RESOURCE MENU
College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts (BA), English: Creative Writing
Program Overview
Do you love to write? Do you love to share your creations with the world? If so, you should consider majoring in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing.
All three concentrations of the English major—Creative Writing, Literature, and Writing & Digital Studies—provide a foundation in the hallmarks of a humanities education: critical thinking, academic inquiry, historical and cultural perspective, creativity, and personal reflection.
The Creative Writing concentration offers classes in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting. Students benefit from the opportunity to workshop their texts as they hone their craft. Faculty help students strengthen their writing abilities and discover publication opportunities. Students also help produce our award-winning literary journal, Ivy Leaves, selecting and editing submissions and often seeing their own work published.
Creative Writing students enjoy the benefits of a flexible curriculum, which can be enhanced through a minor or additional major. Many of our students complement their English major with additional programs such as Communication, Public Policy, History, Theatre, and/or Marketing.
Program at a
Glance
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS
120
DETAILS
Total Credit Hours: 120
Program Type: BA
Location: Seated (Main Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years (8 semesters)
Start Date: Fall: August | Spring: January
Why AU?
The English program is committed to student-centered learning, with small upper-level courses, which are taught by supportive and engaged faculty members. These classes incorporate experiential learning opportunities, including working on our award-winning literary journal, Ivy Leaves. Other learning opportunities include engaging in archival research, working in AU’s Writing and Multimedia Center, completing internships, and participating in study abroad programs. Faculty members are also committed to engaging questions of faith and the Christian tradition in the study of literature.
The Knowledge You Will Gain
Career Outlook
If you love writing, consider an English major. You will earn an incredibly versatile and marketable degree, and employers will value your strong written and oral communication skills. While advances in technology and AI are rendering many disciplines obsolete, English graduates distinguish themselves through their creative thinking, problem-solving, and capacity for empathy. English graduates are ready for careers that society has not yet imagined.
The English Department collaborates with the Center for Career Development to help students secure internships and discover career opportunities. The department also hosts alumni events to help current students network and hear advice from recent alumni.
Recent alumni have entered careers in publishing and editing, grant-writing, education, library science, human relations, search-engine optimization, marketing, and management.
Career options include:
-
- Writing, Editing, Journalism, and Technical Writing
- Nonprofits, Public Outreach, Missions
- Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Communications
- Education, TESOL, Librarian, Professional Training
- Entertainment, Script Writer, Production Assistant
- Attorney, Law Clerk, Lobbyist, Public Policy Researcher
- Real Estate Agent, Account Executive, Sales Trainer
Starting Salaries
Knowledge You’ll Gain
Career Outlook
If you love writing, consider an English major. You will earn an incredibly versatile and marketable degree, and employers will value your strong written and oral communication skills. While advances in technology and AI are rendering many disciplines obsolete, English graduates distinguish themselves through their creative thinking, problem-solving, and capacity for empathy. English graduates are ready for careers that society has not yet imagined.
The English Department collaborates with the Center for Career Development to help students secure internships and discover career opportunities. The department also hosts alumni events to help current students network and hear advice from recent alumni.
Recent alumni have entered careers in publishing and editing, grant-writing, education, library science, human relations, search-engine optimization, marketing, and management.
Career options include:
-
- Writing, Editing, Journalism, and Technical Writing
- Nonprofits, Public Outreach, Missions
- Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Communications
- Education, TESOL, Librarian, Professional Training
- Entertainment, Script Writer, Production Assistant
- Attorney, Law Clerk, Lobbyist, Public Policy Researcher
- Real Estate Agent, Account Executive, Sales Trainer
Starting Salaries
Anderson University is a national leader in higher education in its use of technology to support and enhance all aspects of its core function—teaching and learning, which has led to the institution being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2014. Through Anderson’s Digital Learning Initiative, Anderson has provided all of its residential undergraduate students and select graduate program students with an iPad Air and Apple Pencil. The mission of transforming learning experiences and preparing students to serve their communities and careers in the twenty-first century is enhanced through mobile devices developed by Apple.
Admission Requirements
: :
Previous Degree Required
No previous degree is required to enroll in this program.: :
Transcript Requirements
Official high school or GED transcripts will need to be submitted as part of the application process for this program. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from their previous school.: :
Additional Admission Requirements
Two essays (prompts) OR Official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores: :
Application Deadline
Anderson University has a rolling admission process (students are notified when the are accepted whenever that is during the year) but students are encouraged to apply by the following dates: December 1st for the best scholarship consideration and no later than July 1st to begin in the fall semester.More Information
I-20 Approved: Yes
I-17 Approved: No
Non Degree Option Available (Minor): English – Yes | Creative Writing – No
Program Director:
Bob Hanley
Bob Hanley
Breakdown of Credit Hours:
41 Credit Hours – University Core Requirements | 41 Credit Hours – English Major Core Requirements | 38 Credit Hours – General Electives
41 Credit Hours – University Core Requirements | 41 Credit Hours – English Major Core Requirements | 38 Credit Hours – General Electives
Alumni Spotlight
Visit the AU NETWORK and meet more alumni in their Journey of Significance.
SCSA
Ashley Stone Ozmint has always been drawn to art.
Ashley Stone Ozmint
'20
South Carolina School of the Arts
COB
Anderson University graduate Nakia Davis has spent close to three decades in community banking.
C. Nakia Davis
'00
College of Business
COE
Leonard Galloway, human resources director for Anderson School District 5, is committed to his hometown.
Leonard Galloway
'04
College of Education
COE
Caroline Waldrop Blevins says the students she teaches bring her joy.
Caroline Waldrop Blevins
'21
College of Education
SCSA
Sara Cantrell has always loved art and wanted to help others.
Sara Cantrell
'18
South Carolina School of the Arts
CAS
As communications manager for the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Bates Whitaker gets to combine his love of the outdoors with his passion for storytelling.
Bates Whitaker
'21
College of Arts and Sciences
CAS
Sarah Brendle knows how important it is to be a light in the lives of her patients who are dealing with cancer.
Sarah Brendle
'10
College of Arts and Sciences
COE
Justus Cox, director of Young Brothers Academy in Greenville, is dedicated to helping young men reach their fullest potential.
Justus Cox
'16
College of Education
CCS
As Media and Communications Director at Concord Baptist Church, Anderson University graduate Adam Gibbs manages the technology that supports Christian ministry.
Adam Gibbs
'20
College of Christian Studies
CAS
For this AU graduate , an English Degree proved to be versatile.
Maris Lawyer
'17
College of Arts and Sciences
CCS
Nick Bethea discovered a theology program with a solid biblical foundation that has helped equip him as he serves at Cross Church, a growing congregation in Northwest Arkansas.
Nick Bethea
'15
College of Christian Studies
COB
Business graduate Jared Back learned lots of valuable lessons about both business and people skills from Anderson University.
Jared Back
'21
College of Business
Got Questions? We're Here to Help!
Got Questions?
We're Here to Help!
Hey there! If you’re curious about something or just want a bit more info, don’t be shy! Fill out the form below and our admission team will be in contact with you soon.
Loading...