top creative writing undergraduate programs

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 .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

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.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Writing in the Disciplines

These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to produce and refine various forms of writing for different audiences in different disciplines. In spring and summer 2023, we invited college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of writing in the disciplines. Colleges and universities that received 10 or more nominations are ranked here. Read the methodology »

To unlock full rankings, SAT/ACT scores and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass !

• Clear Filters

Brown University

Providence, RI

• #1 in Writing in the Disciplines
• #9 in National Universities  (tie)

At Brown University, undergraduate students are responsible for designing their own academic study with more than 80 concentration programs to choose from. Another unique offering at this private, Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is the Program in Liberal Medical Education, which grants both a bachelor’s degree and medical degree in eight years.

(fall 2022)

SAT, GPA and More

Columbia University

New York, NY

• #2 in Writing in the Disciplines
• #12 in National Universities  (tie)

Columbia University has three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and the School of General Studies. This Ivy League, private school guarantees students housing for all four years on campus in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood in New York City.

Duke University

• #3 in Writing in the Disciplines  (tie)
• #7 in National Universities  (tie)

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private institution that has liberal arts and engineering programs for undergraduates. The Duke Blue Devils sports teams have a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Tar Heels and are best known for their outstanding men's basketball program.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

• #1 in National Universities

The ivy-covered campus of Princeton University, a private institution, is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton was the first university to offer a "no loan" policy to financially needy students, giving grants instead of loans to accepted students who need help paying tuition.

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

• #5 in Writing in the Disciplines  (tie)
• #93 in National Universities  (tie)

The University of Iowa offers top-notch academic programming in more than 100 areas. Students looking to hone their leadership skills have many options, too: They can enroll in the LeaderShape Institute, a six-day getaway workshop; or participate in one of the many programs offered through the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, including arts and entertainment, and multicultural programs. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but about 95 percent choose to do so. Campus life may pose a challenge to tobacco users, as Iowa is a smoke-free campus. Students have more than 500 clubs and organizations from which to choose, and close to 10 percent of students go Greek as members of the school's more than 50 fraternities and sororities. Sports are another big focus of campus life; even in the competitive NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, the Iowa Hawkeyes are notorious players. Four blocks from campus is Iowa City, a Midwestern metropolis that has been recognized among the nation’s best for its scenery, greenery and sustainable energy efforts.

(out-of-state)

Yale University

New Haven, CT

• #5 in National Universities

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a small college life with the resources of a major research institution. Yale students are divided into 14 residential colleges that foster a supportive environment for living, learning and socializing.

Cornell University

• #7 in Writing in the Disciplines

Cornell University, a private school in Ithaca, New York, has 14 colleges and schools. Each admits its own students, though every graduate receives a degree from Cornell University. The university has more than 1,000 student organizations on campus.

Carleton College

Northfield, MN

• #8 in Writing in the Disciplines
• #9 in National Liberal Arts Colleges  (tie)

Carleton College is a private school in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carls, as its students are known, have about 35 majors to choose from and more than 170 organizations to check out.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA

• #9 in Writing in the Disciplines
• #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges  (tie)

About 10 miles outside of Philadelphia is Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts institution that also offers a unique engineering degree program. Because Swarthmore is part of the Tri-College Consortium, students can also take courses at nearby Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College.

Amherst College

Amherst, MA

• #10 in Writing in the Disciplines  (tie)
• #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges

Amherst College, a private school in Amherst, Massachusetts, is known for its rigorous academic climate. Because Amherst is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, students can also take courses at Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts—Amherst.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.

Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.

Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.

Overview of the Creative Writing Major

Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.

Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. 

To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.

A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.

Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major

Published authors on faculty.

Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):

• Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
• Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
• Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
• Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
• Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
• Toni Morrison (Princeton University)

Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.

Genres Offered

While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.

Workshopping Opportunities

The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.

Showcasing Opportunities

Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students. 

List of All U.S. Colleges With a Creative Writing Major

What are your chances of acceptance.

No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.

You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.

Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

• Campus Life

Have you dreamed of starting a writing career since you were a kid? If your answer is yes, then listen up! 

You need more than just a natural talent for the written word to break into this industry. Choosing a robust writing or English program could be the best thing you do to kickstart your career. But with thousands of schools across the country, how do you know which one is the right pick? 

Don’t stress, we’ve done the research so you can focus on writing the next Great American Novel. 😉

Here are 25 of the best US colleges for aspiring writers!

1. Emory University

There’s a good reason why Emory seems to be part of every list of writing colleges — it has both a holistic and unique approach to developing great writers. The college’s program allows you to develop your technique through intimate reading sessions with notable authors and writing contests that could seriously beef up your portfolio. 

The university also has a beautiful, lush campus that’s perfect for anyone looking to meditate their way out of writer’s block. Have we mentioned that the state of Georgia is as vibrant and spirited as it gets? Whether it’s food, sports, or interesting traditions — your environment is bound to inspire you!

2. Columbia University

You wouldn’t expect anything less than a top-tier creative writing program from an Ivy League school like Columbia — so it’s a good thing the New York-based college lives up to the expectation! 

Since this university has been home to big names like J.D. Salinger, Langston Hughes, Eudora Welty, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg, be prepared for a rigorous curriculum . Columbia has intensive writing workshops, fellowships, and teaching opportunities to bring out the best in you. 

On top of that, the city is filled with publishing houses and has a buzzing community of talented authors, something that you can take advantage of when you graduate!

3. Northwestern University

A faculty roster filled with acclaimed authors has solidified Northwestern’s claim as one of the finest writing college programs in the US. When you have published writers such as Sheila Donohue, Rachel Jamison Webster, and Chris Abani dissecting different literary genres and helping you perfect your craft, it’s easy (and downright exciting) to show up to early morning classes. 

Getting into this undergraduate program will rely on the quality of your submitted manuscript. But once you’re in, there’s so much to look forward to, like the school’s Annual Writers’ Festival . This campus event allows students to interact with three guest writers and attend public readings, conferences, and writing classes.

4. Oberlin College

Collaboration and creativity are fostered at this small liberal arts college, where creative writing has become an independent academic discipline .

Oberlin features dozens of courses designed to help new writers flourish, no matter their backgrounds or competencies, such as race and poetic innovation , digital storytelling , and false documents . Whether you’ve loved writing all your life or found a passion for it more recently, no one will be left behind in this program. 

Another upside of choosing this writing college is its RISE opportunities , which offer students access to exciting research openings, internships, and part-time jobs around the world.  

5. Hamilton College

Who says small colleges won’t get you anywhere? Hamilton prides itself on being home to literary great Ezra Pound alone. But it’s the school’s emphasis on small-sized classes, where the exchange and development of ideas are heightened, that produces proficient writing majors. 

The arts are truly celebrated at this writing college, with comprehensive courses tackling social and institutional hierarchies, history, and intermedia. Visit the school’s performing arts series to witness your fellow artists do their thing, whether that’s dance, music, or theater. 

6. Stanford University

When you think of Stanford, a degree in research or engineering is usually what comes to mind. But surprise! The college also has an incredible creative writing program, thanks to the efforts of 1972 Pulitzer Prize winner Wallace Stegner. 

Stanford’s Stegner Fellowship is a unique writing program offering 10 two-year fellowships (split between fiction and poetry) to fellows as they undergo intensive workshops to master their craft. While you won’t get a degree out of it, you will receive a stipend, and tuition is shouldered by the university.

This college’s undergraduate writing program also features three minor tracks in prose, poetry, and fiction into film, with courses like graphic novel writing, fiction into film, and young adult fiction offered each year. 

7. University of Iowa

If there’s one thing that will make the University of Iowa your top choice for writing colleges, it’ll be the Iowa Writers Workshop . 

This program was the first creative writing program on offer here in the US, with notable alumni like poets Dylan Thomas ( Do not go gentle into that good night ) and Robert Frost ( The Road Not Taken ). If you aren’t convinced yet, The Atlantic has called this two-year graduate degree “the best-known, most-established writing program in the country.” 

This university is also filled with impressive campus opportunities that can bring color to your academic journey, such as the Summer Writing Festival and the Patient Voice Project .

8. Dartmouth College

What do Shonda Rhimes ( Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal ) and Mindy Kaling ( The Mindy Project, The Office ) have in common? Great writing careers — and the fact that they both studied at Dartmouth College.

The New Hampshire-based school created its comprehensive English and creative writing program with only one thing in mind: to help students become capable writers and build their confidence step by step. 

Dartmouth has a nice selection of writing courses that differ each semester and creative writing awards , including the Sidney Cox Memorial Prize and the Academy of American Poets Prize, that undergraduates can compete for. 

9. Brown University

If you want to learn screenwriting, digital and cross-disciplinary writing, and much more, Brown is the way to go! But apart from having a stellar graduate and undergraduate curriculum , Brown also boasts a vibrant literary community that provides students with a continuous stream of readings, festivals, and performances. 

Its strong liberal foundation exposes emerging writers to relevant voices and perspectives in the current literary landscape. On top of that, Brown also has courses tackling new media such as political drama, electronic writing, and innovative narrative.

10. Washington University in St. Louis

Another excellent option for aspiring writers is to earn a Certificate in Creative Writing or join the MFA program at Washington University. Why? Because you could be taught by National Book Award finalists, Guggenheim Fellows, and National Book Critics Circle Award winners!

Admissions to this college writing program can be pretty competitive since they only accept five students per track (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry). But once you’re in, you’ll become part of a close-knit community that can still be felt even after you graduate. 

The campus also has plenty to offer, including a well-known student newspaper and a prime location connecting you to Forest Park and local museums, perfect for when you need a little break from your studies.

11. Johns Hopkins University

The writing program at Johns Hopkins is a hidden gem. Sure, the Maryland-based university is known for its STEM-related disciplines, but it also has a great and flexible curriculum for students looking to master storytelling through the written word.

While challenging, courses at Johns Hopkins are designed to squeeze the best out of you. This has been proven by the sea of prolific poets, novelists, and screenwriters produced by the school, namely A Nightmare on Elm Street ’s Wes Craven, Growing Up ’s Russell Baker, and Love Medicine ’s Louise Erdrich.

12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Are you surprised that MIT has a solid writing program on top of its reputation for excellence in engineering and physical sciences? The top-tier school can also offer you the best of both worlds with its graduate program in science writing . 

The curriculum introduces students to fundamental research and reporting skills as they learn how to make science accessible to the masses. This highly-selective program gives you a chance to publish science-related works, including documentaries, data visualization projects, radio shows, and long-form content.

What’s even better is that the lively Cambridge campus is a great place to arouse your creativity and quite simply write better. Plus, the 22 institutional libraries found in the city offer a good respite for literature lovers or hard-working science researchers.

13. Colorado College

Get ready for an intensive, multi-level approach to writing with Colorado College. Thanks to its innovative block plan structure , where students only face one class for three-and-a-half weeks, you will quickly master each discipline that interests you. 

Feeling low on creativity? Take a walk at one of the seven national parks nearby, where you can find secluded spaces perfect for reflection and discussion (even if you’re by yourself).

14. Brandeis University

If you want to get a handle on creative writing, your work must go through the wringer so it can improve. At Brandeis, you’ll be exposed to a rigorous curriculum and a renowned writing center to help you get started.

As soon as you get into the college’s creative writing program , take advantage of one-on-one sessions with supportive graduate-student consultants. With this peer-to-peer appointment, you can get your work dissected and sort out any writing issues with your structure, style, punctuation, or syntax. 

15. University of Virginia

For writers hoping to concentrate their studies on poetry or prose, the University of Virginia is a great pick. Whether you’re a full-fledged English major or a Science freshman interested in poetry, its undergraduate program can certainly accommodate you.

The college also has a stellar MFA program that accepts five students for poetry and five for prose. Apart from this school having terrific professors, graduate students receive $20,000 in fellowships or income each academic year.

Students also learn from visiting lecturers who take residence in the school for one week and offer craft talks and one-on-one manuscript consultations (where an MFA student’s work is given to visiting writers one week ahead). 

16. Colby College

At Colby, students are introduced to a strong culture of writing, teaching them to be skillful and effective in multiple genres. The college’s writing program provides students with expository writing workshops, writing labs , and word references forums to build their ability to communicate thoughtfully and skillfully.

Among the impressive resources available at Colby is Farnham’s Writing Center , where great writing is fostered through peer and faculty support. Working with peer writing tutors from the brainstorming phase to the final version is bound to make you a better writer!

17. Kenyon College

Kenyon’s mission is to nurture future poets and fiction writers, and it’s certainly achieved this with notable alumni like The Fault in Our Stars ’ John Green and Seabiscuit ’s Laura Hillenbrand.

This program’s main draw is the Kenyon Review , the college’s world-renowned literary magazine that offers highly coveted workshops and internships for student writers. Each year, a select number of faculty from Kenyon also teach workshops on poetry and prose for students in the English program . 

18. Beloit College

No matter how much you love writing, mastering this craft can be challenging. That’s why Beloit’s writing program is designed to support students of all kinds in their writing journey. 

At the college’s writing center , tutors approach their students’ learning with the understanding and consideration that everyone has different strengths and capabilities. With this hands-on mentorship comes a range of other great learning resources, like literary journals and student publications, that give you the chance to gain practical experience outside the classroom. 

19. University of Texas-Austin

This university’s three-year MFA program steals the show when it comes to creative writing. Known as the New Writers Project, this graduate-level degree only accepts a dozen students (with full funding) and hosts symposiums to connect them with editors and agents.

The New Writers Project also invites guest writers like Bluets’ Maggie Nelson, Voyager’s Srikanth Reddy, and Notes from No Man’s Land’s Eula Biss to interact with graduate students. 

But if you want to spend less time concentrating on fiction, poetry, and short stories? The University of Texas-Austin’s Certificate in Creative Writing or its Honors option is for you! 

20. Goddard College

Goddard College takes the gold when it comes to having a varied creative writing offering! This unconventional college writing program welcomes writers interested in screenplay writing, graphic novels, dramatic writing, libretto, speculative fiction, memoirs, and other hybrid genres. 

Trusting its students’ capabilities, Goddard was the first college to offer low-residency BFA and MFA creative writing degrees. This means that students are only required to complete an eight-day residency, where they can attend one-on-one sessions with advisors or participate in literary events on campus, before being able to complete the rest of their education at home.

21. Bucknell University

Although this college also boasts courses on comedy and satire, the human impact on the environment, and prose, Bucknell is renowned for its poetry offering. The Stadler Center for Poetry hosts the annual Bucknell Seminar for Younger Poets, which awards deserving students full-tuition scholarships. 

It also has the Philip Roth Residence Program named after Bucknell’s famous alumnus himself. Authors writing their first (or second) book are allowed to lodge in the Poets’ Cottage with a hefty $5,000 stipend as they work, but the program only lasts for four months.  

22. New York University

The star-studded core faculty at NYU’s creative writing program should be enough to get you on board with this college! Imagine learning the fundamentals of writing from award-winning poets, novelists, short story writers, and memoirists such as Joyce Carol Oates, Zadie Smith, Darin Strauss, Edward Hirsch, and Katie Kitamura.

Plus, with this program, you also get a shot at Writers in New York, a prized summer program that takes place at a townhouse in Greenwich Village where the likes of E.E. Cummings, James Baldwin, Willa Cather, and Mark Twain lived and worked. 

23. University of Michigan

Tagged as the best public university in the US, Michigan’s fantastic Helen Zell MFA Program exposes graduate students to several top-notch writers through a series taught by critically-acclaimed authors (who wouldn’t want to hear from Kazuo Ishiguro, Alice McDermott, Angela Flournoy, and Edward Hirsch?). 

Undergraduates can also apply for admission to a creative writing sub-concentration or a minor and partake in the prestigious Avery Hopwood Awards , one of the country’s most famous student writing prizes.

24. University of Miami

For aspiring writers interested in expressing themselves in a language other than English, the creative writing program at the University of Miami’s curriculum is uniquely inspired by nearby multilingual communities. Polyglot writers are encouraged to explore literature in their own languages.

This university also welcomes double majors so that students can pursue their love for the craft on top of their other interests. Miami’s also great because this campus is jam-packed with extracurriculars that students can jump on to hone their skills. Mangrove , the school’s literary magazine, allows students an opportunity to perform their original work through hosting contests and mic nights.

25. Hamline University

Minnesota residents with a passion for writing consider this small university in Saint Paul a haven for creatives. Why? Because this college is home to the only bachelor’s degree in this field in the entire Twin Cities region (and the only one in the state offered by a private institution). 

Hamline has three fine arts degrees for aspiring authors: a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing, plus a low-residency MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. These courses cover a range of literary genres that enable students to gain a diverse knowledge of the practice.

Writing requires dedication, passion, and a conducive environment where your talents can flourish. All the schools on this list have built outstanding creative writing programs but choosing what suits you best is important. 

Make sure the school you pick can help you reach your full potential. Good luck!

Other Readers Loved:

Colleges in the us with the weirdest (sometimes funny) names, 27 of the weirdest college team names in the us, these 10 us colleges offer awesome work-study programs.

The College Post is part of Globe Post Media, a US digital news organization publishing the world’s best targeted news sites.

Latest Posts

13 best college traditions in the us to ignite school spirit, 12 best books for college students: 2024 must-reads, most popular, 31 states with free community college to save you money, these are the cheapest colleges in the us, 73 top side hustles for college students to make fast cash in 2024, fast access.

© Globe Post Media | All rights reserved

• Twitter Facebook Pinterest
• Highest Paid
• Popular Online
• Non-Traditional

2024 Best Creative Writing Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 215 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Creative Writing Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 6,817 degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

• Best Overall Creative Writing Schools List

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Creative Writing Rankings by Degree Level

The creative writing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Creative Writing Schools. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state .

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology .

Best Schools for Creative Writing in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of creative writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Creative Writing

Every student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Johns Hopkins University. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available.

Any student pursuing a degree in creative writing needs to look into University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. Pitt is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 7th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 125 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year.

Any student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent year we have data available.

Any student pursuing a degree in creative writing needs to take a look at University of Chicago. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 36 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 134 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. A Best Colleges rank of #21 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were about 35 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 45 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were about 54 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 9 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year.

Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 55 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 43 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 19 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available.

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Seattle. This university ranks 1st out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were roughly 58 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year.

WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 30 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.

Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were approximately 7 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 6 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available.

Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Wellesley. This college ranks 12th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year.

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the city of Austin. This university ranks 2nd out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 86 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available.

Iowa State is a very large public university located in the small city of Ames. This university ranks 1st out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

Located in the large city of Cincinnati, UC is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 53 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available.

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Tucson. This university ranks 3rd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year.

Located in the town of Bowling Green, BGSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 23rd out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 26 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent year we have data available.

Rest of the Top Best Creative Writing Schools

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Creative Writing Schools award.

Creative Writing by Region

View the Best Creative Writing Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing, bachelor's degrees in creative writing, doctor's degrees in creative writing.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Creative Writing

One of 4 majors within the Writing Studies area of study, Creative Writing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Creative Writing

View All Creative Writing Related Majors >

Notes and References

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO .

More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

Creative Writing

Stanford’s Creative Writing Program--one of the best-known in the country--cultivates the power of individual expression within a vibrant community of writers. Many of our English majors pursue a concentration in creative writing, and the minor in Creative Writing is among the most popular minors on campus. These majors and minors participate in workshop-based courses or independent tutorials with Stegner Fellows, Stanford’s distinguished writers-in-residence.

English Major with a Creative Writing Emphasis

The English major with a Creative Writing emphasis is a fourteen-course major. These fourteen courses comprise eight English courses and six Creative Writing courses.

English majors with a Creative Writing emphasis should note the following:

All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Courses taken abroad or at other institutions may not be counted towards the workshop requirements.

Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191 series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the 190, 191, or 192 requirement.

PWR 1 is a prerequisite for all creative writing courses.

Minor in Creative Writing

The Minor in Creative Writing offers a structured environment in which students interested in writing fiction or poetry develop their skills while receiving an introduction to literary forms. Students may choose a concentration in fiction, poetry.

In order to graduate with a minor in Creative Writing, students must complete the following three courses plus three courses in either the prose or poetry tracks. Courses counted towards the requirements for the minor may not be applied to student's major requirements. 30 units are required. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Prose Track

Suggested order of requirements:

English 90. Fiction Writing or English 91. Creative Nonfiction

English 146S Secret Lives of the Short Story

One 5-unit English literature elective course

English 190. Intermediate Fiction Writing or English 191. Intermediate Creative Nonfiction Writing

English 92. Reading and Writing Poetry

Another English 190, 191, 290. Advanced Fiction, 291. Advanced Nonfiction, or 198L. Levinthal Tutorial

Poetry Track

English 92.Reading and Writing Poetry

English 160. Poetry and Poetics

English 192. Intermediate Poetry Writing

Another English 192, or 292.Advanced Poetry or 198L.Levinthal Tutorial

Creative Writing minors should note the following:

To declare a Creative Writing minor, visit the Student page in Axess. To expedite your declaration, make sure to list all 6 courses you have taken or plan to take for your minor.

Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the 190, 191, or 192 requirement.

For more information, visit the Stanford Creative Writing Program.

Best Colleges for Creative Writing

Bookworms and aspiring writers can pursue an undergraduate degree in creative writing where they will tackle coursework covering the reading and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as the theory and history of the craft. While becoming the next J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or George R.R. Martin may be the goal, holders of creative writing degrees end up on a variety career paths. This can include: publishing, editing, journalism, web content management, advertising, or for those who “make it” as writers—the next generation of literary superstars. Our list of Best Colleges for Creative Writing goes beyond the most famous writer-factories like the University of Iowa and Columbia University, providing you with more than 25 institutions known for their stellar programs in this field.

Click the links below for more information about each college’s creative writing program. Click here to read our methodology. Finally, note that although some of the colleges featured below do not offer a formal major in creative writing, their undergraduate offerings in this subject area are so strong that they warrant inclusion on our list.

Brown University

Boston University

Colby College

Colorado College

Columbia University

Cornell University

Duke University

Emerson College

Emory University

Grinnell College

Hamilton College

Johns Hopkins University

Kenyon College

Macalester College

Middlebury College

New York University

Northwestern University

Oberlin College

Princeton University

Sarah Lawrence College

University of Iowa

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Southern California

University of Texas at Austin

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin

Washington University

Williams College

Yale University

Colleges Worth Your Money

2024 edition.

A Guide to What America's Top Schools Can Do for You

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

If you could change one thing about college, what would it be?

Graduate faster

Better quality online classes

Flexible schedule

Access to top-rated instructors

College Success

12 Best Colleges for Creative Writing [2023]

02.03.2023 • 11 min read

Nick Griffin

Subject Matter Expert

Learn about the top colleges for creative writing, tips on what to consider when choosing a creative writing major, and answers to frequently asked questions.

In This Article

The Best Creative Writing Programs

What to consider about college for creative writing majors, best literary colleges faqs.

Writing well is a tremendous asset in nearly every industry. In fact, one of the top skills employers look for in employees is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively through writing .

Completing a degree at one of the top colleges for creative writing can deliver more career opportunities than you may think. You could work in publishing, media, higher education, or marketing and advertising.

You can also use your storytelling and creative thinking skills to work as a freelancer. As an independent contractor, you can set your own rates and choose your work hours.

This introduction to 12 of the best colleges for creative writing majors will help you select the right program for your career goals. We’ll even tell you what to look for when comparing some of the leading literary colleges. Let’s get started!

Students who choose to enroll in a creative writing program are looking at factors like location, curriculum, and the quality of the instructors.

While many differences exist, all creative writing degree programs offer instruction in the primary literary forms:

Creative nonfiction

Some schools offer instruction in additional forms, including:

Screenwriting

Playwriting

Digital writing

When selecting a program you would enjoy, also make sure the instruction fits your learning needs.

Some schools offer seminars, resident writers, literary journals, and other perks beyond the standard workshops and courses.

The following 12 programs currently rank among the best writing programs offered in the U.S.

1. Columbia University

The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Columbia University boasts one of the most prestigious literary histories.

Well-known writers like J.D. Salinger, Federico Garcia Lorca, Eudora Welty, Langston Hughes, and Jack Kerouac have taken creative writing courses at the university. The roster of instructors in the undergraduate program is equally as impressive.

The program offers seminars designed for creative writers plus courses in the following writing forms:

Literary nonfiction

Dramatic writing

Students also have access to a thriving School of Arts and can move on to the prestigious MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing program.

2. Emory University

The Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at Emory University started more than 30 years ago. It remains one of the most reputable colleges for aspiring writers ready to start professional careers.

The university requires an application and instructor permission to enter all creative writing courses. Students can major in creative writing or participate in creative writing workshops while completing other degree programs.

The school provides writing workshops and courses in the following disciplines:

3. Brown University

Brown University is one of the leading universities for English literature and creative writing. They are also among the best colleges for writers interested in music, performance arts, and visual arts.

The Undergraduate Department of Literary Arts offers cross-disciplinary courses in all of those disciplines for students pursuing degrees in creative writing. Students can select from a diverse catalog of creative writing workshops, literature courses, independent study courses, and honors workshops.

Creative writing courses are available in the following disciplines:

Cross-disciplinary writing

4. Colorado College

Colorado College offers a creative writing track for English majors who wish to focus on creative writing. The program offers more than the typical writing workshops and seminars at some of the other best colleges for creative writing. In fact, many of the elective courses are taught by guest professors. These distinguished guests are writers themselves.

Students benefit from multiple literary resources exclusive to the college, including:

Hairstreak Butterfly Review and other magazines and publications

Visiting Writers Series

Writing contests

Literary publishing practicum

Student-led spoken word group (SpeakEasy)

Campus printing press studio

Fine Arts Center

Specialized library collections

These benefits make Colorado College one of the leading colleges for creative writing majors able to attend classes in Colorado Springs. The creative writing faculty includes some published authors, making it a top choice for authors as well.

5. Duke University

Duke University may offer the best creative writing program for students with a shared interest in theater and performance arts. Students have access to courses in theater and documentary studies.

The school also has a collection of writing courses, workshops, and seminars in the following writing forms:

Travel writing

Documentary writing

Students at Duke have many opportunities to learn from other writers through the writers-in-residence program. The university also invests heavily in conferences, readings, and visiting speakers for the creative writing program.

6. Cornell University

Cornell University allows students to enroll as English majors with a concentration in creative writing. Students can also complete courses from the creative writing program as minors.

Writing workshops are available in the following literary forms:

Narrative writing

The university is home to a reputable reading series where multiple published authors visit for live readings and social receptions. This college is excellent for authors interested in networking with other authors.

7. Northwestern University

Northwestern University was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to offer an undergraduate creative writing program. Today, the school has a highly competitive creative writing major . It serves as a concentration within the English department.

Students have access to workshops and courses in the following disciplines:

Cross-genres

This university ranks as one of the best literary colleges in part because the faculty includes award-winning authors. The school hosts a Festival of Writing every spring, and students have opportunities to network with and learn from visiting writers.

8. Oberlin College

The creative writing program at Oberlin College offers a collaborative and immersive experience for writers who want the freedom to experiment.

The program focuses on workshops where students learn from one another while preparing for several literary careers. It’s a studio environment best suited to students who want to work closely with a small group of peers.

Oberlin also offers a wide variety of courses in the following disciplines:

Translation

Hybrid forms

9. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University is home to one of the most reputable graduate programs for writing. It only makes sense they also made the list of the top colleges for creative writing undergraduate programs.

The 16-credit creative writing certificate can be taken with any bachelor’s degree major and offers students a workshop model of instruction. Students in this program learn how to become better writers by writing alongside current professional writers.

The program focuses on courses within the 3 primary forms of writing:

All creative writing courses take the form of workshops. This format allows students to read and critique one another’s work in a professional and inclusive environment. Instructors are professional writers with qualifications well-suited to guiding new writers toward lucrative writing careers.

10. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is an outstanding college for writers who want to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees from the same institution. The school offers a studio-academic Master of Fine Arts program for students studying fiction or poetry at the most advanced level.

The program allows undergraduate students to major or minor in creative writing. They have access to visiting writers, a school literary journal, and national press internships.

This program's course selection covers the 3 primary forms of writing

11. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is an excellent choice for writers interested in transferring credits from other institutions or online programs. The creative writing degree program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits and offers competitive pricing per credit hour for the remaining courses.

Unlike the other programs in this list, all courses at SNHU are virtual. SNHU is one of the best colleges for creative writing majors who value the flexibility of online classes.

Four concentration options are available for this program:

12. Boise State University

The creative writing program at Boise State University is ideal for students who want to learn from acclaimed writers with bestselling novels and prize-winning poetry collections to their credit.

The program offers theory classes with a wide range of modern writing disciplines, including speculative fiction and graphic novels. Most courses focus on the following writing forms:

Boise State is also home to the literary journal The Idaho Review and the Free Poetry chapbook series. Students may have the opportunity to work with those publications to gain experience prior to graduation.

What exactly are you looking for when comparing the finest literary colleges? Consider these ‌factors to help you select the right programs.

Transferable Credits

You can save money on your education by completing some courses online. But make sure the credits are transferable to the school offering your creative writing program.

For example, Golden Gate University’s Degrees+ powered by Outlier allows students to take courses online at a fraction of the price of traditional college. Students can earn their associate degree and transfer their credits into over 500 different institutions to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

School Reputation

The best creative writing programs have a reputation for high-quality education from prestigious and trustworthy instructors. Make sure you align with the values and vision of your chosen institution.

Keep in mind many quality schools out there to look into. Take the time to do some research, ask former students, and speak with an advisor.

Course Variety

The top colleges for writers will offer a wide selection of courses related to writing, literature, liberal arts, history, and more. They may also give writers the chance to earn certifications to enter into lucrative careers.

Favorable Outcomes

An exceptional creative writing program produces successful graduates. Look at the percentage of students who complete their degree and how many go on to graduate school or successful careers in writing, editing, research, or reporting.

Can you make it to on-campus classes without neglecting other responsibilities like managing a full-time job while going to school ? Are there options to attend some or all courses online for your convenience? Figure out what your needs are and make sure you can commit to your education.

Many high-quality college programs come with a high price tag. But you can cut your college costs. Fill out a FAFSA —Free Application for Federal Student Aid—and look into grant and scholarship opportunities to get free money to help pay for school.

What can I do with a creative writing degree?

A bachelor’s degree in creative writing can prepare you for a career in technical or creative writing, reporting, editing, or proofreading. You can build a career writing everything from novels and short stories to technical manuals and marketing materials for businesses.

Several editing and reporting jobs are available to writers with a solid command of grammar and a high level of writing ability. Almost any career you may go into in the future will value your writing skills.

What is the best degree for creative writing?

Degrees in creative writing and literature are among the most popular for those interested in building careers in writing. Other excellent degree options include journalism, liberal arts, and even history.

College history programs are notorious for demanding written papers, and the knowledge gained may allow graduates to specialize in historical writing.

Studying the sciences is another lucrative career option, combining writing with specialized knowledge. As of December 2022, science writers earned an average of $63,331 per year.

Science writers may:

Edit a science journal

Research and write grant proposals

Write training material and research summaries in the medical field

Is it worth it to major in creative writing?

Being able to articulate yourself and your ideas clearly is an in-demand skill in nearly any industry. No matter if you are considering going back to school in your 40s or pursuing writing right out of high school, a creative writing degree is a solid investment.

A creative writing degree is worth the investment if you’re serious about building a new career based on writing. You can also select a minor or earn a professional certificate to hone your skills and specialize in a field of interest.

By graduating college with such a sought-after skill, you’ll set yourself up for career success.

Degrees+: Discover Online College Unlike Anything You’ve Experienced

Outlier (winner of TIME Best Inventions 2020) and Golden Gate University (#1 school for working professionals) have redesigned the experience of earning a college degree to minimize cost and maximize outcomes. Explore a revolutionary way to earn your college degree:

Related Articles

A Complete Guide on How To Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

Here’s how to write a scholarship essay. Learn what it is and why it is important in this step-by-step guide with tips and examples.

Bob Patterson

Former Stanford Director of Admissions

10 Best Scholarships for Online Students [2023]

Lots of scholarships for online students are available. Here’s a list of the top 10 ones around. Also, learn the steps to apply for scholarships.

Jennifer Rivera

Top 20 Part-Time Jobs For College Students

This article provides a list of the best part-time jobs for college students and how to combine a job with college responsibilities.

Further - best colleges for creative writing

21 of the highest paying online degrees [2023], 7 best self-paced online college programs [2023], diploma vs. degree: key differences, 15 highest paying jobs with an associate degree, 8 reasons why having a college degree is important, day in the life of a degrees+ student.

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

• 16-minute read
• 23rd February 2023

So, you want to pursue a creative writing degree program in the United States. Wonderful! If you are passionate about writing and you’re an avid reader, a career in fiction writing would be the way to go! When it comes to choosing the right MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program – in this case, creative writing – you might be wondering which schools have the best program. What career opportunities are there after graduation? What courses will I take in the program? What’s the admission process like?

A creative writing program will immerse you in your craft, help you develop writing discipline, and provide critical feedback on your writing. The program should also be highly reputable and produce top-quality writers.

You must decide whether you want to attend a public or a private college . This choice can be important because of student population size, tuition fees, and reputation. Private colleges will be considerably more expensive than public ones. Do you want to attend college in a small town or a big city? Is the school located somewhere that can provide ample writing inspiration? It’s important to know that some schools provide more student opportunities in their program, yet others have stronger networking connections. This distinction can be crucial once you’ve graduated from the program.

This post will highlight the benefits of a creative writing degree, including career opportunities after graduation. We’ll also discuss what you’ll need to apply. Finally, we’ll highlight our top list of creative writing schools in the United S tates. After you’ve read this post, you’ll better understand the opportunities these schools provide.

What Is a Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree prepares you for a career as a writer of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or drama. It’s also suitable for those wishing to enter the field of editing or publishing. The program immerses students in writing and provides valuable writing opportunities and feedback.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates usually find jobs as authors, copywriters, journalists, editors, columnists, or screenwriters. Additionally, graduates find opportunities to become editors for big publishing agencies, which work with some of the most famous best-selling fiction authors.

What Subjects Are Typically Covered?

You can expect to take plenty of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry workshops. Almost all programs provide compulsory introduction to fiction and poetry classes. In addition, you’ll likely take courses in screenwriting, medieval literature, and traditions in fiction. Finally, some courses focus on writing prompts (a daddy for writing inspiration).

Factors to Consider in Choosing a College for a Creative Writing Degree

Although the following factors will vary from college to college, you should consider them carefully:

●  Location and campus culture

●  Faculty and resources available

●  Alumni network and professional connections

●  Internships and work opportunities (internships will provide valuable work experience)

Admission Process

You should know that many creative writing degree programs are very selective. For this reason, you’ll need to prove your passion for writing and reading. First, you’ll need to apply to the college of your choice. This will mean submitting an admission essay as well as the application form. Creative writing degree programs will also want a writing sample, such as a poem or a short story. However, these don’t have to be works you’ve published.

Additionally, you’ll need to submit the following to your chosen college:

●  Referee information (must not be a friend or a relative)

●  Official transcripts

●  TOEFL or IELTS test results (if English is not your native language)

●  GRE scores

Gathering all required documentation for admission will be time-consuming, so you’ll want to get started early. Ideally, you should start applying nine months before your program begins. For example, if the program starts in August, you should begin applying in November of the previous year.

1. Northwestern University

Established in 1851, Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois (just outside Chicago). With approximately 22,000 students, it’s a private institution with a six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. Professors in the creative writing program are award-winning authors. Northwestern is known for producing successful authors such as Karen Russell and Veronica Roth . It also features a top journalism program. Students in the creative writing program can get involved with the student-run literary journal, intern at a Chicago publication, or submit an entry to the yearly writing competition of the English Department.

Additionally, students can learn from talented writers at the Annual Writers’ Festival . Students can even submit their work to the school’s annual writing competition. So, if gaining professional writing experience is important, Northwestern might just be what you’re looking for! Plus, Chicago’s iconic landmarks and lakeside beaches provide robust inspiration for writers!

“My Northwestern creative workshops, where I honed my editorial skills, were instrumental in setting me down a career path in publishing.”

–  Laura Biagi, Class of 2009

2. Columbia University

Located in New York City (known colloquially as the Big Apple), Columbia was established in 1754. It’s the fifth-oldest American institution of higher learning. It has around 36,000 students, and people consider it one of the great elite private colleges in America. Like Northwestern, Columbia has a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school. Great writers have attended Columbia, including J.D. Salinger and Federico Garcia Lorca. The creative writing curriculum includes rigorous writing workshops at all levels and seminars exclusively for creative writing students. In these workshops, students produce original works of writing and submit them to classmates and professors for critical analysis. To study at Columbia is to be part of a distinguished group of like-minded writers.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, many consider New York City America’s literary capital. It’s home to major publishing houses, literary journals, picturesque parks, iconic landmarks, and talented authors from around the globe. The Big Apple has no shortage of inspiration for prospective writers!

“Before being accepted into the program, I didn’t have the confidence to critique my work seriously.”

–  Mary Mann, Class of 2015

3. University of Iowa

If you prefer to study in a location away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, the University of Iowa might be your answer! Founded in 1847, this public institution has about 31,000 students. It’s located in Iowa City, and the nearest major city is Chicago. However, studying in Iowa can provide an opportunity to go off the beaten path.

Here are some highlights of the university and Iowa City:

●  Iowa City is a designated UNESCO City of Literature.

●  The city’s annual Book Festival attracts people from across the American Midwest.

●  The MFA of the university’s nonfiction writing program has been voted number one in creative nonfiction in the United States.

●  Students have access to the university’s literary community, which offers frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and The Iowa Review , an acclaimed literary journal.

●  Tennessee Williams is an alumnus of the program.

●  Like Columbia, the University of Iowa strongly values the workshop method.

We recommend checking out this video for a deeper dive into the world of creative writing at Iowa.

4. Emory University

Emory, founded in 1836, is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. If you prefer a university in a warm climate, Atlanta is a good choice. Compared with cities in the northern states, Atlanta experiences mild winters, though you might get cold snaps and the odd snowfall. Emory has around 15,000 students and has an affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

Emory’s dedicated undergraduate creative writing program draws distinguished visiting scholars and writers. Other notable program highlights include:

●  Opportunities to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors

●  Faculty who are professional practitioners in the writing field

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

●  Studies in a range of genres, such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting

●  Annual writing contests

●  Writing awards and scholarships

●  The opportunity to work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project

Students will also find writing opportunities outside the classroom in the Atlanta area. The city has several writing organizations and clubs, such as the Atlanta Writers Club , the Georgia Writers Association , and Village Writers Group.

5. Oberlin College

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a small liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio, 31 miles south of Cleveland. It has just under 3,000 students. If you’re seeking a really small school, Oberlin is worth pursuing! It’s known for the robust quality of teachers and the variety of courses in the creative writing program. Two of the courses are Plot and Structure and Race and Poetic Innovation. In addition, you’ll find a robust workshop culture at Oberlin. The downside is that the city lacks opportunities to pursue writing. However, great opportunities exist in other Ohio cities, such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Moreover, Ohio is the home of the late American novelist Toni Morrison.

It’s worth mentioning that Oberlin’s creative writing program has notable alumni, such as Lena Dunham , an actress and writer.

“I feel so consistently lucky to have such dedicated professors. Everyone I’ve worked with in the Creative Writing Program deeply cares about their students both as writers and as people. Classes are small, so you’re able to actually know and trust each other, which is important for productive workshopping.”

–  Fiona Warnick, Class of 2022

6. Hamilton College

Chartered as a college in 1812, Hamilton is in the upstate New York village of Clinton, between Syracuse and Albany. It has 2,000 students and 1,350 acres of campus space. Hamilton strongly believes in giving students the freedom to pursue their own interests, an ethos that explains why the college’s motto is “Know Thyself.”

Hamilton’s creative writing program is known for its small classes and plentiful opportunities to intern and publish. Hamilton also has one of the best writing centers in the nation. Students take courses that balance literary study with poetry and prose workshops. The program emphasizes learning to write with attentiveness to form and genre. Students write a creative project that demonstrates originality and attention to language.

If you like a creative writing school that’s “current with the times,” Hamilton has recently renovated List Hall, which houses the program. The hall features collaborative spaces for students and a new landscaped entrance.

7. Brown University

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading research university in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown’s student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose make it distinct. In fact, many American high schoolers dream of studying at Brown! It has just under 10,000 students, and its literary arts program is one of the top MFAs in the United States. Students can choose one of three tracks: fiction, poetry, or digital/cross-disciplinary writing – a plus if your aim is fiction writing, for example! Although students must take certain classes, they can design much of their curriculum. Brown also provides financial aid to students in the program through a first-year fellowship. Additionally, students can teach undergraduate workshops during their second year. Brown is a special place for writers who envision new paths in fiction, poetry, and digital language arts.

8.  Washington University in St. Louis

It might surprise you that Washington University is in St. Louis, Missouri, rather than Washington, DC. Since 1853, Washington University has dared to challenge the unknown and taken great pride in its teaching, research, and service to society. The university has a renowned creative writing program with several scholarships. The undergraduate English program also offers a concentration, which allows students to specialize in a specific writing genre: fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The program even has a special concentration in publishing! Students often find internships with companies such as Atlantic Media, Business Insider, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Washington University should be on your list if you already have a specific writing genre in mind!

9.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

You might not associate writing with an institute of technology. However, MIT has a wonderful program that features courses in digital media, science writing, and creative writing. Since its incorporation in 1861, MIT has been educating future leaders with a three-to-one student-to-faculty ratio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Apologies if you were expecting MIT to be in Boston. However, don’t let Cambridge put you off. The city is a haven for book lovers and writers from all walks of life, so you’ll find plenty of writing pursuits outside of class! And when it comes to finding work after graduation, the program provides lots of guidance for navigating the tricky job market.

10.  University of Michigan

If you’ve ever watched NCAA football, you’re probably familiar with the University of Michigan. Founded in Detroit in 1817, Michigan is ranked the third-best national undergraduate public university. The university’s main campus is in the small city of Ann Arbor, ranked the number one best small college town in America.

The University of Michigan has a top-notch MFA program. The undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications provide crucial practice in building a writing portfolio and articulating an interest in creative writing. In addition, the university has two student-run literary journals: Xylem Magazine and Fortnight Literary Press . Both publish students’ best works – an excellent way to get your writing noticed!

Screenwriter Jennifer Freides graduated from the program. “I learned to read fast, manage my time, think critically, organize my thoughts, and speak with clarity at U-M.”

With nearly 50,000 students, the University of Michigan is a top choice for those looking for a big school with a great MFA program!

11.  Johns Hopkins University

This private research university was founded in 1876 in Baltimore, Maryland, and it takes its name from nineteenth-century Maryland philanthropist Johns Hopkins. With 24,000 students, Johns Hopkins (or JHU, its more common name) ranks consistently among the most prestigious universities in the United States. Novelists John Barth and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie graduated from here, as did the famous horror film director Wes Craven.

Although people know JHU more for its engineering program, it does have a reputable writing program. Students in the program take courses in philosophy and history in addition to classes in prose, poetry, and literature. The creative writing program has journalism, the arts, and publishing internship opportunities. Additionally, short story writers might be interested in the program’s Danielle Alyse Basford Writing Prize .

Baltimore is no stranger to the literary world, as the American writer Edgar Allan Poe spent several years here. His poem The Raven is the namesake of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. You can visit the Poe House and Museum to see the writing desk and chair where Poe created some of his famous work!

12.  Colorado College

Colorado College was founded in 1874 and is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s a small liberal arts college with over 2,000 students. People know the college mainly for its Block Plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. Students will find that the creative writing track interweaves craft, imagination, and a lively literary framework. It includes a sequence of four writing workshops and mandatory attendance at the Visiting Writers Series. Attending readings at the Visiting Writers Series will deeply immerse students in the written word at Colorado College. In addition, students will find plenty of opportunities within the program, from AMC college writing contests to the student-led spoken word group, SpeakEasy. If you’re an outdoorsy writer, you’ll love Colorado Springs! It’s surrounded by picturesque hiking opportunities, including Garden of the Gods ! If you envision taking one class at a time at a small liberal arts school, you should consider Colorado College!

13.  New York University

New York University (NYU) is another prestigious university in New York City. It was established in 1831 and is currently the largest private university in the United States, with more than 11,000 students. It even has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. As mentioned, New York is the American literary epicenter. Although NYU doesn’t offer a creative writing major, it’s an excellent school for aspiring writers. You’ll still find workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Classes are small, with a maximum of 15 students, and the school has a student-edited literary journal called West 10 th . The school also offers intensive summer writing programs in Florence and Paris, so students can develop their craft while living the writer’s life in Italy or France. The faculty consists of award-winning poets, short story writers, and novelists, and many of them have received Pulitzer Prizes and NEA Fellowships. So, although NYU lacks a creative writing major, it has a fine reputation, small classes, and ample opportunities to develop your writing craft!

So, there you have our list of top creative writing schools. Let’s recap key points from our post:

●  Creative writing programs are pretty selective, so you should be genuinely passionate about reading and writing.

●  Private schools have the best reputation and small classes. However, they can be really expensive.

●  You will need to submit at least one writing sample as part of your application.

●  Creative writing programs are heavy in workshop culture.

●  New York City is America’s literary capital.

●  Most programs have literary journals where you can submit your work.

●  A faculty of professional writers will be your teachers.

●  Graduates often go on to become authors, editors, and copywriters. Getting into publishing is also a possibility.

Whichever school you choose, it must be the right fit for you! While one might be great for some people, it might not resonate with you. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to visit the school if possible. Even a virtual tour will suffice. We also suggest reaching out to current professors for more information. You can even reach out to current or past students through LinkedIn. Finally, take your time when researching schools. Got more questions about creative writing? We recommend this video !

Thanks for reading!

1. How important is location when you are considering a creative writing program?

You’ll want to prioritize a location with a vibrant literary scene rather than one with a warm climate. There should be plenty of opportunities to engage with writing in the community outside the classroom. There should also be various career opportunities within the community after graduation.

2. What is the cost of attending a creative writing program in the United States?

The cost will depend on whether the school is public or private. Public school tuition will be roughly $17,000 to $20,000 US. On the other hand, private schools will be considerably more expensive, especially Columbia and Hamilton. You can expect tuition to be between $50,000 and $69,000 US.

 3. Where can I get feedback on my college application?

Great question! We recommend leaving this to our team of proofreading experts at Proofed! They can check for grammar and punctuation errors and ensure perfect spelling. They will also ensure that the application uses appropriate academic language. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free today!

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

3-minute read

What Is a Content Editor?

Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...

4-minute read

The Benefits of Using an Online Proofreading Service

Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...

2-minute read

6 Online AI Presentation Maker Tools

Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...

What Is Market Research?

No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...

8 Press Release Distribution Services for Your Business

In a world where you need to stand out, press releases are key to being...

How to Get a Patent

In the United States, the US Patent and Trademarks Office issues patents. In the United...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

• Undergraduate
• Creative Writing

The Creative Writing Major

The Creative Writing Major is an undergraduate concentration within the English Department at Northwestern University and one of the first and finest undergraduate Creative Writing programs in the country. Its reputation is based on the accomplishments of its graduates, the generosity of its accomplished professors, and a pedagogy that creates a fruitful symbiosis between close reading and inventive writing. Award-winning authors teach poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as courses that cross genres, guiding students to examine literary works as writers and encouraging them to study the best literary models. Professors and students work in a close-knit community as they write their own stories, novellas, poems and essays within the living tradition of literature.

Most Creative Writing Majors begin taking creative writing courses in their sophomore year and complete the yearlong “sequence” of study during their junior year, and some have the opportunity to complete an additional honors project before graduation (see Recommended Schedule for Prospective Writing Majors below). Students also learn from prominent visiting writers at our annual Festival of Writing in the Spring.  Recent graduates of the program include MacArthur “Genius” Award Winner Karen Russell; Veronica Roth, whose bestselling novel “Divergent” was first drafted while she was a student; poet Peter Kline; and award-winning essayist Angela Mears.

Current Creative Writing faculty include   Chris Abani ,  Brian Bouldrey ,   John Bresland ,   Averill Curdy ,   Sheila Donohue ,   Reginald Gibbons , Juan Martinez , Shauna Seliy , Charif Shanahan ,  Natasha Trethewey , Daisy Hernández ,  and   Rachel Jamison Webster .

The Creative Writing program also offers two minors; the Sequence-based Minor and, for those not pursuing one of the year-long sequences, the non-application based Cross-genre Minor in Creative Writing .

See past and upcoming Creative Writing events.

Undergraduate publication opportunities

Recommended Schedule for Prospective Writing Majors

Courses for prospective creative writing majors, in a recommended order..

*Denotes courses that are REQUIRED for the Creative Writing Major

ENG 202-Introduction to Creative Writing

(can be taken in Fall quarter of Freshman year. This provides an introduction to all three genres and prepares you for our other CW courses.)

ENG 210-1,2 - English Literary Traditions       or ENG 270-1,2 - American Literary Traditions

(While not required for creative writing, these are excellent background courses for writing students, and also serve as prerequisites for the English literature major.)

* ENG 206 - Reading and Writing Poetry

* ENG 207 - Reading and Writing Fiction    

* ENG 208 - Reading & Writing Creative Nonfiction

(You may take 206, 207, or 208 in any order.  You should have taken or be enrolled in any one of these when you're applying. )

Students may apply to the Creative Writing Program in the Spring of your Sophomore Year or in the Spring of your Junior Year.

Click here to apply. Applications close April 29th, 2024 at 11:59pm. 

Some students fulfill their requirements--of 206, 207 and 208--well before the time of application to the program. If that happens, we recommend that you stay in writing practice and continue building your portfolio by taking one of our 300-level writing courses, English 306, 307, 308, or 309. Please see Juan Martinez , Director of Creative Writing, for further suggestions and help with course planning.

Initial Required Courses

All students interested in the Creative Writing Major must take one introductory course --poetry (ENG 206), fiction (207), or creative nonfiction (208)--and at least be enrolled in another before applying to the major. Students can only apply to the major in any genre for which they've completed (or are enrolled) in its 200-level component; you can only apply for poetry after having taken or enrolling in ENG 206, for fiction after ENG 207, for creative nonfiction after ENG 208.

At the 200-level, no prior knowledge of a genre is required to enroll.

• No English Department creative writing course may be audited or taken pass/fail.
• School of Professional Studies courses offered under the titles ENG 206, 207 and 208 do not count toward any course of study within the Creative Writing program.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the next stage of the Creative Writing Major or the Sequence-based Minor in Creative Writing, the year-long 300-level advanced course sequences, is competitive. Admission to the program is granted primarily on the basis of manuscript quality and the student’s promise. An applicant may be admitted to study as a major, a minor, or a sequence-only student.

For fiction and nonfiction applications, your writing sample should be 7-15 pages.

For poetry applications, your writing sample should be 4-5 poems.

No preference in admission is currently given to those who apply to the sequences, though there are later opportunities open only to Creative Writing Majors, including participation in senior honors, one-on-one conferences with visiting writers-in-residence, and the winter senior readings series.  Students may apply for admission to the sequence courses no earlier than the spring of their sophomore year.   

Click here to apply. Applications close April 29th, 2024 at 11:59pm.

The Sequences

Theory and Practice of Poetry (ENG 393), Fiction (394), and Creative Nonfiction (395):

These year-long sequences of courses ask students to pursue a rigorous program that includes explication and critical writing, imitation and modeling, close reading of literary texts, and the creation of original creative work.  The sequences are arranged in three consecutive quarters.

They begin in the fall with specialized courses in the fundamental technical and rhetorical bases of each genre. Poetry students study the uses of metaphor and mode, and the theory of prosody (including both the major form of poetry in English-accentual-syllabic verse-and the minor forms, accentual, syllabic, and free verse). Fiction students consider the tenets of realism and its alternatives, and practice different approaches to style, characterization, structure, and point of view. Creative nonfiction students focus on essay forms, logical method, authorial tone, and techniques of discourse and description. In all genres, imitations and models of great writers are assigned.

The second half of the sequence in each genre is devoted to intensive writing of a longer original work-a poem of at least 120 lines or an essay or novella of 25 to 35 pages.

Note that in the event further work in fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry is desired outside the year-long sequence, ENG 206, 207, and 208 may be repeated up to two times for WCAS credit. Advanced one-quarter courses in creative writing (ENG 306, 307, 308, 309) are also offered for non-majors.

The application is available here . Applications will close on April 29th at 11:59pm.

Other Required Courses for MAJOR Students

In addition to the sequences, creative writing majors must take:

ENG 392 - The Situation of Writing

“The Situation of Writing,” which is typically offered in the winter quarter, investigates the writer’s relation to the culture, both currently and historically. The course addresses such questions as the relation of criticism to imaginative literature, the rise and fall of specific literary genres, the effect of the university on the production and consumption of literary works, the state of the publishing industry, and international literary contexts.

The “Third-Genre Intro” Course 

English 207 or 208, whichever introductory course was not completed before application to the sequences. This requirement ensures that writing majors will have had experience reading and writing in all three major non-dramatic modes of imaginative writing.

Six 300-level literature classes

These courses must be “pure literature”; that is, courses in which the bulk of the reading is literature and not criticism or theory. They must be selected from English Department offerings ONLY:

• Two on material written prior to 1830
• Two on material written after 1830
• Two from either period

Two non-literature courses related to one another, taught in other department(s).

These courses, in areas such as history, art, classics, and gender studies, broaden the student’s background for the study of literature. These must be approved by a creative writing advisor.

Other Required Courses for Sequence-Based MINOR students

In addition to the sequences, creative writing sequence-based minors must take:

Two 300-level literature classes

• One on material written prior to 1830
• One on material written after 1830

The Cross-genre Minor in Creative Writing

Other program features.

The Annual Writers Festival gives students the chance to learn from and interact with guest Writers-in-Residence for a three-day celebration of master classes, public readings, and a panel discussion on craft. The festival is situated within the larger Evanston Literary Festival, which hosts a number of literary events throughout the city.

Writing by students at Northwestern is recognized by the award-winning student literary magazine, Helicon, and by the  Department of English Annual Writing Competition , held in the spring.

Creative Writing Alumni Testimonials

-- Veronica Roth, author of the bestselling Divergent series

“I still believe our program at Northwestern is as good as any graduate program in the country. It was nice to have the opportunity when I was 19 to spend so much time reading and writing with these other writers. There was such a serious sense of purpose. That’s a testament to Brian and Sheila and the rest of the faculty. They really could create a community.” --Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia!, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and winner of a MacArthur Genius Award.

“As a Creative Nonfiction student in the Creative Writing program, I was pushed hard -- by my professors and fellow writers -- to find my voice. Not just my voice as a writer, but as a person and advocate of my life and experiences. More than anything else, I learned that I am still learning. I am still finding that voice, and always will be. I learned that this fact is okay, it is right, it is what makes me write.”   --Danielle Littman, 2013 graduate.

"We're not just educating people for professional tracks; we're educating them for their lives." --Professor Mary Kinzie, Founder of the Creative Writing Program and award-winning poet.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, best creative writing programs.

I'm a junior and I absolutely love creative writing! I would really like to pursue writing as a major in college. Can anyone suggest some top ranked creative writing programs that I should definitely check out? Thanks!

It's excellent that you're passionate about creative writing and want to pursue it in college! To give you a great starting point, here are some colleges and universities known for their strong creative writing programs:

1. University of Iowa: The Iowa Writers' Workshop is one of the most prestigious and well-known creative writing programs in the country. They have a strong focus on fiction, poetry, and playwriting.

2. New York University: Their program offers a concentration in creative writing within their English department, and they have an excellent reputation for producing successful writers. Being in the heart of New York City also allows students to enrich their creative writing studies with off-campus events, like readings.

3. Columbia University: This Ivy League school also has a strong creative writing program, with classes in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. They also hold numerous readings and events throughout the academic year. Like NYU, Columbia is located in New York City, and its students are able to take advantage of all the city has to offer.

4. University of Michigan: Their creative writing program, which is housed in the Helen Zell Writers' Program, offers a strong undergraduate curriculum in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

5. Kenyon College: Kenyon is a small liberal arts college with a strong program in creative writing, offering workshops and courses in various genres.

6. Brown University: As part of their literary arts program, Brown University provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore creative writing in different genres. Depending on your interests, Brown's Open Curriculum (which has no required courses, so students have complete freedom to take whichever classes they want) may be a big perk for you, as you could combine your passion for creative writing with other fields that excite you.

7. Oberlin College: Another liberal arts college, Oberlin has a program in creative writing that emphasizes a diverse array of literary styles and genres, including graphic novels and science fiction.

8. Emerson College: This college focuses on communications and the arts, offering a BFA in Creative Writing with a variety of concentrations to choose from.

9. Washington University in St. Louis: Their creative writing program is strong in both fiction and poetry, and gives students the opportunity to have their work published in the undergraduate literary magazine, "The Spectacle."

10. University of Virginia: Their MFA program is highly respected, but they also offer a strong undergraduate creative writing program with tracks in both poetry and prose.

Remember, while it's essential to consider the reputation and quality of the program, you should also think about each college's overall environment and if it suits your preferences and needs, as you want to find a school where you'll thrive personally as well as academically. Visiting the schools, talking to professors and current students, and reviewing the specific courses offered in each program will help you determine which colleges are the best fit for you.

Good luck in your search for the perfect creative writing program!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

• New Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Parents & Families
• ClarkYOU Login
• Courses and Schedules
• Academic Calendar
• Office Directory
• People Directory
• Campus Maps and Directions
• Clark Transportation
• A rich history and unwavering commitment to a better future. Who we Are
• Our Mission
• History and Traditions
• President and Leadership
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Our Campus and Location
• Annual Events
• Public Information
• Campus Map and Directions
• ClarkNow News Hub
• Media Relations
• Expert Sources
• Schools and Departments
• To really know Clark, you have to see it for yourself. Undergraduate Admissions

Request Information

• Cost and Financial Aid
• Campus Visits
• Virtual Visits
• Find Your Counselor
• Our Process and Timeline
• Transfer Student Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Info for School Counselors
• Athletic Recruitment
• First-Year Experience
• Shape an education matching your passions with your ambitions. Academics
• Areas of Study / Degree Programs
• Accelerated Degree Programs
• Undergraduate Curriculum
• Our Faculty
• Undergraduate Advising
• Fellowships and Scholarships
• Science Facilities and Labs
• Academic Catalog
• Registrar’s Office
• Academic Affairs
• Office of Sponsored Programs and Research
• Live well, eat well, and get involved in our community of Clarkies. Life at Clark
• Student Success
• Campus Living
• Dining on Campus
• Health and Wellness
• Campus Events Calendar

Student Clubs and Organizations

• Athletics and Recreation
• The Arts at Clark
• Clark Esports
• Student Resources
• A Clark education prepares you for a life and career on your terms. Career Experience

Internships

• Career Exploration
• Success After Clark
• Career Connections Center
• ClarkCONNECT
• Join a community committed to transformational research. Graduate Education
• Graduate Admissions
• Tuition and Scholarships
• Visit and Connect
• Graduate Student Life
• Accepted Students
• International Students
• Graduate Academics
• Graduate Programs
• Ph.D. Programs
• Graduate Research
• Career Outcomes

Popular Searches

Featured Sites

Explore Areas of Study

Visit Our International Center

• Major in Creative Writing (B.A.)

A way with words

From poetry to prose, fiction to nonfiction, script to screenplay, creative writing can challenge your imagination and serve as a repository for your reflections on the human experience.

As a student in the English Department’s creative writing major, you’ll learn to analyze effectively and to write persuasively in courses taught by faculty who are themselves published writers. Analysis of the work of great writers will provide you with ideas and inspiration, while interactive workshops will allow you to present your writing to classmates and receive valuable feedback.

There are several outlets for your creative writing. You can enter any of the English Department’s four annual writing contests; submit your work for publication in Clark’s student literary magazine; or publish your work on the Clark Student Voices blog.

Catalog Requirements for:

Why Study Creative Writing at Clark?

• Professional writers will be your guides you as you as you explore literary works and apply what you learn to develop and refine your own writing.
• Work one-on-one with faculty in the Creative Writing Capstone course to analyze and contextualize your own creative work.
• Aspiring playwrights can submit their scripts to the Visual and Performing Arts Department’s biennial New Play Festival, which produces full-length plays written, directed, and performed by Clark undergrads.

Featured Courses

Writing the novel.

Through careful study of published works, students will unpack the role and function of central elements of a novel and apply these techniques to their own over through weekly writing exercises.

Publishing & Literary Journals

Students gain experience working at an online literary journal: calls for submission, reading and voting on submissions, editing accepted works, preparing the issue for launch, and working on special-editions.

Creating Character

This course is a deep dive into creating dynamic characters, building them layer by layer, considering motivation, backstory, conflict, point of view, and voice.

The Creative Writing Path

Our program offers a range of courses, from foundational areas, such as Shakespeare, Romanticism, and global literature, to emergent fields, such as medical humanism, critical race theory, and sexuality studies. We advise English Department majors to take two historical surveys, one pre-1850 and one post-1850, early in their programs. A 100-level genre course is another good introductory class for students contemplating the major. The Creative Writing major and minor includes courses in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction taught by professional writers. These courses guide students to examine literary works as a writer to apply what they learn to their own writing. Interactive workshops, moreover, provide the feedback that helps students to develop and refine their work. Please contact Coordinator of Creative Writing, Phil Lemos, for more information.

Our program provides a number of scholarly opportunities, such as participation in Sigma Tau Delta (our national Honors Society), our Capstone in Creative Writing, and our Honors program. We also have connections to a number of internships, such as the London Internship Program, which offers positions in the fields of theater and journalism, in addition to internships with local newspapers and journals, as well as national organizations.

The department and faculty offices are located in beautiful Anderson House. Many English courses, department colloquia, and other events take place in this historic building. We invite you to read our blog and our newsletter, The English Times [PDF], to learn more.

Qualified students are eligible for election to Sigma Tau Delta, the National Honor Society in English.

Study Abroad

The English Department has a special arrangement with the University of East Anglia in England, the Advanced Studies in English in Bath, England and the London Internship Program. For information, please consult with Professor Neuman, Chair, or Clark’s Study Abroad Programs.

Building your foundation

The Clark Experience

We structure our curriculum around Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP), which connects classroom learning with action through world and workplace experiences.

At Clark, your education extends beyond the classroom. Visit the Career Connections Center  to learn more about  internship opportunities that complement your coursework and put your English knowledge into practice.

In cooperation with the University’s internship office, the English Department supports internships for all majors. Internships are available both in university offices and in venues beyond the campus-for example, newspapers, news departments of radio and television stations, periodical and book publishers, and communication departments. Please consult with Professor Neuman, Chair, for further information.

As a complement to this concentration, you can engage in a variety of related experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad, and research. You can enter any or all of the English Department’s four annual writing contests; submit your work for publication in Caesura, Clark’s student literary magazine; or publish your work on the Clark Writes blog. Aspiring playwrights can submit their scripts to the Visual and Performing Arts Department’s biennial New Play Festival, which produces full-length plays written, directed, and performed by Clark undergrads.

Internships are available both in university offices and in venues beyond the campus-for example, newspapers, news departments of radio and television stations, periodical and book publishers, and communication departments.

Study Abroad and Away

Participation in a Study Abroad and Away program is an opportunity to gain world and workplace experience to complement your on-campus work. Clark approves semester, yearlong, and summer opportunities to earn credit through academic coursework, internships, community-based learning, or research.  The English Department has a special arrangement with the University of East Anglia in England, the Advanced Studies in English in Bath, England and the London Internship Program. For information, please consult with Professor Neuman, Chair, or Clark’s Study Abroad Programs.

Explore our Study Abroad and Away  page, where you can search programs by academic interest, location , and language; after you’ve identified some appropriate programs, ensure they fit into your four-year plan by talking with your faculty adviser as early as possible.

You can participate in Clark’s many clubs, organizations, and athletic teams as a way to complement your academic work. Here are some student organizations that might be of interest to you as a Creative Writing student:

• The Scarlet (student newspaper)
• Clark Poetry Slam
• Caesura Literary Magazine
• Scholarly Undergraduate Research Journal at Clark

Phi Beta Kappa Society, Washington, D.C.

writing internship for the national office

Worcester Magazine

editorial intern

New York City Ballet Archives

archive assistant

Brown for Missouri, Clayton, Mo.

campaign aide

D'Amico & Chenelle, Worcester

legal assistant/paralegal

Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, D.C.

digital science writer

Clark is committed to action-based learning, which means as an undergraduate you can join faculty and graduate students in their research . Our faculty are active researchers in a variety of English subfields including medieval and Renaissance literature; contemporary literary theory; semiotics and rhetorical theory; literary treatments of ethnicity; critical and literary theory; and book history and manuscript culture.

The English Department actively supports the development of young scholars and the presentation of student research in multiple formats. As an undergraduate student in Creative Writing, you’ll receive support from faculty mentors to pursue and present your creative work, with the opportunity to present your findings. You can also apply for funding to support your own research on a project of your choice during the academic year or during the summer.

The Goddard Library ’s Rare Books Open House allows students to curate an exhibition of treasures from Goddard Library’s Special Collections. English students created and contributed to the Mix(L)it Digital Exhibit , a digital exhibit of mixed race literary and screen characters.

Our program facilitates scholarly research through our Capstone in English, a senior research project, and our Honors program. Please contact Professor Blake, Director of the Honors Program, for information. Also, every year The American Antiquarian Society, a prestigious national research library of American culture located in Worcester, offers seminars in specialized topics in American studies. Please contact Professor Neuman for more information.

Writing contests

Four writing contests , with prizes awarded, are hosted annually by the English Department. They are open to all Clark undergraduates.

• Loring Holmes & Ruth Dodd Drama Contest
• Prentiss Cheney Hoyt Poetry Contest
• Betty ’79 and Stanley Sultan Short Story Contest
• Leroy Allston Ames Essay Contest

At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.

English majors are excellent communicators and highly adaptable, creative problem-solvers who apply their critical thinking skills to productive effect in a variety of professions. A foundation in creative writing is an asset to those seeking careers in education, digital and print media, marketing and public relations, and psychology.

Graduate School Placement—English Department

Boston University

University of London

Columbia University School of Journalism

Tufts University School of Medicine

Washington College of Law, American University

Faculty and Programs in the Department of English

Thirteen Colleges Every High School Creative Writer Should Consider [Updated for 2019!]

The process of selecting a college for four years—four significant years—of one’s life is never easy. What further complicates this process is the fact that more applications are flying into pretty much every school than ever before. What contradicts this idea, however, is the reality: that there are multiple schools that present terrific opportunities for each type of student . There are multiple ‘best creative writing colleges’. So creative writers, fear not! If you don’t believe me, check out some pretty awesome programs below.

Since its inception in 2010,  The Adroit Journal  has been committed to helping high school writers unlock their potentials while finding the undergraduate writing community for them. High school writers should check out our free, annual online Summer Mentorship Program , which will open to applications on March 15th, as well as our Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose , which recognize spectacular high school and college writers each year. You may wish to additionally check out our summer workshop, camp, and program guide for high school creative writers , as well as our tips for high school teen writers .

But First… Sign Up for Updates!

No matter where you choose to spend your college years, be sure to spend them with us! By signing up below, you’ll receive updates each time we open a submission period or release an issue, and you’ll receive our 2019 Guide to Colleges Every Creative Writer Should Consider . (Note: If you are already subscribed to our mailing list, you will already receive this guide.)

• Learn more at http://www.ellipsiswriting.com .

1 | Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia Acceptance Rate: 26.8% Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,829 US News & World Rank: 21 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

Where to begin? Beautiful campus, beautiful weather, and some of the best creative writing resources a college can hope to have. Emory University is the home of previous U.S. Poet Laureate (and Queen) Natasha Trethewey, as well as a sterling set of core faculty, visiting lecturers, and fellows.

English & Creative Writing Major Creative Writing Minor Honors Program in Creative Writing Creative Writing Faculty Page Creative Writing Fellows Page Raymond Danowski Poetry Library

2 | University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia Acceptance Rate: 29.0% Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,483 US News & World Rank: 25 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

Boasting another beautiful campus, the University of Virginia may be of particular interest to writers interested in concentrating in either poetry or prose writing for their undergraduate years. Specifically, the school hosts two specific two-year Area Programs dedicated to these areas—unlike any institution I’ve come across—with a terrific faculty (Lisa Russ Spaar, all hail) to boot.

English Major Distinguished Majors Program Creative Writing for Undergraduates Area Program in Poetry Writing Area Program in Literary Prose

3 | University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate: 10.4% Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,746 US News & World Rank: 8 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 5, 2019

Of course, I may happen to be biased— I’m a happy alum of Penn, and studied English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Consumer Psychology —but this means I can confidently say that through a refined liberal arts focus at the University of Pennsylvania , you will learn to write while also finding another interest—any interest—to write about. Penn also has an unrivaled internship program called RealArts@Penn, which provides students with approximately thirty diverse, meaningful internships open to the Penn community, and gives each $4,000 to ensure they can afford to do them. You can be sure that your creative writing portfolio will be read—in fact, Penn seeks to recruit the nation’s top young writers and provide them with admissions advocacy through the Kelly Writers House, a non-residential haven for writers and creative types of all kinds that hosts more than 300 events per year. The Writers House is also home to an incredibly tight-knit community of passionate writers and readers that is always pulling another chair up to the table. To find out more information about these opportunities, click on the “Kelly Writers House” and “Writing Recruitment Opportunity” links below. If interested in the recruitment opportunity, please contact Associate Director of Writing Recruitment Jamie-Lee Josselyn, whose contact information is available on the Kelly Writers House website. (By the way, it’s not at all restricted to Early Decision, it’s not at all restricted to prospective English Majors, and it’s not at all restricted to those who can afford full tuition.) No, you aren’t dreaming.

Department of English English Major with a Concentration in Creative Writing Kelly Writers House Writing Recruitment Opportunity RealArts @ Penn Internship Program Department of Creative Writing Creative Writing Faculty

4 | Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey Acceptance Rate: 7.4% Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,391 US News & World Rank: 1 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

The faculty at Princeton University is undeniably stacked: Jeffrey Eugenides, Paul Muldoon, Joyce Carol Oates, James Richardson, Tracy K. Smith… the list goes on. No doubt it will be an intense four years, but Princeton is a tough one to say “no” to.

Lewis Center for the Arts Princeton Poetry Festival Creative Writing Faculty Page Creative Writing Program Reading Series

5 | Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri Acceptance Rate: 17.1% Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,401 US News & World Rank: 19 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

It’s no secret that Washington University in St. Louis  is a great place to write—it’s got one of the top Master of Fine Arts programs in the world for creative writing. With a number of certifiably awesome opportunities, it’s also a great place for undergrads… and the fact that they have a specific scholarship dedicated to enabling the best writers to come to WashU is pretty cool, too. P.S.—Mary Jo Bang, Carl Phillips, francine harris. I rest my case.

Undergraduate English Program Concentration in Creative Writing Creative Writing Faculty English and/or Writing Minor Howard Nemerov Writing Scholarship

6 | Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut Acceptance Rate: 6.3% Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,477 US News & World Rank: 3 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

From what I’ve heard, being on Yale University ‘s campus is kind of like being in a never-ending creative paradise. Especially if you know where to look. The programs are fantastic (duh—it’s Yale), and Yale students can write —poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and plays. And the school is near New York City, and home to the fabulous Yale University Press. Also, the students do cool things like this (shoutout to previous Adroit prose reader Roger Pellegrini!) and this (shoutout to previous Adroit  Managing Editor Alexa Derman!).

Undergraduate English Major Creative Writing at Yale Creative Writing Faculty Writing Concentration

7 | Bucknell University

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate: 30.7% Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,565 US News & World Rank: 36 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

Although perhaps not known as as the most creative of schools,  Bucknell University buzzes with excitement on the poetry front. Other than being home to Bucky the Bison, Bucknell is home to the stunning Stadler Center for Poetry, which brings a number of mix of iconic literary figures and fresh emerging perspectives to Bucknell through an active reading series and two Stadler Fellow seats. Furthermore, Bucknell students (and, actually, all undergraduate students) have enhanced access to the opportunity of studying poetry as part of the annual Bucknell Seminar for Younger Poets, which brings two inspiring poets to town and awards full-tuition fellowships to ten undergraduate poets finishing their sophomore, junior, or senior years. ( Disclaimer: I was a Younger Poet Fellow last summer, so I may be a biased. But: Apply, even if you aren’t a Bucknell student. Trust me. ) The 32nd annual Seminar will take place in June 2016.

Bucknell University English Major Creative Writing Concentration English & Creative Writing Faculty Stadler Center for Poetry

8 | New York University

New York, New York Acceptance Rate: 35.5% Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,985 US News & World Rank: 30 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

Another undeniably exciting place to study creative writing (of pretty much any genre) is New York University . NYU has not only a fabulous core faculty, but also a talented pool of graduate students working towards their Masters of Fine Arts. This will provide you with a terrific mix of perspectives throughout your four years. And similar to Yale (perhaps a result of the aforementioned faculty), NYU has a fantastically creative student body (with the possible exception of the Stern kids), and the students can write . And New York City.

Creative Writing Program Creative Writing Faculty Creative Writing Undergraduate Program Literary Publications Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House

9 | Kenyon College

Gambier, Ohio Acceptance Rate: 25.1% Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,662 US News & World Rank: 30 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

It seems almost ironic that Kenyon College  follows in the list after New York University, seeing as the two are almost opposites: Kenyon is a small rural school, while New York is gigantic and, well, in New York. I say almost  opposites because both hold terrific opportunities for student writers. Kenyon is a well-known strong program for creative writers, perhaps because of its world-class Kenyon Review  and the annual Kenyon Young Writers Workshop. Whatever the reason, it deserves the acclaim—with  an incredible faculty and a strong student body (including an unbelievably large amount of students recognized in the Adroit Prizes !).

Kenyon College English Department Creative Writing at Kenyon Kenyon College English Faculty Kenyon College Literary Fellows The Kenyon Review &  KR Online Kenyon Review  Associates Program Kenyon Young Writers Workshop

10 | Stanford University

Stanford, California Acceptance Rate: 5.1% Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,019 US News & World Rank: 7 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 3, 2019

Stanford University is strong across multiple areas of undergraduate study, clearly, but in the past has not been known by the mainstream for its creative writing resources. Having said that, the school prides itself on holding one of the premier fellowships for rising poets and fiction writers in the entire world—the Wallace Stegner Fellowship Program. This program trickles down into the undergraduate realm through instruction, and (obviously) through the establishment of a talented writing community. Also, the presence of strong minds on the core faculty is undeniable—looking at you, Adam Johnson, Eavan Boland, and Tobias Wolff. Also, Stanford probably has the most gorgeous campus in the history of the earth, and rumor has it they are looking for more writers…

Stanford University English Department Stanford University Undergraduate Creative Writing Program Wallace Stegner Fellowship Program Stanford University Core Creative Writing Professors Stanford University Visiting Creative Writing Professors Stanford University Lecturers in Creative Writing

11 | Emerson College

Boston, Massachusetts Acceptance Rate: 49.2% Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,765 US News & World Rank: Unlisted 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

Emerson College  is home to an incredible Writing, Literature & Publishing program, as well as to the nationally-renowned literary publications Ploughshares  and Redivider . It’s also located in central Boston, and loaded with a strong faculty. What more could you want?

Writing, Literature & Publishing Program Undergraduate Programs W, L & P Faculty Literary Publications Careers & Internships in W, L & P

12 | Middlebury College

Middlebury, Vermont Acceptance Rate: 17.2% Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,526 US News & World Rank: 5 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 1, 2019

Middlebury College is another clear choice. Set in scenic Vermont, the school is home to the prestigious literary publication New England Review  and a host of significant creative writing resources and faculty members. For example, rising undergraduate seniors have the opportunity to apply to attend the world-renowned Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference.

Department of English and American Literature Creative Writing Offerings Creative Writing Faculty Undergraduates at Bread Loaf Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference New England Review

13 | Davidson College

Davidson, North Carolina Acceptance Rate: 21.7% Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,770 US News & World Rank: 10 (Colleges) 2019 Admissions Deadline: January 2, 2019

Davidson College  is another one you might overlook in your college search—after all, it’s quite small and nestled in a small town in North Carolina—but don’t let yourself miss it! Aside from having a department with resources, Davidson has a strong faculty and a $30,000 annual scholarship for a creative writer to study (any subject) at Davidson. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

English Department Creative Writing Offerings English/Creative Writing Faculty & Staff Honors Program Patricia Cornwall Creative Writing Scholarship

Even more undergraduate Colleges & Universities you should consider

Barnard College Bennington College Bryn Mawr College Carnegie Mellon University Columbia University Harvard University Hollins University Johns Hopkins University Knox College Oberlin College Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College University of California, Berkeley University of Chicago University of Iowa University of Miami University of Michigan

These lists comprise only a few of the many schools with excellent programs. Many more perhaps belong on this list but, due to space constraints, were not added. Look at this list as a start, and good luck, seniors!

Sign Up for Updates!

Peter LaBerge

Peter LaBerge founded The Adroit Journal in 2010, as a high school sophomore. His work appears in Crazyhorse, Harvard Review, Indiana Review, Iowa Review, Kenyon Review Online, Pleiades, and Tin House, among others. He is the recipient of a 2020 Pushcart Prize.

Thanks so much for this! Applied to a lot of these schools–so glad I did!

Discover more from The Adroit Journal

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

- Learn more

• Undergraduate Majors and Programs

English and Creative Writing

Welcome to English and Creative Writing where we invite you to read, reflect, imagine, and create by engaging in diverse literature and and writing in the English language from all over the world. 

English and Creative Writing majors engage in the advanced study of literature and literary genres from fiction and poetry to film, theater, spoken word and podcasts. Our curriculum emphasizes diverse literatures in English — from British to American multiethnic literature, diasporic to postcolonial, as well as global literatures in translation.

Our unique partnerships provide students with opportunities to take their literature studies beyond the classroom. Examples include: 

• Tuxedo Magazine
• Alter Theater Ensemble
• The Marin Shakespeare Company
• Service-Learning opportunities

English and Creative Writing majors culminate their studies in a self-directed capstone project in close consultation with faculty mentors, as well as a professional internship. 

The English minor offers students the chance to take electives in a variety of literary traditions and genres. With approval,  students may craft a personalized course of study which may include coursework in Honors, Humanities, or Communications, in addition to English. Learn more about our Minor Requirements on our course catalog. We also offer a Creative Writing minor . Through the study of technique and form, as well as models from masters of the craft, you’ll gain writing skills across multiple genres under the mentorship of our talented, award-winning faculty.

Career Paths

Our program prepares students for rigorous and creative engagement with our increasingly global and complex world. Majors and minors have gone on to become writers, media producers, teachers, lawyers, counselors, marketers, community organizers, managers, politicians, CEOs, entrepreneurs, or have entered graduate school. 

Although English and Creative Writing is a single major program, students elect to concentrate in either analyzing literature or producing creative writing. This concentration is reflected through different elective emphases and the final capstone project in consultation with your advisors. 

Degrees Offered

School/department.

School of Liberal Arts and Education

Literature, Language and Humanities

Course Catalog

Learning Outcomes

Course Descriptions

Minor Requirements

Program Contact

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

• (415) 485-3204
• [email protected]

Office Hours

Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admissions and Aid

A degree from a top-ranked, private University like Dominican is deliberately affordable and accessible! More than 99 percent of our first-year incoming students receive significant financial aid through merit- and need-based scholarships as well as state and federal aid. Additionally, for most students, there is no application fee, and we don't ask for test scores. Get in touch with a counselor to learn more about your path to an exceptional college experience at Dominican!

Faculty and Staff

Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Joan Baranow, PhD

Judy Halebsky, PhD

• Japanese Noh Theater

Amy R. Wong, PhD

Dan May, MA

Thomas Burke

Vivian Delchamps, PhD

Claudia Morales Ramirez

Gary "dean" rader, english literature in the news.

Poet and Filmmaker Dr. Joan Baranow: New Work Inspired by Family, Healing, Happiness

Adult Degree Completion Student Achieves Goal of Earning BA Degree

English Professor's Research Focuses On "Invisible Illnesses"

Start your dominican journey.

• Request Info

Secondary Menu

2024 creative writing award winners, april 11, 2024.

Quantá Holden | Duke English | Digital Communication Specialist

The English Department at Duke University is honored to announce the winners of the 2024 Creative Writing Contests and Creative Writing Scholarships. Annually, the department administers creative writing contests to recognize fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry works by English majors and non-major undergraduates. 

The English Department is honored to announce the winners of its 2024 writing contests. The department administers writing contests to recognize fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and critical writing by English majors and non-major undergraduates. 

Congratulations to all of this year's winners! 

Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Fiction Family members and friends of former English student Anne Flexner (1945) established the Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Creative Writing to recognize undergraduates for their work in fiction and poetry. 

Makee Gonzalez Anderson ’24  -  “Here, in the Past Tense” Second Prize: Emma Huang, ’25  -  "ABEL’S PLACE"

Reynolds Price Award for Fiction The Reynolds Price Fiction Award was established in memory of the distinguished novelist, essayist, poet, and public intellectual Reynolds Price, a graduate of Duke and professor in the English Department for over 50 years.  Tomas Esber, ’24  -  “Ridgewood” Second Prize: Matthew Chen, ’26  -  “ABC” & “Chair"

CREATIVE NONFICTION

George P. Lucaci Award for Creative NonFiction This award was created to encourage creative nonfiction writing and honor George P. Lucaci, a former Duke student who has actively supported undergraduate creative writing in the English Department for many years. 

Ruby Wang, ’24  -  “Blood Orison” Second Prize: Rowan Huang, ’24  -  “Arms Outstretched"

Academy of American Poets Prize Founded in 1934 in New York City, the Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization advocating for American poets and poetry.  Its mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and foster contemporary poetry appreciation.  Nima Babajani-Feremi, ’24  -  “Dreams to Persepolis” Honorable Mention: Tyler King, ’25  -  "NO QUARTER"

Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Poetry   Family members and friends of former English student Anne Flexner (1945) established the Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Creative Writing to recognize undergraduates for their work in fiction and poetry.   Jocelyn Chin, 24 -   “Endurance” Second Prize:   Arielle Stern, ’25  -  "The Poem as Event"

Terry Welby Tyler, Jr. Award for Poetry This award was established by the family of Terry Welby Tyler, Jr., who would have graduated with the class of 1997 to recognize and honor outstanding undergraduate poetry.  Arim Lim, ’26  -  "Archeopteryx"

Related Articles

• Duke English Administration
• Learning Objectives
• Resources for Faculty
• Best Practices
• English Minor
• Creative Writing Minor
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Student Spotlight
• Global Education
• Thesis & Distinction
• Creative Writing Contest
• 2024 Award Winners
• Critical Essay Contest
• Scholarships & Awards
• Past Winners
• Resources & Forms
• 2023-2024 English Department Ambassadors
• Undergraduate Alumni
• Collective Standards of Conduct and Values
• Timeline and Deadlines
• Statement of Expectations for Advising
• Best Practices Exams & Reading Lists
• Graduate Courses
• Graduate Placements
• Stephen Horne Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Professional Development
• Student Handbook
• Ph.D. Alumni
• Spring 2024 Courses
• Fall 2023 Courses
• Spring 2023 Courses
• Fall 2022 Courses
• 2020-21 Courses and Requirement
• Gateway Courses
• Area I: Medieval & Early Modern
• Area II: 18th & 19th Century
• Area III: Modern & Contemporary
• Criticism, Theory or Methodology Courses
• Creative Writing Courses
• Primary Faculty
• Joint Faculty
• Secondary Faculty
• Instructors and Affiliated Faculty
• Graduate Students
• David L. Paletz Creative Writing Guest Series
• Faculty Books
• Recent Work Online
• Faculty Works-in-Progress Series
• Novel Dialogue Podcast
• The Wellian Magazine
• Master of English Alumni
• J.D./M.A. Alumni
• All Alumni Profiles
• Alumni Profiles
• Assisting Duke Students

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
• Recreation and Wellbeing
• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to VandalStar.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Campus Locations

Physical Address: Bruce M. Pitman Center 875 Perimeter Drive MS 4264 Moscow, ID 83844-4264 [email protected] uidaho.edu

Phone: 208-885-6111

Fax: 208-885-9119

Find Your Degree

The University of Idaho offers more than 200 academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students, helping you to find your perfect academic fit.

Uncover your passion. What makes you tick? What drives and inspires you to investigate, learn more and see yourself making an impact in the future? The University of Idaho’s academic offerings transform curiosity into a career and help you reach your personal and professional goals.

We continually strive to improve our state’s industries with knowledgeable, forward-thinking professionals ready to innovate, invigorate and uplift future generations. Our academic programs reflect this while offering unbeatable value  through lower tuition and enriching applied learning opportunities.

Explore all majors and graduate programs based on your interests with Degree Finder  now or sort by college, school or initiative below.

Colleges and Schools

Pursue what energizes you. Our colleges and schools encompass undergraduate majors, minors and graduate programs in food and agriculture, natural resources, art and architecture, business, education, engineering, the liberal arts and law. Discover something that resonates with your vision and values.

WWAMI Medical Education Program

Train to serve others in the Pacific Northwest as a primary care doctor. Through a partnership between U of I, the University of Washington School of Medicine and the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho, this cost-effective dual-enrollment program  graduates medical professionals prepared to support their communities through quality health care. Idaho WWAMI students will spend their first two years at the University of Idaho before completing their required clinical experiences, based out of Idaho and/or across the WWAMI region.

• Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Art and Architecture
• Business and Economics
• Education, Health and Human Sciences
• Engineering
• Graduate Studies
• Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Natural Resources

Online Programs

Learning knows no bounds. Let your unbridled curiosity flourish in one of U of I’s online degree programs . Addressing state and regional economic needs, our online degrees help you reach for new goals by expanding your skill set.

Learn more about our Online Programs

Campuses and Centers

Begin your academic journey in Moscow, or study closer to home or your workplace. The University of Idaho maintains campuses and Educational Centers across the state for courses and research. Explore each location’s undergraduate and graduate programs, initiatives and resources.

Idaho’s tightly knit community is woven into our main campus in North Idaho.

Learn About Moscow

Online Learning

Learning knows no bounds. Let your unbridled curiosity flourish in one of U of I’s online degree programs.

The University of Idaho Boise offers diverse educational and research programs in the growing Treasure Valley region.

Learn About Boise

Coeur d'Alene

The University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene provides the opportunity to complete bachelor's, master's and certification programs within the picturesque setting of Kootenai County.

Learn About Coeur d'Alene

Idaho Falls

The University of Idaho, Idaho Falls offers courses from the following colleges: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Education, Engineering, Science, Graduate Studies, and Letters, Arts and Social Sciences.

Learn About Idaho Falls

Twin Falls Research & Extension Center

The Twin Falls Research and Extension Center office supports the Cooperative Extension system and agricultural research programs in south central Idaho.

Learn About the Twin Falls Research Center

Other Ways to Learn

Some journeys have no end. Continue your quest for knowledge with our dual-credit, independent study, summer session and professional development courses.

• Dual Credit
• Extension Courses
• Independent Study
• Summer Session

Academic Resources

Get started on your application, calculate tuition and fees or check out our list of courses and academic calendar for the upcoming semester. For current students, find more information about academic support and career services.

Learn More About U of I’s Academic Programs

Interested in a major or program but don’t know what to expect? Fill out a request for information  today.

• Determine Costs
• Find Scholarships
• Explore Admission Requirements
• Find a Class
• Request a Transcript
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Support
• STEM Initiatives
• Moscow Library
• College of Law Library

New Saint Andrews College

• Rating 3.92 out of 5   37 reviews

Report Card

• Academics grade  B minus
• Value grade  unavailable
• Diversity grade  B
• Campus grade  unavailable
• Athletics grade  unavailable
• Party Scene grade  unavailable
• Professors grade  C minus
• Location grade  B minus
• Dorms grade  unavailable
• Campus Food grade  unavailable
• Student Life grade  B
• Safety grade  unavailable

New St. Andrews Admissions

Students also applied to ....

• grade  B Lewis-Clark State College
• grade  B minus The College of Idaho
• grade  B minus Idaho State University
• grade  B minus Eastern Oregon University
• grade  B minus Carroll College
• grade  A minus University of Idaho
• grade  B minus Patrick Henry College
• grade  B minus University of Providence

Will You Get In?

Will you get into new st. andrews.

Test Scores and High School GPA for New Saint Andrews College See Other Colleges

Find Student Loans

Scholarship, most popular majors.

• Liberal Arts and Humanities 28 Graduates
• Mix of Online and on Campus 97%
• On Campus 1%
• More opinions are needed to display this poll. Take our survey to add your opinion.

After College

More opinions are needed to display this poll.   Take our survey

Similar Colleges

• LEWISTON, ID
• Rating 3.85 out of 5   542 reviews
• CALDWELL, ID
• Rating 3.8 out of 5   472 reviews
• POCATELLO, ID
• Rating 3.61 out of 5   1,464 reviews
• LA GRANDE, OR
• Rating 3.72 out of 5   426 reviews

New Saint Andrews College Reviews

• Rating 5 out of 5   Excellent 15   reviews ( 41 %)
• Rating 4 out of 5   Very Good 10   reviews ( 27 %)
• Rating 3 out of 5   Average 9   reviews ( 24 %)
• Rating 2 out of 5   Poor 0   reviews ( 0 %)
• Rating 1 out of 5   Terrible 3   reviews ( 8 %)
• 3 months ago
• Overall Experience
• 10 months ago
• Feb 10 2023

Add to List

Graduating leaders who shape culture living faithfully under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

A shovel to build & a sword to fight, undergraduate program, student life, distinctly christian & thoroughly reformed.

Come and experience the culture we instill in our students.

Our  Prospective Student Weekends  showcase life at New Saint Andrews. We welcome you to experience our culture, community, and academic excellence firsthand. Witness our mission in action.

Refer a student

If you know a student or parent who would like to hear more about our college and our mission, fill out this quick and easy form, and we will reach out to them.

Resources to equip Christendom

Explore our blog, upcoming events, saving civilization since 1994, “the true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”.

G.K. Chesterton

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• Accounting & Finance
• Architecture
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Drama/Theater
• Early Childhood
• Educational Leadership
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Exercise Science
• Film & Photography

Foreign Language

Graphic design.

• Health Administration
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resources
• Instructional Technology
• International Business
• Mathematics
• MBA Programs
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Special Education
• Sports Management

Urban Planning

• Foreign Languages
• Co-op programs
• College life on a budget
• Colleges to be careful about
• Paying for college
• Paying for graduate school
• Transferring credits
• How Do You Tell Real Schools From Diploma Mills?
• About this site
• How our rankings work

Affordable Architecture Degrees

Scroll down to see the most affordable architecture degrees, as well as info on the different types of architecture degrees and architecture program accreditation.

Also on this page:

Find online degree programs

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll get you started!

Architects have some of the best jobs in the world. They design the buildings, landscapes, ships, and structures upon which we rely. They’re in the vanguard of movements such as sustainability and environmental design, and play an integral part in city planning and community living. Whether it’s a private skyscraper or a public square, the work of architects has the potential to change the world.

Sound good? Then the next step is practical advice. In our guide to affordable architecture schools, you’ll learn about your degree choices and why NAAB accreditation matters. We discuss the steps required for state licensure and NCARB certification, plus where you can go for help.

School Selections

Texas a & m university-college station.

• see their architecture programs
• College Station, Texas

The College of Architecture at Texas A&M-College Station offers two tracks in the Bachelor of Environmental Design program, a pre-professional design study track or the research study track, which culminates in a written thesis. The design track prepares students to enter the school's Master of Architecture program, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. All undergraduates are required to take part in a semester away program, either studying abroad or completing an internship in the field. Graduate certificates allow students to further specialize in the field. Scholarships offered include the August A. Neuner Scholarship, Arthur W. Licht Memorial Scholarship, or a variety of scholarships offered by chapters of the American Institute of Architects (awards vary).

63,813 Students

University of California-Los Angeles

• Los Angeles, California

The School of Arts and Architecture at UCLA offers hands-on experience and cross-discipline collaboration in design and urban planning through its cityLAB, Experiential Technologies Center and The Now Institute. Junior-level students are eligible for the two-year bachelor's degree leading to the Master of Architecture. The professional master's program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and offers the opportunity to complete coursework in urban planning. Research and theoretical studies are the focus of the Masters of Arts and doctoral programs. Financial aid includes scholarships, teaching assistantships, research awards, need-based awards and work-study. Graduate students are considered for competitively awarded recruitment fellowships worth about $23,000 annually.

41,908 Students

University of Illinois at Chicago

• Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois-Chicago School of Architecture draws inspiration from the diverse architecture of the unique city, helping students understand the history found there and envision a new future. Foundations are laid in the Bachelor's of Architecture program for technical confidence and development of an aesthetic. Students also gain a practical education through a network of professional offices. The Master of Architecture degree leads to professional licensing and is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board while a Master of Science builds on those professional skills in a studio-centered course. Scholarships include the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (up to $10,000), the American Concrete Institute ($3,000) and the American Council of Engineering Committees ProNet Scholarship ($5,000).

29,048 Students

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, Minnesota

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Architecture prepares students for the role of design professionals with traditional architecture preparation degrees and the unique Bachelor of Design in Architecture. This degree option offers a foundation in architectural principles with other areas of focus. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture prepares students to continue to the Master of Architecture, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and leading to a professional license. The school collaborates with research centers and practice communities to offer students the chance to explore community outreach, sustainability and preservation. Concurrent degree options are also available. The school offers continuing students scholarships, totaling about $165,000, as well as assistanships for graduate students.

50,678 Students

University of California-Berkeley

• Berkeley, California

The University of California-Berkeley encourages an environment of innovation and collaboration through unique research centers and hands-on learning opportunities in its College of Environmental Design. Offering undergraduate degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, sustainable environmental design and urban studies, the college emphasizes the responsible use of resources and conservation of historically and culturally important aspects of a community. Graduate students may pursue a professional Master of Architecture, accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, and be eligible for an architectural license, or an academic degree. Financial aid includes scholarships, such as the Architecture Undergraduate Scholarships ($500 to $5,000), with graduate fellowships also available to those seeking a master's degree.

38,189 Students

University of California-Davis

• Davis, California

The University of California Davis is the only college within the UC system to offer an accredited bachelor's program in landscape architecture. Freshmen start by majoring in either sustainable environmental design or pre-landscape architecture while they complete lower-level coursework, and they must apply for the upper division major by submitting a portfolio application. About three dozen juniors are accepted into the program each year. The campus chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects organizes networking and social events. UC Davis also has a Graduate Academic Certificate in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design.

35,186 Students

Westfield State University

• Westfield, Massachusetts

Westfield State University is one of just two public colleges in Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Regional Planning. The degree comes in two concentrations: Environmental Planning and Urban & Social Justice. Students in the former who are looking to make a difference before graduation can join the Environmental Planning Club. Meanwhile, enrollees in the latter concentration who maintain a 3.5 GPA are likely to be considered for the Emilee Dawn Gagnon Memorial Scholarship, which lists "commitment to social justice" as one of its criteria.

6,496 Students

Appalachian State University

• Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State offers a Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences with a concentration in Architectural Technology and Design. Students who earn the degree are prepared for graduate study in architecture and related fields, such as construction project management, sustainable building design, or architectural engineering. Students in the program must complete 88 credits in the major, including 15 credits in foundation coursework such as math and physics, 27 credits in introductory courses in topics such as construction technology and computer modeling, 35 credits in advanced coursework including four design studios, and 11 credits in electives. As a capstone to the degree, students are required to perform a professional internship. Some classes for this major may be offered online.

17,932 Students

University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Amherst, Massachusetts

Arts and sciences come together at the University of Massachusettes-Amherst Department of Architecture. Students may take classes through the five college consortium towards the Bachelor of Fine Arts Architecture. Those focusing on architecture studies will prepare for the Master of Architecture, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, with a strong foundation in design, technology, and history. Students can participate in an immersive, for-credit semester in sustainable design and building that culminates in the construction of an innovative, high-performance shelter designed by the team. As the only public institution offering a Master of Architecture in New England, students from surrounding states are eligible for reduced tuition. Graduate students also have the opportunity to apply for assistantships or externships.

29,269 Students

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

• Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offers a four-semester program leading to an associate degree in architectural technology. Graduates work with clients on the design of buildings and help create specifications for construction projects. Applicants must have at passed two years of high school algebra and have at least a 2.5 high school GPA. Architectural technology students must have a personal computer and are given a list of required supplies. Students who receive the Stevens Grant will be given their tools on the first day of class. The Stevens Grant covers costs that remain after Pell grants, state grants, and other funding has been paid. Architectural tech majors are eligible for the Bryan K. Frantz Scholarship, up to $2,000 annually.

1,023 Students

Iowa State University

The Architecture and Landscape Architecture programs at Iowa State University are part of the College of Design, which requires all undergrads to spend their first year in the Core Design Program before applying for a specific program. Classes are held in a studio environment. The five-year Bachelor of Architecture program prepares students to become a licensed architect. The program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The Bachelor in Landscape Architecture program also takes five years and is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Iowa State also grants master's degrees in both Landscape Architecture and Architecture. The Barbara King Landscape Architecture Scholarship ($2,500) is given annually based on entrepreneurial spirit.

35,714 Students

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• Syracuse, New York

Combining nature, art, technology and science, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry helps prepare landscape architects to shape outdoor spaces to balance the needs of residents with environmental concerns. Students learn to creatively apply ecological principles and new technology. As part of the experience, all undergraduate students are required to complete a capstone project where they delve into a specific design-related topic. Both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs are accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. ESF Presidential Scholarships ($3,000) and National Scholarships ($8,000) are awarded to outstanding students, and the four-year Haudenosaune Scholar Awards ($5,000 per year) is also available. Children of alumni also qualify for Legacy Scholarships ($250 per semester).

2,222 Students

University of Florida

• Gainesville, Florida

The University of Florida School of Architecture offers a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Master of Architecture programs accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, a Master of Science in Architecture and numerous programs that allow for specialization within the field of architecture and urban planning. The school has CityLab locations in Orlando and Sarasota which use the community as a classroom to study issues surrounding urban growth in ecologically diverse areas and the unique architecture of each city. The Master of Science and doctoral degrees in architecture focuses on history, theory and research in the field. Scholarship opportunities include the Robert L. Outland Women and Minority Scholarship Award and summer internship program ($3,000) and the William L. Proctor Award ($1,000).

50,645 Students

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Champaign, Illinois

The Illinois School of Architecture at UIUC offers Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees in architectural studies. The MS degree is suited for students preparing for an academic career and hones a student's research skills in environmental design. The school also offers a two-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). M.Arch students have the option of enrolling in one of the current joint degree programs: M.Arch/Master of Urban Planning, M.Arch/MBA, M.Arch/MS in Civil Engineering - Construction Management, and M.Arch/MS in Civil Engineering - Structures. The M.Arch+2 program is designed for students with a non-architecture bachelor's degree. There is also a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture and Landscape Architecture degree available.

45,842 Students

University of Iowa

• Iowa City, Iowa

Hawkeyes who major in Civil Engineering can choose a pre-architecture focus. The College of Engineering funds hundreds of scholarships while also financially supporting students who take unpaid internships or study abroad via the Global Engineering program. Underclassmen get a soft landing, receiving free tutoring in STEM courses. Although Iowa doesn't have an architecture-specific graduate program, undergrads might apply for the fast-track degree program anyway; it allows them to earn their baccalaureate and an MS from the Civil and Environmental Engineering department in just five years.

30,844 Students

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

• Raleigh, North Carolina

The College of Design at North Carolina State University has degree programs in architecture and in landscape architecture. Students interested in becoming architects begin with a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture, then complete a professional program - an additional year for a Bachelor of Architecture or two years for a Master of Architecture. The department's specialized areas include city design, coastal design, and public interest design. The Landscape Architecture Department has an undergraduate minor and three options for a Master of Landscape Architecture. Architecture students can join campus-based chapters of relevant professional organizations and gain global awareness through specialized study abroad programs, such as a month in Chile studying sustainable design.

34,015 Students

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

• Fargo, North Dakota

North Dakota State University has four- and five-year degrees in architecture and landscape architecture. Architecture students earn a pre-professional Bachelor of Architecture in four years or a Master of Architecture in five years. For landscape architects, the program is a four-year Bachelor of Environmental Design, with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in five. The department is housed in repurposed buildings in downtown Fargo with studios, computer labs, laser-cutting facilities, and a specialized library. Student clubs include chapters of professional organizations and the Tau Sigma Delta honor society. The department administers more than 20 scholarships and awards, such as the Klai Scholars award, $4,000 for a senior in either major.

14,516 Students

Michigan State University

• East Lansing, Michigan

With Michigan State's Campus as Arboretum program, landscape architecture students are surrounded by a living learning laboratory. MSU offers a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture and a dual degree option where students can earn their BLA and a Master of Environmental Design. The bachelor program takes four and a half years and the master's program takes five. Study abroad is built into the program, with most Landscape Architecture students participating in the spring semester of their junior year. Students take classes on campus for eight weeks, then complete the courses overseas at a location chosen by the faculty for that term. The university offers generous financial aid for the overseas program. MSU is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board.

50,538 Students

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Greensboro, North Carolina

Students in UNCG's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture program are the sole beneficiaries of 12 departmental awards. Some, such as the Bienenstock Furniture Library Scholarship, are given based on need. Others, such as the Segner Interior Architecture Scholarship, are distributed based on academic results. Students in the MFA in Interior Architecture program are eligible for their own departmental scholarships - five of them. While most merely go toward tuition, money from the Preservation Greensboro Incorporated Fund helps grad students attend conferences on historic preservation. That topic is a strong theme of the department, which also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Historic Preservation.

19,393 Students

CUNY City College

• New York, New York

The Spitzer School of Architecture at City College of New York grants a bachelor's degree in Architecture as well as master's degrees in Architecture, Urban Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Sustainability in the Urban Environment. It is the only public school of architecture in New York City. Undergrads may earn a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in four years or take a fifth year to earn the B.Arch., a professional degree.The B.Arch. program offers a concentration in Architectural History. The Master of Architecture program is a three-year program that combines required classes with electives so students may study areas of interest to them. The Master of Landscape Architecture program also takes three years to complete.

15,778 Students

West Virginia University

• Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia University's Davis College seeks to find the highest and best use of land. Its Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program emphasizes social, ecological and aesthetic factors to design urban and rural outdoor spaces. The school limits enrollment in the first-year studio to 50 students, with a portfolio assessment required for continued studies past the second year. Students are to demonstrate effective application of design and construction skills to solve unique challenges of different projects, including recreation, conservation and urban development. The program is accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects and boasts a 100 percent employment rate for graduates. Scholarships include the RGS Scholarship ($1,000), Jack Paules Scholarship ($750) and the Paul Nesselroad Scholarship ($400).

28,776 Students

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• Charlotte, North Carolina

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's College of Arts and Architecture embraces a studio culture and collaborative leaning environment for students pursuing architectural degrees. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, preparing students for the National Architectural Accrediting Board-approved Bachelor of Architecture or Masters of Architecture programs. Students may also pursue a dual master's degree in architecture and urban design or a double architectural master's from UNC Charlotte and Tongji University in Shanghi, China. Scholarships include Shook/Kelley Design Scholarship, School of Architecture Alumni Scholarship, and LS3P College of Architecture Scholarship, as well as a number of scholarships offered by chapters of the American Institute of Architects in North Carolina.

27,983 Students

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

• Stillwater, Oklahoma

Architecture and Architectural Engineering majors work side-by-side at Oklahoma State University as they pursue five-year professional bachelor's degrees. OSU's Architecture program is centered in the design studio, where students use technology to help in design projects. The college has a 40-year record of outstanding achievement in national student design competitions. Architectural Engineering students focus on structural engineering while developing an understanding of the problems faced by architects. The university also offers a five-year professional Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. BLA students can take advantage of study abroad and internship opportunities to broaden their education. All the professional degree programs are nationally accredited.

25,930 Students

University of Georgia

• Athens, Georgia

The University of Georgia College of Environment and Design offers bachelor's and master's degrees in landscape architecture, with a focus on design, creativity, and conservation of natural resources and cultural treasures. The studio-based program lets students get their hands in the dirt, working with plants, historic preservation and site design. The Master of Landscape Architecture is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board and the American Society of Landscape Architects. Graduate certificate programs are also offered in specialized areas, such as environmental ethics, historic preservation, and geographic information science. Scholarships offered include the Hubert B. Owens Landscape Architecture Scholarship ($1,000), the Environment and Design Scholarship and Randolph and the Helen Marshall Scholarship (award amounts vary).

36,130 Students

University of Idaho

• Moscow, Idaho

The University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture offers a well-rounded foundation in all areas of architectural design, planning and construction as students earn a bachelor's degree or the National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited Master's of Architecture. The college offers seamless bachelor's and master's degree programs in landscape architecture in a region offering rural and urban landscape study. Trans-disciplinary curriculum bundles help prepare students to work in a variety of fields, all with a focus on gaining real-world experience. The transition from undergraduate to graduate-level courses offers students the opportunity to complete professional degrees more quickly. Scholarships include the John H. Callendar Architecture, Columbia Paint, Gifford David Pierce Memorial and H. James Marshall Architecture (award amounts vary).

11,372 Students

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

• Delhi, New York

SUNY Delhi offers an Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Design and Building. The bachelor's degree prepares graduates to work in a design or building firm or to enter a master's program in architecture to earn a professional degree. In the program, students gain drawing and drafting skills, design a variety of residential units, and work directly with clients in group projects. All the instructors in the program are architects, engineers, or construction professionals with real world experience. Program majors have 24/7 access to drafting studios and fully equipped construction laboratories. Students who earn the A.A.S. in Architectural Technology can transfer into the bachelor's program to continue their studies.

3,457 Students

University at Buffalo

• Buffalo, New York

29,796 Students

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

• Pomona, California

Both the Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.) and the Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) programs offered by the Department of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona have been accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) until 2022. The B. Arch. Program follows a five-year curriculum and covers topics that include architecture theory and history, building technology, sustainability, codes, and professional practice. The focus of the program is on the design laboratory. Lectures are closely coordinated with the required studio sequence to provide students with ample opportunities to demonstrate and integrate classroom knowledge in their design projects. M. Arch. students can select a concentration in either sustainability or historic preservation. The M. Arch. program is designed to be completed in three years.

23,717 Students

The University of Texas at Austin

• Austin, Texas

The UT-Austin School of Architecture offers bachelor's degrees in architecture and architectural engineering and master's degrees in architecture, architectural engineering, environmental design, landscape architecture and architectural history and criticism. The Bachelor of Architecture focuses on design and is a pre-professional degree and can be combined with the architectural engineering degree. The five-year bachelor's program and the Master of Architecture are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Upper-level students can take part in the Professional Residency Program, a full-time internship where students gain practical experience and expand professional skills. The school offers scholarships to new and continuing students ($500 to $5,000). The Texas Architectural Foundation provides scholarships to all levels of students (awards vary).

50,950 Students

Rutgers University

• New Brunswick, New Jersey

The Masters in Landscape Architecture program at Rutgers University focuses on the planning and design of build-out conditions, designing for land where a general plan has already determined the density allowed, such as in metropolitan areas where open space is scarce. This skill is in demand in urban areas around the country. Faculty specialties include landscape remediation and ecological studies. Rutgers offers both a professional and post-professional Masters of Landscape Architecture. The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture is also accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects as a professional program. The school awards many grants and scholarships specifically for landscape architecture students, including the Roy H. DeBoer Travel Prize (about $2,000) for students completing their junior year.

49,428 Students

The University of Texas at Arlington

• Arlington, Texas

Texas University-Arlington has combined its School of Architecture with the School of Urban and Public Affairs, providing a holistic approach to design, architecture and urban planning. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a pre-professional program preparing students for the Master of Architecture, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, or the Master of Landscape Architecture, accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. The curriculum draws from the humanities, arts, and sciences to provide a solid foundation for design aesthetic, structural integrity and cultural impact. Students may take part in internships or service learning opportunities. The school awards Texas Architectural Foundation Scholarships (amount varies), the Dallas Architecture Foundation Scholarships ($2,000) and the United Masonry Contractors Association Scholarship ($2,500).

41,988 Students

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Lincoln, Nebraska

The Bachelor of Science in Design offered at the University of Nebraska Lincoln is considered a pre-architecture program that leads directly to the Master of Architecture (MArch) degree. The MArch program is accredited by the National Architectural Accredited Board (NAAB) and requires an additional two years of study. For students who have a baccalaureate degree in a non-architectural field, a three-year MArch program is available. Qualified MArch students are given the opportunity to pursue dual degree programs in business (MArch/Master of Business Administration) and in regional planning (MArch/Master of Community and Regional Planning). UNL also offers a Master of Science in Architecture degree. This is a 36-credit-hour program designed for students who plan to pursue a career in teaching and research.

25,260 Students

The University of Texas at San Antonio

• San Antonio, Texas

The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree that prepares students to complete their studies by continuing onto a Master of Architecture professional program. Graduates of the BS in Architecture program can pursue limited architectural practice but may not qualify for full architectural licensure. The university's M.Arch program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in architecture. It can be completed in two years and is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). There is also an M.Arch program for students with a non-architectural degree, which can be completed in 3.5 years. A Master of Science in Architecture degree is available, with concentrations in historic preservation and in sustainable architecture.

28,787 Students

Washington State University

• Pullman, Washington

The Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture at Washington State University offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree. Students who complete the program can apply to a Master of Architecture program. The university's M.Arch degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The M.Arch program offers three tracks. Track 1 is for students with a BS in Architectural Studies degree from WSU or a professionally accredited program from another university (such as a Bachelor of Architecture degree). Track 2 is for students with a degree in a related field (interior design, landscape architecture, etc.) or architecture degree holders who are looking for more in-depth design experience. Students with a non-architectural undergraduate degree are considered for Track 3.

29,686 Students

University of Central Florida

• Orlando, Florida

The University of Central Florida offers a Bachelor of Design in Architecture through a 2+2+2 program in cooperation with the Valencia Community College and a Master of Architecture through the University of Florida CityLab in Orlando. The bachelor's program prepares students for careers in construction management and industrial design. UCF offers cooperative learning opportunities and internships, connecting the classroom to real-world applications. Admission to the professional master's program is competitive. The degree offers affordability by beginning the 2+2+2 program at a community college. The Orlando Foundation for Architecture offers a scholarship for students, with internship opportunities also available.

62,953 Students

Kansas State University

• Manhattan, Kansas

The Architectural Engineering degree program at Kansas State University is structured to create engineering professionals who understand technologically advanced building systems and who are able to bring those systems together as an integrated whole. Students who earn a five-year Bachelor's/Master's in Architectural Engineering can work as engineering consultants or as electrical, structural or mechanical designers. Kansas State also offers master's degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Architecture and Product Design. The College of Architecture, Planning & Design is nationally accredited and offers five-year professional programs open to high school graduates, transfer students and students who have already earned a degree. Space in these programs is limited and admission is competitive.

24,146 Students

University of Houston

• Houston, Texas

The Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston offers an integrated program focusing on design, with programs in architecture, industrial design, and interior architecture. The five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree and Master of Architecture degree are accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board. Graduate design/build studios offer the opportunity to work with regional non-profit organizations to solve unique building problems. The Community Design Resource Center has partnered with more than 15 organizations to address issues of affordable housing, urban planning, and civic projects. The school offers a number of scholarships ranging in awards from $500 to $2,000 and a limited number of instructional assistantships are also available to undergraduate and graduate students.

42,704 Students

University of Utah

• Salt Lake City, Utah

The School of Architecture at the University of Utah offers a pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree. Upper division coursework includes classes in architectural theory, site and urban design, materials construction, and building technology. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in a non-architecture field are advised to apply to the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) 3+ program. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in an architecture-related field can apply to the M.Arch 2+ program. There is also a Master of Science in Architectural Studies degree available designed for students who want to specialize in a particular area, such as historic preservation, architectural technology, or project delivery. All of the university's graduate degree programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

31,592 Students

University of South Florida-Main Campus

• Tampa, Florida

The University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design focuses on urban architecture with an emphasis on design and studio courses. It's home to the Florida Center for Community Design and Research, students and faculty work with interdisciplinary teams to find sustainable solutions to community problems, such as neighborhood revitalization and creative use of abandoned developments. The Master of Architecture program is a professional degree accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board and is designed for those who have completed pre-professional degrees or non-architectural undergraduate degrees. Scholarship opportunities include the Masonry Contractors Scholarship, H. Dean Rowe, FAIA Scholarship, and Milo Smith Scholarships (award amounts vary).

42,067 Students

Arizona State University

• Tempe, Arizona

The Bachelor of Science in Design - Architectural Studies degree at Arizona State University is offered through the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. In order to continue in the professional degree program, students must pass a degree milestone at the end of their freshman year. The completion of an internship experience is another requirement for the degree. The institute also offers a Master of Architecture (MArch) degree that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). A two-year, 56-credit MArch program is available for applicants with a four-year degree in architectural studies from ASU or another accredited school. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than architecture will be considered for the three-year, 96-credit MArch program.

51,984 Students

University of Colorado Denver

• Denver, Colorado

From sustainable building to historic preservation, the University of Colorado-Denver's College of Architecture and Planning prepares students for a variety of architecture fields with degrees offered in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design and historic preservation and advanced degrees in design and planning. Students have the opportunity to put their knowledge to action through designing and building projects for Native American reservations, in developing nations or in conjunction with area non-profit agencies. Documenting the historic buildings in the region is an ongoing project, with internships available. In addition, scholarships are available, such as the $3,000 Alumni Association Graduate Scholarship or the Bixler Scholarship (up to $10,000).

23,671 Students

How to Become an Architect

What degree do i need to become a registered & licensed architect.

If you’re intent on becoming a licensed architect , you have a variety of choices.

Professional Degree Paths

The most direct route to becoming an architect is to pursue a professional degree in architecture that has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) . The curricula for these programs is usually heavily focused on practical coursework, theory, and architectural practice. There are 3 major types of professional architecture degrees:

• Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree
• Master of Architecture (MArch) degree

Doctor of Architecture (DArch)

All of these options will prepare you for state licensure. However, BArch graduates who wish to teach at the university level may wish to add a master’s degree in education or a similar topic (i.e. not an MArch) in order to buff up their résumé.

Non-Professional Undergraduate Degree Paths

You don’t necessarily have to earn a BArch in Architecture if you wish to become a licensed architect. You also have the option to pursue a 4-year, non NAAB-accredited degree followed by an MArch, the professional degree needed for licensure. Your choices here include:

• Pre-professional BS or BA in Architectural Studies
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. engineering, mathematics, design, etc.)

Both of these options will prepare you to apply for a 2-year or 3-year MArch program.

• If you’re worried about time and money, a BS or BA in Architectural Studies will usually shorten the time needed to complete your master’s degree. You’ll often see the pre-professional degree + MArch option referred to as the “4+2 plan” (4 years of undergraduate; 2 years of graduate).
• If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an area unrelated to architecture, the MArch may take 3 or 4 years to complete.

We talk more about other options (e.g. landscape architecture, marine architecture, etc.) in our section on bachelor’s degrees .

Types of Architecture Degrees

Associate’s degree in architecture.

An associate degree’s in architecture is a 2-year program that is intended to help you earn credits for a bachelor’s degree or prepare you for entry-level careers in drafting and similar architectural fields. Associate’s degrees are widely available through community colleges, universities, and technical schools. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.

It’s important to remember that you cannot become a licensed architect without a BArch or higher. If you’re hoping to transition to a BArch, make sure your associate degree credits will be transferable to the NAAB-accredited program of your choice.

Degree Options

• Associate of Science (AS) in Architecture: Often includes the same science, technology, and engineering courses covered in the first years of a BS or BArch. A common choice for those interested in a bachelor’s degree.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Often includes a specialty such as architectural engineering technology, architectural engineering drafting, or a similar field. A common choice for those who wish to go straight into the workforce after graduation.

Typical Coursework

Many associate’s programs focus on the basics of architectural drafting and engineering. Courses often cover computer-aided design (CAD) systems, architectural drawing, building systems, construction, structural conceptions, and graphic techniques. Strong programs will incorporate a fair amount of hands-on experience in laboratories, architectural firms, and building sites. Look for schools that also teach you to execute estimates, approximate budgets, prepare agreements, and present projects to clients.

Career Options

Although you won’t be able to practice as an architect with an associate’s degree, you may be able to find entry-level work with architectural firms and companies that provide engineering services. These kinds of jobs can help you save for the next step in your education. Common titles include:

• Architectural assistant
• Municipal planner & estimator
• Specification writer

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

A bachelor’s degree in architecture is a 4-5 year program that is intended to prepare graduates to become architects. You will find them being offered by a variety of colleges, universities, and military academies. A high school diploma or a GED is typically required to apply.

As we noted in our section on degree choices , the BArch is the only professional undergraduate degree that will allow you to apply for state licensure as an architect. If you choose to pursue a non-professional bachelor’s degree, you will have to earn a Master of Architecture (MArch) in order to sit for the ARE exam and become a licensed architect.

Professional Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)

The BArch typically takes 5 years to complete and must include a minimum of 150 semester credit hours in academic coursework in professional studies and electives. Courses will often cover important areas such as architecture theory, project planning, computer-aided design (CAD) systems, urban design, construction methods, mechanical systems (e.g. electricity, plumbing, etc.), environmental design, project management, and architectural history.

You may be asked to prepare estimates, evaluate budgets, and present work to clients. In the final year, many universities ask students to work under the supervision of a licensed architect in a professional firm. This internship is a critical part of preparation for your professional life. Before you enroll in a BArch program, make sure it is accredited by the NAAB !

Non-Professional Bachelor Degrees

A non-professional bachelor degree can be a great way to explore the field of architecture without committing to the pressure of the BArch. Options for non-NAAB-accredited undergraduate degrees include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BA)
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture (BFA Arch)
• Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvd or BED)
• Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (BS NAME)
• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)

Talk to your academic advisor about your options. For example, if you are interested in becoming a marine architect, you may need a BS NAME, a mariner’s license, and on-the-job training to qualify for jobs. If you are interested in becoming a landscape architect, you may need a BLA or master’s, 1-4 years internship experience, and a state license for landscape architecture.

A bachelor’s degree is a solid framework for architectural jobs, although many employers will also want to see proof of internships, on-the-job experience, and a commitment to further education. Choices include:

• Licensed architect
• Landscape architect
• Interior architect
• Marine architect
• Architectural drafter
• Regional planner
• Building contractor

Master’s Degree in Architecture

A master’s degree in architecture is a 1-3.5 year graduate program that is intended to prepare students for architectural licensure or provide them with further study in an area of interest. These programs are offered by a wide range of universities. A bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field (with knowledge of areas such as design theory, CAD systems, and construction technology) is usually required in order to apply.

As we discussed in our section on degree choices , you must have a BArch, MArch, or DArch in order to become a licensed architect. But since MArchs come in a variety of flavors, we’ve listed some of the most common options.

Master of Architecture (MArch) I: 3-3.5 years

The MArch I is targeted at students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field related to architecture, but who don’t have a massive amount of architectural knowledge or expertise. Because of this, most universities insist that students complete at least 3-3.5 years of concentrated master’s coursework before they are allowed to graduate. You may be expected to study areas such as physics, building science, architectural history and theory, city planning, environmental design, calculus, and structural engineering. A final project or thesis caps off your education.

Master of Architecture (MArch) II: 2 years

The MArch II is intended for students who have completed a professional, 5-year BArch (or its equivalent) and wish to expand their field of expertise or specialize in a certain area (e.g. sustainability). Because MArch II students are already qualified professionals, they often have a great deal of curriculum choice. For example, in their second year, they may choose to write a thesis, focus on teaching skills, or pursue a special project.

Master of Architecture (MArch): 4+2 plan (2 years)

Students with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architectural studies (e.g. a BS or BA) may be interested in investigating a “4+2” plan. If you went to a highly regarded school and have strong undergraduate grades, there are universities that are willing to enroll you in a 2-year MArch program. Although this path takes one year longer than the BArch, it gives you the chance to explore more areas of architecture in your bachelor years and pick a master’s program & thesis topic that suits your exact area of interest.

Master of Architecture (MArch): Post-Professional Research Degree

This degree sometimes fall under the larger heading of the MArch I. Post-professional master’s degrees are typically aimed at architects who are interested in focusing on research and preparing for a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture .

Doctoral Degree in Architecture

A doctorate in architecture is a 4-7 year graduate program intended for architects who wish to teach at the university level, pursue high-level research jobs, or improve their career opportunities. In most cases, you must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in order to apply.

PhD in Architecture

This is the traditional pathway for architects interested in research and academic careers. PhD students are expected to contribute an original piece of research to the field of architecture and complete a research project or dissertation.

Like the BArch and the MArch, the Doctor of Architecture (DArch) is an NAAB-accredited professional program that allows architects to apply for state licensure . In your search for doctoral programs, you may find that DArch degrees tend to have a more practical/professional focus than research-oriented PhDs.

Certificate in Architecture

A certificate in architecture is a non-degree, academic program that takes approximately 6 months-1 year to complete. Architects may pursue certificates in order to fulfill continuing education credits, earn course credits for a degree, specialize in a field, start their own firm, and/or hone their skills. In the past few decades, online programs have become popular with working professionals.

Undergraduate Certificates in Architecture

Undergraduate certificates are intended to give students an introduction to the field or teach them essential skills.

Graduate Certificates in Architecture

Graduate certificates are aimed at working professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Certificate topics can range from interior design, construction, and technology to professional leadership, project development, and enterprise architecture – the options are endless.

If you’re interested in earning a certificate in order to prepare for a MArch or master’s degree, make sure your certificate credits will be recognized by your favored graduate program.

Certificate vs. Certification

One thing to note – a certificate in architecture is different from professional certification . Certificates are academic qualifications; certifications are granted by the NCARB and other bodies as a recognition of your professional expertise.

Important Accreditations

Regional accreditation.

No matter which degree program you choose , we recommend you attend a regionally accredited college or university. Regional accreditation is a “seal of approval” granted to institutions by one of 6 regional accrediting bodies (e.g. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).

You can learn more about the difference between national accreditation and regional accreditation in: Accreditation: Understanding the Difference Between Real Schools and Diploma Mills .

Benefits of Regional Accreditation

By attending a regionally accredited school, you will find it easier to:

• Transfer credits (many regionally accredited schools don’t accept credits from nationally accredited institutions)
• Qualify for scholarships, funding, student loan, and tuition reimbursement
• Apply for respected graduate schools
• Look good in the eyes of headhunters and recruiters

Remember that regional accreditation is given to the overall institution. To see if the architecture program is accredited for professional licensing, look for NAAB accreditation as well.

NAAB Accreditation

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency that accredits U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. As such, it accredits BArch, MArch, and DArch programs. If you wish to become a licensed architect , you will find that most state registration boards will require you to earn a degree from an NAAB-accredited program. An NAAB-accredited degree will also look great on your résumé when you apply for architecture jobs. 

Find an NAAB-accredited professional program .

Licensure & Certification

State licensure & registration.

Every state requires architects to obtain a professional license. In most cases, this means you will have to:

• Earn a professional degree (BArch, MArch or DArch) from an architecture program accredited by the NAAB
• Complete a paid internship supervised by licensed, registered architects (typically 3-5 years)
• Pass the NCARB’s Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
• Keep your skills and licensure up-to-date through continuing education (e.g. workshops, classes, conferences, monographs, etc.)

Exact licensure requirements vary from state to state, so please check with your state architectural registration board for precise details. For example, some states may allow candidates to substitute work experience for an accredited degree. This means a non-NAAB-accredited program could meet educational requirements. It’s always best to double-check.

You can also learn more about the process of becoming an architect on the website of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) .

NCARB Certification

Once you have earned your state license, you may wish to earn a certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) .  Certification signals that you have met the highest professional standards in architecture, including the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

This is purely voluntary step – architects do not need to have NCARB certification in order to practice.  However, NCARB certification can help to speed the process of reciprocity . In other words, you may find it easier to offer your professional services to another state or jurisdiction after you’ve earned your initial license.

• Data Sources for Our Rankings
• collegescorecard.ed.gov/data
• clep.collegeboard.org
• getcollegecredit.com
• nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter
• How it works