AA

I'm a Junior in High School and college is rapidly approaching. I would really like to major in Creative Writing and I'm generally really good about research but I can't find anything about the degree. I know a few schools that offer it but I don't know which ones locally (I live in Dallas, Texas). Also, does anyone think this would be a poor decision? Perhaps I should just major in English and minor in Creative Writing. Any information that you guys have would be appreciated.

mammamaia

what's your goal?... if it's just to 'be a writer' anything you take in that line can't hurt, but a degree isn't a requisite for being a successful one...

if you want to be an editor, you'll need a degree in english and/or literature, but not necessarily 'writing'... to teach writing, you should get your degree in something more writing-focused...

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AA

I would like to be a novelist, but I also want to teach English in the Peace Corps. Thus my dilemma.

kellykat60409

if it is possible you can pick up the magazine poets and writers, they always have add for schools that offer MFA in creative writing.

here is one site i found
http://www.utdallas.edu/~nelsen/creativity.html

here is what i typed into google

mfa degrees in the dallas area-type that into google and you will get some sites you might need

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woodcut.evolution

There is no degree that will make you a novelist. Like many of the arts it takes lots and lots of practice. An English or writing degree will help you but it won't make a novelist at the end of four years.

As for the Peace Corps, what they primarily do is teach English, and they only requirment for the Peace Corps is that you have a degree, any degree.

So I will tell you what I would tell anyone thinking about college. Study what makes you happy. In the end there is little difference between the majors, unless you of course are dealing with something technical. But since you want to be a writer that doesn't really come into play. Do something you find interesting. College not only teaches you about whatever you major is but it also teaches you valiable life skills. The later I think being the most important thing I took away from college.

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FrankBlissett

The simplest, most accurate information will come from teh schools themselves - even an alumni of a school will likely be unaware of degrees that have been added or phased out. So, give them a call or, if you live close enough, stop by one day when you're off of school.


You didn't include enough information to answer the question. There are jobs people take because they love them, those taken for the money despite the person hating the job, those taken out of civic responsibility despite being neither fun nor having good pay. If you're lucky, you can get a bit of all three.

Likewise, when you chose classes you'll have to chose between easy classes that will boost your GPA, or advanced classes that you may flunk the first time through but will learn a lot. Either would be a good choice.

So, is writing a "good" choice? How important is money to you and can you promote yourself? Do you love writing and would you still love it if you were forced to write?


Whereever you go, you'll have to get the basics out of the way early on. It really doesn't matter much what you major in on day one because you can (and very well may) change after a year or two - sometimes to a degree in a completely different school of the University.

My advice would be to start with a generalized English degree of some sort. Take your general requirements (ie biology, algebra, english) plus a couple degree specific classes. After your first year, sit down and take stock of everything. If you're blessed with a good advisor or if your college has a good carreer center, then they can help too.

-Frank

mammamaia

there's a lot of good advice here... but i suggest you also ask these questions of your hs college/career counselor...

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D2B

I think college would be great for getting the technical part of the craft down pat - that is, how to know a verb from a toaster-oven. But as for the creative part - you either got it or you don't.

Sure, I'd go learn technique, syntax, sentence structure; learn about great literature. But Creativity? Learn that from you. Thats the best teacher you'll ever find.

Good luck.

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discipleofWORD

UC Riverside represent!

Yea, I'm attending there right now as a freshman and I heard it has a good creative writing program. I'm also striving for a creative writing major, but I'm already at the "major decision crisis" where you feel tempted to change your major. It's ironic how after I took my intro to creative writing class, I felt really drained.

Consider double majoring Creative Writing and English.

And if you're ever planning to come to UCR, awesome!

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ampersand

I wouldn't recommend majoring in "Creative Writing". As woodcut wrote, major in anything that you like, it makes no difference for becoming a writer. My suggestion is find a school that fits your personality and intellectual level, and major in the academic subject that you're most passionate about.

K-P

My school offers (University of Toledo) offers a creative writing course, in which I'm majoring. Honestly, you can major in whatever you want. Most jobs, unless they specialize in some fields, just want that bachelor's degree. They don't care what you majored in, hence so many students cop-out and get a communications degree.

But, by majoring in creative writing, you will (should) learn directly from published authors. This won't simply involve learning how to craft stories and poems, it will also involve learning the ins and outs of the publishing field. You will start building a portfolio of work, meet already published contacts, and learn how to submit your work so that you will have the best chance for attracting the attention of an editor.

Personally, if you really want to write and are willing to take a chance, then major in Creative Writing. You won't regret it.

kellykat60409

i am going for MFA in creative writing, but i am also going to get a degree in English. the only thing i am doing right now is getting all the perquisites out of the way

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discipleofWORD

What major would be preferable if you want to work with publishing? Creative Writing? English? Does anyone know what it's like to work in that field?

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Mike C

If you want a job in publishing, study to be an accountant.

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K-P

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