You can build on your creative skills and refine your writing technique with Carlow’s Creative Writing major. You will explore the works of great writers while deepening your relationship with these texts through critical examination.
You can workshop creative pieces with peers as well as working writers, and develop your ability to understand creative concepts like context, image and voice.
You can gain experience in editing, graphic design and other practical skills by working with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts. Opportunities such as the Madwomen in the Attic writing workshops and annual anthology and the Red Dog Reading Series can help you hone public reading, critique and editing skills.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
In introductory and special topics courses, you will study poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, and learn how to critique work in a workshop setting. You can study sound, rhythm and line in poetry studies; learn the essentials of a good story while studying fiction; and focus on narration, description and dialogue if your interest is creative nonfiction.
Other courses include world literature and language.
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
With a background in creative writing, challenging and rewarding career opportunities abound, such as becoming a copywriter, working in publishing or advertising, or freelance as an editor or writer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for technical writers is slated to grow 7% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the expansion of scientific and technical products, as well as a need for web-based product support.
Malcolm Randall, a junior creative writing major and forward on the basketball team at Carlow University, fulfilled that goal in the fall of 2021. On Oct. 16, his first novel, titled “Sheriff Sebastian Part 1: The Boy,” was published and available for sale on Amazon.
▸ Watch his story on WTAE-Pittsburgh
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Creative writing major KJ Miller ’21 said Carlow’s program is unique because of the connections students make. “Each professor in the program creates a knowledgeable and familiar environment, so that you are always learning how to perfect your craft as well as be comfortable sharing your own work. You gain mentorship on a new level – not only do they want to advise you, but they want to see you succeed while giving you all of the tools you need to do so.”
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.