The Major in English and Creative Writing

The application deadline for acceptance into the English and Creative Writing Major is usually at the end of February.

This 39-hour major combines the 24 hours of required specific-category courses of the regular English major with 15 hours in Creative Writing, including a Senior Thesis (Engl 194, a project involving the completion of a manuscript of poetry or fiction under the close supervision of a member of the full-time creative writing staff).

Admission to the major, restricted to a small number of students, is determined before the senior year, typically in the second semester of a student’s junior year. Students interested in applying for this major should speak with the Director of Creative Writing, currently Professor Thomas Mallon, at their earliest opportunity. Students interested in this program should probably declare an English major and a Creative Writing minor, hoping to gain entry into the combined major during their junior year.

Students may select as many courses in Creative Writing as they wish, starting with Engl 1210, Introduction to C.W. For 100-level courses in C.W., both two semesters of literary study, preferably in English or American literature (e.g., Engl 1410, 1411, 1510, 1511), and Engl 1210 are prerequisite. Note that C.W. courses are arranged in hierarchical sequences: 2460 is prerequisite to 2560, which is prerequisite to 3360; 2470 is prerequisite to 2570, which is rerequisite to 3370; 2250 is prerequisite to 3250; and any 100-level C.W. course is prerequisite to 181. Engl 116 and 117 may be repeated for credit, as may Engl 181 (so long as it is taught by a different instructor). Those pursuing a minor in C.W., or a major in the new field of English and Creative Writing, take a pattern of courses designed to encourage significant development of their skills as writers. The Director of Creative Writing serves as official advisor for these programs, although individual students work closely with and may seek advice from all members of the faculty. Engl 4470, the Internship course, is available to students pursuing the new English and Creative Writing major.