English (Creative Writing), BA
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
General
- Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
The BA in English with a concentration in creative writing focuses on the study and practice of the literary arts, with courses in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction.
Students gain practical experience through writing workshops and internship opportunities.
The undergraduate program features an outstanding faculty whose many books have received major national and international recognition.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Admission to the Creative Writing Concentration (Fiction & Poetry)
Portfolio Submission Period Opens: February 20, 2023
Portfolios Due: March 17, 2023 by 5:00pm
SUBMIT HERE: SPRING 2023 CREATIVE WRITING CONCENTRATION
Note: You need to be logged into your ASU Gmail account to connect to the portfolio submission form.
About the Creative Writing Concentration
The Creative Writing Program encourages all interested students, regardless of their field of study, to join our community of writers through beginning and intermediate workshops in fiction and poetry (ENG 287/ENG 288 , ENG 387/ENG 388), diverse special topics courses (ENG 394/ENG 494), and various, exciting writing events held on campus.
Interested students*, who have already taken beginning and intermediate workshops, and are committed to continuing their study of Creative Writing, have an opportunity to develop their skills in supportive, highly focused workshops through the Creative Writing Concentration. Instruction in the tradition(s) to which concentration students can aspire and uphold, and from which they may draw inspiration, will be provided by the Creative Writing Program's nationally recognized faculty of writers.
Please note that acceptance into the Creative Writing Concentration is restricted. Students must submit a portfolio for review and be offered a seat in the advanced workshops. (Please see the "Portfolio Review Guidelines" below.)
*Students interested in pursuing both fiction and poetry at the 400-level, must check with their academic advisor to ensure that the necessary courses (ENG 487, ENG 488, ENG 498: Fiction, ENG 498: Poetry) will fit their degree plan. Students must submit two portfolios--one in fiction, one in poetry--to be considered for admittance into advanced coursework in both areas.
Students pursuing the Creative Writing Concentration must either select as their major the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing upon being admitted to ASU or, after entering the university, meet with an English advisor to change to this major and concentration. Non English-majors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- To complete the concentration, English majors who have already declared themselves in the creative writing concentration must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in their major.
- Concentration students must complete the two advanced courses in their genre (ENG 487 and ENG 498 in poetry, or ENG 488 and ENG 498 in fiction). Note that enrollment into these courses is restricted. Spaces are limited. Students must submit a portfolio and be selected to move forward. (See the "Portfolio Review Guidelines" below.)
- Transfer students must seek advisement as to whether they will be able to successfully fulfill the creative writing concentration requirements.
- PLEASE NOTE: Students admitted to begin 400-level coursework through the Fall 2020 Portfolio Review will start their coursework in Spring 2021. ENG 488 (fiction) will be taken in the Spring semester. The capstone course, ENG 498, will be taken in the Fall 2021 semester. ENG 487/488 and ENG 498 may not be taken simultaneously.
- The next portfolio review for fiction will be offered in Fall 2022. The next portfolio review for fiction and poetry will be offered in Spring 2023.
- Students are only allowed to apply for the creative writing concentration twice during their time at ASU.
Portfolio Submission: How to Apply
Submit your completed portfolio online via the link below. Your portfolio should include:
1. COVER SHEET (Available Online)
2. CREATIVE WRITING SAMPLE
a. Poetry Sample: 5 poems
b. Fiction Sample: 1 piece of fiction of at least 5 double-spaced pages and not longer than 10 double-spaced pages
3. PERSONAL STATEMENT (2 double spaced pages or 500 words)
a. Discuss your interest in the relevant genre (poetry or fiction)
b. What do you hope to gain from the creative writing concentration
4. CRAFT ESSAY (2 double spaced pages or 500 words)
a. Submit an essay on a single poem or short story focusing an element(s) of craft you learned from the piece, how that craft element(s) works within the poem/story, and why this aspect of craft is pertinent to your own writing
b. Please provide textual examples from the creative piece in your essay
5. SUBMIT: SPRING 2023 CREATIVE WRITING CONCENTRATION
NOTE: You need to be logged into your ASU Gmail account to connect to the portfolio submission form.
Further Information
To receive further information about the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing, make an appointment to speak with English undergraduate advisor at 480-965-3168. You may also contact Creative Writing Program Manager, Justin Petropoulos (justin.petropoulos@asu.edu), RBH 152.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
English
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Degree programs in English prepare students for graduate studies in a number of programs, including English, creative writing, education, law and business. They also lead to a variety of careers in diverse fields. Employers seek those with strong writing, communication and critical thinking skills. Some of the most common professions for English majors are in the fields of:
- business
- journalism
- law
- media
- nonprofit service
- publishing
Graduates often find roles where they spend time:
- developing web content
- editing
- managing public relations
- writing professional and technical content
- teaching
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Writers and Authors
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: 73150
Editors
- Growth: -4%
- Median Salary*: 73080
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 1.2%
- Median Salary*: 74280
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: 73150
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 1%
- Median Salary*: 62360
Public Relations Specialists
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 67440
Search Marketing Strategists
- Growth: 13.4%
- Median Salary*: 68230
Technical Writers
- Growth: 6.9%
- Median Salary*: 79960
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
Studying abroad expands students' perspectives by exposing them to new and distinct cultures, communities and people. Students can explore the English language at a deeper level through an extended lens of dialects, literature and terminology in one of more than 300 study abroad programs.
Students can enhance their resumes with the educational experience and heightened cultural competency, communication and critical thinking skills they acquire through study abroad programs.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- englishadvising@asu.edu
- 480/965-3168