Creative Writing, BA
As part of a close-knit community of literary artists, Saint Mary's Creative Writing majors study the art and craft of poetry, fiction, nonfiction and drama, learning how to generate, polish and publish original work that captures the diversity and complexity of our world.
As a Creative Writing major, you will study and receive mentorship from nationally recognized writers—including the College's permanent faculty, was well as Distinguished Visiting Writers—producing and discussing poems, stories, essays and plays in workshops, studying classic and contemporary literature, and honing the professional skills and knowledge necessary to lead a life of letters.
Creative Writing majors will graduate prepared for careers wherever memorable storytelling and attention to language are in demand: writing, publishing, film and television, creative agency work, graduate study in the literary arts, and more.
Learn More About Our Program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their specialties, as writers and scholars. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of internship possibilities.
Curriculum
Earn an Creative Writing, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
What can you do with a degree in Creative Writing?
A degree in Creative Writing signals that you have the imagination, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and storytelling skills necessary to thrive in any field that values originality, new ideas and attention to language. Students often study to prepare for careers in publishing, media, or other creative industries.
Author / Novelist / Poet
Learn how to write and refine original books of poetry and prose, pitch agents, work with editors, and build an audience for your work.
Copywriter
Write persuasive brand, campaign, and product copy for print, web, and social.
Content Strategist
Plan voice, messaging, and editorial calendars; align content to audience and goals.
Editor
Develop, line-edit, and proof manuscripts; manage authors and production timelines.
Screenwriter / TV Writer
Write scripts, treatments, and show bibles for film, television, and streaming.
UX Writer / Content Designer
Craft clear in-product microcopy, flows, and help content to improve user experience.
Literary Agent / Scout
Identify promising manuscripts, negotiate deals, and guide authors’ careers.
Journalist / Feature Writer
Report, interview, and produce articles, profiles, and long-form pieces.
Communications / PR Specialist
Draft press releases, speeches, op-eds, and campaigns to shape public narrative.
Saint Mary's Testimonials
The English major at Saint Mary’s taught me to read and listen closely, to form arguments and express my ideas clearly and carefully. I grew to appreciate the importance of both the stories we hold dear, and the stories we take for granted. I gained analytic and expressive skills valuable in any field. I attended readings of renowned authors the department brought to campus and cautiously began to consider the writing life.
Mary Volmer '01 '05
Average Undergraduate Class Size 2021
