School of Humanities and Cultural Studies

Bachelor of Arts in English, Creative Writing Concentration

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Why Choose Creative Writing Concentration in English?

The Creative Writing concentration in English offers students a full series of introductory and advanced creative writing courses, in addition to practical guidance on publication. Building on a strong basis in literature and language studies, students have the opportunity to develop their skills in either fiction writing or poetry writing as well as to take elective coursework in playwriting and creative non-fiction. The majority of courses are intensive workshops with a focus on peer and faculty comments, the study of craft, and the reading of contemporary and classic literature. The concentration culminates in a capstone course and the completion of an extended creative project. Graduates of our program include novelists Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni and Alexandria Constantinova Szeman and poet Rachel Danielle Peterson. The English Department Visiting Writers Series brings nationally known poets and writers to campus for readings and workshops. The English Club, an organization open to all students, hosts open mikes and coffee-house style readings each year.

Careers

View the English program profile for sample occupations, average salary, and employment projections. 

Real-World Experience

Some recent real-world projects for English Department students include:

  • A grant-funded pilot episode of a children’s television show to air on PBS ThinkTV.
  • A series of videos focused on veteran experiences.
  • Writing internship opportunities exist with local organizations. Past organizations have included The Antioch Review, Heavy Feather Review, Antioch Writers’ Workshop, The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, Dayton Visual Arts Center, and elsewhere.
  • The Vibrant Visiting Writers’ Series open to the public. Past writers have included Xhenet Aliu, Philip Metres, Kaveh Akbar, Paige Lewis, Amina Gautier, and others.

Success Stories

Two-time Wright State graduate Tiffani Angus writes fantasy and science fiction stories, while teaching at Anglia Ruskin University.
Lara Donnelly's debut novel, "Amberlough," was published by Tor in February.

Academics and Curriculum

View the Bachelor of Arts in English program information and degree requirements in the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Planning Strategy (Four Year Plan) (PDF)

Admission

Any student eligible for admission to the College of Liberal Arts is eligible for admission to the Creative Writing, Literature, Professional Writing, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages concentrations in English. Non-native speakers of English seeking admission to any undergraduate major program in English must meet one of the following minimum language proficiency requirements:

  • TOEFL: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PEARSON PTE: 58, or
  • Students who show proof of successful completion of an Intensive English Program from an accredited Institution or program accepted by international admissions are exempt from the requirement to take an approved English Proficiency exam.

Review the admission requirements and complete the admission application. Identify whether you will be majoring in English.

If you are a current student and wish to change majors, go to the WINGS Express major/minor change request form and change your major. If you are an undecided/exploratory student, talk to your advisor about majoring in English.

 


Take the Next Step

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