“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
Bachelor of Arts (BA) offered in On-campus formats.
*On-campus format will require some online classes for degree completion.
Earning a BA in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis at Lindenwood University
A Creative Writing Emphasis at Lindenwood University requires 36 credit hours of coursework in a range of courses including study in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. You will have the opportunity to write both long and short form original creative texts and to workshop them with your professors and peers. With course options that include both writing workshops and literary study, our program allows students and aspiring authors to engage in intensive creative growth as both writers and readers. You also have the option to expand your study beyond traditional creative and literary texts to include courses in technical writing, grammar, and rhetoric. You will even get the chance to work on the student-run literary magazine Arrow Rock and to learn about how to publish your own work professionally.
Like every Lindenwood student, you will complete the General Education requirements of the Bachelor of Arts. You are also required to be proficient in at least one foreign language up to and including the Elementary II level, which can be fulfilled by coursework, a placement test, or a combination of the two.
See a list of English Course Descriptions to see the range of possible courses you might be taking.
What can I do with a Creative Writing Emphasis?
Graduating with an English Studies degree with a Creative Writing emphasis opens up your professional options to a wide variety of careers. Careers in publishing, mass media, education, law, marketing, copywriting, editing, and technical writing—one of the fastest growing fields in the country—are common for graduates with this degree. In fact, the in-depth writing preparation you get in writing workshops is directly applicable to communication skills essential in any career choice. Whether you intend to pursue a writing-focused career or not, employers will be impressed with the level of polish and control you bring to your workplace writing. For more information on the value of your English Studies degree on the job market, see our Careers in English page.
Secondary Education Certification in English: Students who seek to be certified to teach English at the secondary level (grades 9-12) must complete a major in English Studies, take ENGL 37200 and 40400, complete a minor in secondary education (9-12), and take EDU 33400.
Interested in joining us as a major at Lindenwood? Contact us for more information!
