Schools that offer dedicated creative writing programs are relatively rare, but you can still find some excellent options out there (in fact, some of the best schools in the U.S.) that offer creative writing majors, or at least concentrated study tracks.

We’ve taken the hard work out of your search and rounded up the best colleges for creative writing so you can focus on preparing a knockout personal statement, getting into the right school for you, and finally starting your studies of an often under-appreciated subject.

Best Colleges for Creative Writing

For the purposes of this article, we’ve selected universities based on their undergraduate programs. However, many also boast excellent MFA programs, which we’ve indicated for each below.

1. Northwestern University

Northwestern’s undergraduate creative writing program is one of the most renowned in the country. The faculty includes award-winning authors who teach poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

The alumni community includes a number of successful writers, including Divergent author Veronica Roth, short-story writer Karen Russell, plus other notable names such as Stephen Colbert and Meghan Markle.

Students also have plenty of options for extracurricular activities, including an excellent student-run literary journal, internships at publications in nearby Chicago, and the Department of English’s annual writing competition.

MFA? Yes

2. Columbia University

Columbia is another university that offers a world-class creative writing program and a wide range of course options. Its location in New York City is ideal for internship and job opportunities with major publishers, literary journals, and award-winning authors.

The creative writing program combines intensive workshops with seminars to help students create works of fiction, poetry, and also nonfiction. Workshops in dramatic writing and screenwriting are also available.

MFA? Yes

3. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s graduate Writer’s Workshop is often cited as one of the best MFA programs in the country. However, the school also boasts a spectacular Bachelor of Arts program in English and Creative Writing, as well as a Literary Publishing Track.

As a bonus, Iowa City, where the university is located, has been officially recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature, and hosts an annual Book Fest and many other opportunities to get involved with the vibrant literary community.

MFA? Yes

4. Emory University

Emory University’s undergraduate creative writing program offers students the chance to attend intimate Q&A sessions with award-winning authors, and study a wide range of genres. In addition, students can work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

Students are encouraged to approach their studies of literature creatively, and to pursue their own interests in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, or screenwriting. 

MFA? No

5. Brown University

Brown University offers an undergraduate program in literary arts, but also one of the most renowned MFA programs in the U.S.

For the major, students must participate in four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which cover a wide array of topics, from music to literature.

MFA? Yes

6. Hamilton College

Located in upstate New York, Hamilton College offers a creative writing program with small classes and many opportunities to intern and even publish. Its writing center is also recognized as one of the best in the country.

The course load for creative writing majors balances literary study with poetry and prose workshops.

MFA? No

7. Kenyon College

Located in Gabier, Ohio, Kenyon College offers an English major with an Emphasis on Creative Writing. In addition, 10 faculty members teach workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Of course, the school is also home to the Kenyon Review, a prestigious literary magazine.

Students can apply for internships with the Kenyon Review Student Associates Program, apply for the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop, and submit to The Kenyon Collegian, the student-run newspaper.

MFA? No

8. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers a Bachelor’s in English with a Creative Writing Concentration. Notably, the school’s MFA program is the only one in the US to feature a multilingual focus. In fact, the undergraduate program also features courses with a multilingual aspect, including language courses in the curriculum and English vernaculars from different communities.

There are plenty of hands-on learning opportunities at the university, including Mangrove, a national student literary magazine, and USpeak, the school’s open mic night, when students can read their own original work out loud. 

MFA? Yes

9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Okay, MIT might not be among the schools that immediately come to mind when you think of writing, but the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a major in Writing across several different genres, including creative writing, digital media, and science writing.

As a major bonus, the school is located in Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, MA, which offers a haven for bookworms and writers.

MFA? No

10. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school you may be surprised to find on this list, given its reputation as a renowned medical school and its top-notch engineering programs.

However, like MIT, Johns Hopkins also has a dedicated writing program. Students who choose to major in Writing Seminars must take not courses in prose, poetry, literature, philosophy, history, and other related courses.

MFA? Yes

Should You Go to College for Creative Writing?

To be a successful writer, you don’t really need a specific degree—you need to be dedicated to constantly improving your storytelling skills. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t pursue a degree in creative writing or related subjects, like an English major.

The good thing about creative writing degrees in particular is that you’ll spend a good deal of hours working on your writing, learning new techniques, getting feedback from talented and successful professors, and discussing your work with other writers, so if you’re serious about writing, it’s absolutely worth considering.

As for an MFA (Master of Fine Arts), that’s yet another step (usually a very expensive one) available to creative writers. Check out our post on the subject to decide if an MFA is right for you.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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