field of real estate. It will prepare students for careers in real estate finance, asset management, brokerage, urban and real estate development, or housing among many other potential career paths.

Scandinavian Area Studies

A Bachelor of Arts in Scandinavian Area Studies fosters advanced knowledge of the culture, politics and history of Scandinavia. It also helps students develop strong analytical and communication skills. Scandinavian Area Studies can serve as a platform from which to explore politics, history, the environment, social democracy and women’s and gender studies. Students gain intermediate linguistic proficiency in a Finnish, Baltic or Scandinavian language, as well as strong knowledge of an important economic and political region of northern Europe. Scandinavia…

Slavic Languages & Literatures

A B.A. in Slavic Languages and Literatures provides a well-rounded understanding of Russia, Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union through a study of their languages and an exploration of their literatures and cultures. The Department offers four years of Russian language instruction; its enrollment for first-year Russian is the highest in the nation. Maintaining close ties with the Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies program in the Jackson School of International Studies, several faculty have joint…

Social Welfare

The School of Social Work is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming social change agents to tackle complex social problems facing our society. We offer a professional degree with “hands-on” training in the field designed to fully prepare you for a job and/or graduate school. Our Honors Program provides students with research opportunities guided by faculty mentors. Join a major focusing on social justice with one of the most diverse student cohorts on campus. Demand is increasing for social…

Sociology is the scientific study of people in groups — from friendship networks to communities to entire nations. Sociologists describe the characteristics of social groups and consider explanations for social stability and social change. They promote critical thinking on issues such as social inequality, racial and ethnic conflict, the data revolution, deviance and crime, social and political movements, immigration, education, health, the family and the role of gender and sexuality. The undergraduate major in sociology provides students with knowledge of…

South Asian Languages & Cultures

The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major in South Asian Languages and Cultures. In this major, students develop their ability to read, write, and speak South Asian languages and combine these language skills with an understanding and appreciation of the literatures, cultures, religious traditions, and textual cultures associated with the languages. Students are encouraged to explore wider interests by taking courses in other units and to take advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities. A popular option…

An undergraduate major in Spanish allows students to expand and refine their language skills while engaging in the study of literature written in Spanish, as well as Hispanic cultural studies and linguistics. The BA prepares graduates for advanced degrees in education and doctoral programs, as well as careers in business, law and medicine. In recognition of the growing importance of Spanish, many of our students are double majors. Graduates of this degree program pursue careers in a variety of fields…

Speech & Hearing Sciences

The B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences is for students interested in the scientific and theoretical frameworks for understanding human communication and its disorders, including the roles of biology, cognition, environment and culture. The major provides an overview of the discipline, including the neurological, behavioral, physical and anatomic-physiological bases of speech, language, hearing and swallowing. It also provides an introduction to evaluation and treatment considerations for individuals with communication disorders. The program prepares students for paraprofessional employment (e.g., SLP assistant,…

Statistics is the science of learning from data. Statisticians design methods for gathering data; develop mathematical models to analyze, interpret and discover relationships in the data; and use technology for visualizing and exploring data. The BS in Statistics provides training in the theoretical foundations of statistics, statistical modeling and methodology and applied data analysis. Students may also choose to take the Data Science curricular option within the major, which also emphasizes computing and data management. The Statistics degree serves the…

Strings, B.M.

A B.A. in Swedish fosters strong linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Swedish studies can serve as a platform from which to explore art, literature and philosophy, history and politics, the environment, social democracy, and women’s and gender studies. Students gain advanced linguistic proficiency in Swedish and acquire cultural and historical knowledge of Sweden, Scandinavia and the Baltic. Sweden is the birthplace of world famous modern artists, Social democracy and innovative economic and cultural practices and institutions. Graduates of this degree…

Voice, B.M.

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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

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 12 best creative writing colleges and programs.

College Info

Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

• #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
• #2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
• #3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
• #4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
• #5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in Washington

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University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,680 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,680 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $10,603

SAT range —

#1 Best Colleges in Washington .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4680 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4680 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $10,603 ,

Seattle University

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,014 reviews

Freshman: Seattle University is a very small school, but it's lovely. I love how small my classes are (smallest was like 10 kids and biggest was like 35) and while you'll get mixed opinions on the food here, a lot of it is pretty great. We got acai bowls, bagels, and the best paninis in my opinion. Your professors will know you by name and it's so easy to make connections with your peers and mentors because the school is such a tight knit community. Coming from someone that was planning on attending a large state school, I'm glad that I chose SU. It's in the heart of Capitol Hill which is a great place to just destress, get boba, or go on a run and observe all of the cute shops from afar. The school is surrounded by a bunch of hospitals and local businesses, so I feel that it is great for making connections regardless of your major (although it's a dream for nursing students). If you're someone that's looking to stay focused but also have fun in the city, I'd highly recommend checking out SU! ... Read 1,014 reviews

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 85%

Net price $35,412

SAT range 1150-1380

#4 Best Colleges in Washington .

Blue checkmark.

1014 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Seattle University is a very small school, but it's lovely. I love how small my classes are (smallest was like 10 kids and biggest was like 35) and while you'll get mixed opinions on the food here, a... .

Read 1014 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 85% ,

Net Price : $35,412 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1380 ,

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA •

• • Rating 3.49 out of 5   801 reviews

Alum: Overall, I will forever be grateful for the University of Puget Sound and the educational experience I received. My entire experience at UPS was great. From student life to academics to athletics, I am incredibly proud of being an alum of the University of Puget Sound. The professors are what made my time at UPS the absolute best. I was not just a number in their class, they cared about me as a person. I was also incredibly grateful for the athletic staff at UPS. Something that I would like to see be more developed at UPS is inclusivity for all. ... Read 801 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 83%

Net price $41,363

SAT range 1170-1390

#9 Best Colleges in Washington .

TACOMA, WA ,

801 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I will forever be grateful for the University of Puget Sound and the educational experience I received. My entire experience at UPS was great. From student life to academics to athletics, I... .

Read 801 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 83% ,

Net Price : $41,363 ,

SAT Range : 1170-1390 ,

Wellesley College

WELLESLEY, MA

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   636

Susquehanna University

SELINSGROVE, PA

• • Rating 3.61 out of 5   871

Bard College at Simon's Rock

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA

• • Rating 3.3 out of 5   347

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   2,385 reviews

Freshman: Western Washington University is a beautiful school. The campus is filled with trees, mountains, and beautiful buildings. The academics here are also really good. When coming to college, I wasn't expecting for my college professors to actually want to know my name and care for me, but that's not the case at Western. Some other reasons I enjoy being here are my options for food. You could either eat at the dining halls, or other places on campus such as subway, Zoes Bagels, or even little indigenous food pop ups. I also really enjoy how the school gives us $240 per quarter to spend at places like those or at the markets that are also on campus. Overall, my experience here is pretty good! ... Read 2,385 reviews

Acceptance rate 93%

Net price $21,105

SAT range 1130-1340

#12 Best Colleges in Washington .

BELLINGHAM, WA ,

2385 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Western Washington University is a beautiful school. The campus is filled with trees, mountains, and beautiful buildings. The academics here are also really good. When coming to college, I wasn't... .

Read 2385 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 93% ,

Net Price : $21,105 ,

SAT Range : 1130-1340 ,

Pacific Lutheran University

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,011 reviews

Alum: PLU is known for its teacher-student ratio, where classes are as small as 15 students. This allowed me to feel more welcomed and not feel intimidated to ask professors questions or fear not being able to form a relationship with my professors. The professors at PLU are very dedicated to their student's learning and try to make everyone's experiences worth their time at PLU. One thing I would like to see change at PLU is their airconditioning within the administration building. ... Read 1,011 reviews

Acceptance rate 89%

Net price $24,825

SAT range 1220-1290

#14 Best Colleges in Washington .

This school participates in Niche Direct Admissions

1011 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says PLU is known for its teacher-student ratio, where classes are as small as 15 students. This allowed me to feel more welcomed and not feel intimidated to ask professors questions or fear not being... .

Read 1011 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 89% ,

Net Price : $24,825 ,

SAT Range : 1220-1290 ,

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA •

• • Rating 3.63 out of 5   1,618 reviews

Freshman: I am a freshman, and I've found that there are a lot of great opportunities for friendship, connections, and team building on campus! They have great food, but their hiring process for on-campus jobs is absolutely terrible. A good school all around, though! ... Read 1,618 reviews

• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 94%

Net price $15,864

ELLENSBURG, WA ,

1618 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am a freshman, and I've found that there are a lot of great opportunities for friendship, connections, and team building on campus! They have great food, but their hiring process for on-campus jobs... .

Read 1618 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 94% ,

Net Price : $15,864 ,

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Central Washington University Online Learning

4 Year (Online)

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Sophomore: Online learning isn't really my thing, but Central sort of makes it simple for me to complete my assignments. I'd honestly like to see a change of format of where everything is accessed. For example, for transfer students, it'd be nice to be able to access the form to the "Petition for Exception to General University Degree Requirements." (Which is essentially petitioning a class from your former university to satisfy a requirement at CWU.) That being said, I do like how easy it is to access the graduation requirements and how easy it is to figure out which classes I need to take to fulfill which section of requirements. Everyone in my classes has been super friendly on both Zoom classes and discussion boards. ... Read 4 reviews

• grade  unavailable Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate —

Net price —

4 Year (Online) ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Online learning isn't really my thing, but Central sort of makes it simple for me to complete my assignments. I'd honestly like to see a change of format of where everything is accessed. For example,... .

Read 4 reviews.

Pepperdine University

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   1,368

SEATTLE, WA

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,014

University of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4,358

Showing results 1 through 7 of 7

Bachelor of Arts in English Professional and Creative Writing

About the English Professional and Creative Writing, BA

In the Professional and Creative Writing major, you will nurture your creative potential and sharpen your writing skills to excel as an accomplished writer, communicator, and professional. Through a blend of workshops, seminars, internship opportunities, and a lot of writing, you will cultivate the skills you need to thrive in today's dynamic job market. We are committed to the idea that with persistence, dedication, and passion, you will make a significant impact on the world through your writing.

Why Study English Professional and Creative Writing at CWU?

In the Creative Writing major, our faculty members are accomplished writers, published authors, and experienced educators.

Through a wide range of genres and forms, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction, you will receive personalized guidance, mentorship, and valuable insights to help you succeed in your creative endeavors.

Where is this program offered?

How much does this program cost.

Explore information on  Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information.

Careers and Opportunities

At CWU, we will help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact through your writing.

• Writer or Author: Work as freelance writers, journalists, or novelists, creating content for newspapers, magazines, websites, or books. This is a wonderful job if you are interested in remote work.
• Copywriter: Consider using your skills in advertising, marketing, or public relations, crafting compelling copy for ads, social media, or other marketing materials.
• Technical Writer: Fields like healthcare, engineering, or technology, need skilled writers to create user manuals, technical documentation, or instructional materials.
• Editor: You could work as an editor for publishing houses, literary magazines, or online publications

Take the Next Steps

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Admissions & Aid

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Interested in CWU?

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"The English department at CWU equipped me with both the creativity and critical thinking skills necessary to engage the future generation. I was taught the importance of self-reflection and how crucial it is for effective teaching. I now have gained the confidence to be an educator who both understands and can convey the importance of English to students." Haley Cottingham graduated in 2022 with a degree in English Language Arts Teaching.

A Wealth of Scholarships in English

At Central Washington University, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality education, regardless of their financial background. View Department of English Scholarships today. You belong at CWU.

Related Programs

Join a dynamic and vibrant community of artists and a faculty of accomplished professionals in the Art, BA at CWU.

Art Education, BA

Your future as an art educator starts here, and we can't wait for you to teach the next generation of artists.

Questions? Contact Us.

English department.

• [email protected]
• (509) 963-1546

Best Creative Writing colleges in Wisconsin 2024

Best creative writing colleges in wisconsin for 2024.

University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 15 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 15 Bachelor's degrees.

Saint Norbert College offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2022, 2 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 2 Bachelor's degrees.

Beloit College offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 15 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 15 Bachelor's degrees.

Lawrence University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city.

Northland College offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 1 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 1 Bachelor's degree.

University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2022, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Certificates.

Cardinal Stritch University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

Lakeland University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying rural area.

List of all Creative Writing colleges in Wisconsin

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English: Creative Writing

December 4, 2018 by

Unleash your words to change the world.

Creative writing challenges, entertains, enlightens, and transforms – powers so potent authoritarians have tried to ban them from the earliest days of the written word. Major in creative writing at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll channel those powers as you develop your craft and build your body of original work. Become a more insightful reader and thinker as you gain the broad liberal arts and sciences knowledge to open a future without limits.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in English: Creative Writing who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English.

Areas of Study

Majors often go on to graduate school to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree; teach at the high school level; or work in the fields of publishing, editing, and public relations. They are also often lifelong writers, many going on to publish their own creative work.

Career Opportunities

Majors often go on to graduate school to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree; teach at the high school level; or work in the fields of publishing, editing, and public relations. They are also often lifelong writers, many continuing to place their creative work in magazines and journals, both print and online.

Internships

Students may complete for-credit  internships  to gain knowledge and job experience. Many students study abroad to increase cultural awareness, broaden their perspectives, and develop skills for an increasingly international employment marketplace.

To earn  honors in English , you must have a 3.7 GPA in the major and earn an A on an honors project approved by your advisor.

The concentration requires 36 credits, including five creative writing courses and courses in linguistics and literature. Literature courses must include one pre-1900, one post-1900, and one course in literature of historically marginalized groups.

The Department of English and Linguistics offers numerous  scholarships and awards , include some available specifically for the study of creative writing.

• Department Website
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English Department

Creative Writing

English - creative writing emphasis (58-60 credits).

The English creative writing major offers students the opportunity to develop their writing skills in the genres of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and drama. Introductory and advanced genre courses form the core of the major, giving students an opportunity to develop their craft and aesthetics through intensive writing, reading and workshops.

• May include literary/cultural theory, film studies, and rhetorical and literacy theory at the 300 or 400 level, including a writing proficiency course. Literature electives include: ENG 307-311, 313, 314, 332-347, 364, 365, 371 and/or ENG 401, 406-417, 442, 464.
• Two of the following: ENG 351, 353, 354, THTR 384, FAIR 354v
• Four of the following: ENG 451, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 466; THTR 485, FAIR 454y
• Creative writing courses offered by Canadian-American Studies may also be counted with approval of a major advisor

Note: Eras taken as a seminar cannot be repeated as a survey, and eras taken as a survey cannot be repeated as a seminar. Repeated eras will not count toward this major.

Or you can download the plan of study .

Interested in declaring an English Creative Writing Major?

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