Individuals who have a passion for writing and wish to improve and cultivate their craft may choose to pursue creative
writing degrees. Students enrolled in a creative writing degree program explore their imaginations, enhance their critical and verbal skills, and acquire a professional attitude about their writing. Students pursuing creative writing degrees need to exhibit intense commitment due to the challenging nature of the program. Workshops are also an important part of these programs, where peers and professor review and critique a student's work. Creative writing majors may also get the opportunity to work on a book of poems, short stories, novel, or a screen play, all under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Degree Levels
There are a several degrees offered in the creative writing field, and the duration and curriculum of these degrees are different to meet the needs of diverse students. Major degree levels include:
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Master's degree
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Doctoral program
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Certificate/Diploma
Coursework
The coursework of creative writing program will vary from one institute to another. However, there are some core courses that are a part of many degree programs. Major creative writing courses in creative writing include:
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Fiction Writing
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Nonfiction Writing
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Development of Short Story
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Writing across Genres
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Reading and Writing Poetry
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Advanced Fiction and Poetry
Online Writing Program
Online writing programs could be a good opportunity for individuals who are unable to attend an on-campus program. Accredited online writing programs provide a number of benefits. Students enjoy a lot more convenience and flexibility in their program. They are able to study at their own pace and create a suitable study schedule. In addition, online education allows students to access the content 24/7, making it easier for them to read and review the material. Online programs are also cost effective as students do not incur various costs related to commuting, textbooks, and dorm room accommodation.
Required Skills and Traits
There are some essential qualities and traits that the students will need to help them perform well and succeed in a writing career. Creative thinking skills are crucial to develop new and interesting plots, characters, or ideas for stories. Students should also be able to adapt to newer software platforms, including content management systems. Writers need to work on long term projects, so determination is also quite important. Persuasion skills are required by writers, especially those who wish to work in advertising. Also, social perceptive and effective writing skills are important to connect to the audience and communicate with readers.
Writing Careers
Many students who pursue a creative writing degree have an end goal of becoming a novelist or author. However, many other careers are also possible with a writing degree. Students could utilize their skills and knowledge to write movie scripts and screenplays. They could become newspaper and magazine editors or work as a reporter for print publication. Salaries for the various writing positions will differ according to the size and type of employer, roles and responsibilities, and geographical location.