If you are interested in pursuing a career in writing, there are a number of excellent colleges and universities across the country that offer exceptional programs for logophiles. These creative writing schools understand the skills and knowledge necessary to be noticed in the writing profession and are committed to preparing students for success. Depending on what type of writing you’re interested in – fiction, journalistic, academic, etc. – choosing the ideal school for you may take some research. Understanding what you are looking for in a school, and what each program offers, is a great way to narrow down your choices.
Here are a few creative writing schools that stand out among the rest:
You may not immediately think of MIT as a writing powerhouse or one of the top creative writing schools, thanks to its national prominence in science, math, and engineering. However, the school has developed an approach to writing instruction that makes it stand out from the crowd. Instead of having one department that includes both literature and writing, MIT has created two completely different programs. The writing program focuses exclusively on instructing students in creative writing, journalistic composition, digital media, and science writing. The faculty includes scientists, historians, poets, essayists, biographers, novelists, and translators to provide a comprehensive education for students with varying interests and skills.
The Hawkeye State is a Midwest haven for students seeking the best in creative writing schools. Iowa has often been identified as the top program in the country for studying fiction writing. The schools offers a variety of courses and programs of study, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, new media, translation, and playwriting. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are ideal for students seeking a diverse education and plenty of solid writing experience.
Students seeking a small liberal arts college often choose Colorado College for the variety of courses offered and the exceptional faculty in the English department. Within the English major, the college offers concentrations in film studies and creative writing. The creative writing program is known for its opportunities for collaboration, ongoing feedback, and gaining writing experience. For those interested in screenwriting, the filmmaking program focuses on film writing and story development.
Located in Atlanta, Emory University has a lauded English department that offers plenty of opportunities for budding writers. The Creative Writing program offers workshops in multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative non-fiction. There is a strong emphasis on the individual at Emory, and writing classes range from just 15 to 25 students. This level of personalization will help you develop a unique set of skills and a strong voice.
One of the best creative writing schools in the country, Washington University offers unique courses – such as micro-fiction and literary journalism – alongside the traditional writing classes, for a truly diverse experience. There is an equal emphasis on workshopping and critical reading, in an effort to create well-rounded writers. Washington University is the ideal place for students seeking a variety of workshop, reading, writing, and editing experiences.
Selecting the perfect school for you will take time and research. Do your homework, understand what each school offers, and make a decision based on what is best for you. And the meantime? Keep improving your craft, and find a mentor – such as a writing tutor, who can give you valuable feedback about your work. With the right guidance and education, maybe someday it will be your name gracing the top of the New York Times Best Seller list!
Photo by Vancouver Film School
Megan L.