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Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
Explore the creative process designed to enhance all forms of literary expression with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing degree at the University of Redlands. Learn how to foster creative growth while building a community among peers, with endless support from faculty.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Creative WritingSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a creative writing degree?
In the creative writing program, you will study the creative process through a selection of tailored, yet intensive coursework, intended to be relevant in all forms of creative expression and styles. You'll hone your writing skills and develop your voice as a writer.
Why should you major in creative writing at Redlands?
At Redlands, you'll engage in what resembles a Master of Fine Arts curriculum rather than a typical undergraduate program. Demanding in nature, the program employs a high profile of faculty and classroom practices, including incorporating a Visiting Writers Series that brings nationally recognized artists to campus and participation in the Redlands Review, our campus literary journal.
Classes you'll take
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
The Creative Writing Department's focus is on creative process rather than on specialization in any one genre. Requirements are designed to foster a rapport with all forms of literary expression and to promote community among our majors.
- Foundation courses: CRWR 104 Nonfiction Workshop I, CRWR 105 Poetry Workshop I, and CRWR 107 Fiction Workshop I.
- Intermediate courses: CRWR 204 Nonfiction Workshop II, CRWR 205 Poetry Workshop II, and CRWR 207 Fiction Workshop II.
- Advanced Courses: Each student chooses at least one advanced writing course in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction writing: CRWR 304 Nonfiction Workshop III, CRWR 305 Poetry Workshop III, or CRWR 307 Fiction Workshop III.
- Advanced Seminars: Each student must take at least TWO sections of CRWR 310 Creative Writing Seminar.
- Senior Portfolio: CRWR 440 Senior Portfolio - Reading and Drafting and CRWR 441 Senior Portfolio - Revision and Final Project. CRWR 440 and CRWR 441 may not be taken concurrently.
Recommendations: By the beginning of the sophomore year, the student who intends to major in Creative Writing is expected to choose one of the department's resident writers as an academic advisor and, with that individual, plan an appropriate three-year schedule. Strongly encouraged: Additional advanced level workshops and seminars in all genres.
Minor in Creative Writing
The minor is designed for students to explore creative expression as part of a broad education.
- CRWR 104 Nonfiction Workshop I, CRWR 105 Poetry Workshop I, CRWR 107 Fiction Workshop I, CRWR 204 Nonfiction Workshop II, CRWR 205 Poetry Workshop II, CRWR 207 Fiction Workshop II, CRWR 310 Creative Writing Seminar.
- Advanced level workshops and seminars are recommended.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*
Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
Through coursework and in consultation with their advisors, creative writers encounter a wide range of literature. They are able to raise and engage questions of justice, value, and meaning raised by literary texts, and understand how texts can produce multiple readings.
Through their own writing and in workshops, students encounter and employ the components of a writer’s craft: prosody, narrative strategies, forms, genres, and aesthetics. As they progress through workshops in various genres, students encounter increasing levels of difficulty. They learn to negotiate intention, aptitude, and effort, and acknowledge that a similar struggle faces other writers.
Through their own writing and in workshops, students develop fluency as writers, learn to self-edit and identify grammar issues, and recognize that there are resources available to them beyond the ones provided in class. They understand and demonstrate the habits of professional writers, including revision, developing community, public reading, and submission for publication.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers in
Graduates pursue careers in
Transforming ideas into engaging and informative articles that resonate with diverse audiences.
Weaving captivating stories into cinematic masterpieces that leave audiences spellbound.
Crafting compelling and persuasive content that drives engagement and action.
Creating rich, immersive worlds and unforgettable characters that linger in readers' minds.
Redlands' Signature Experiences
The Core Four Framework
At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our CORE Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the CORE Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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