English - Creative Writing Emphasis

Major or Minor or Certificate

Explore the English - creative writing emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's English - creative writing emphasis bachelor's degree offers the invaluable opportunity to focus on the craft of writing with the support and instruction of an array of well-published, award-winning faculty. Graduates of the program leave with the knowledge and skills to create original and effective poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction works.

The growing major is an excellent choice for those who love to read and write, and are passionate about expressing themselves through language. Classes include multi-genre writing workshops, as well as those that focus on specific types of writing such as playwriting, novel writing and creation of essays, short stories and poetry. Through unique projects and class discussions, you'll foster creativity, insight and empathy — skills that are highly sought after by writers. A variety of electives and course topics throughout the emphasis allow you to study the areas that interest you and best align with your career goals.

While pursuing your degree, you'll experience the incredible benefits of small class sizes. Our courses allow for personalized learning, individualized mentoring and the formation of meaningful, lasting connections. Your professors and classmates will know you by name and do all they can to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Whether you dream of publishing a novel, sharing your poetry, crafting blogs or writing a play, a bachelor's degree in creative writing from UW-Eau Claire can help make anything possible.

Nora Schmidt always loved to write but was never sure she was especially good at it. That changed when she came to UW-Eau Claire and immersed herself in its English department. (Photo by Shane Opatz) — At home in the English department

When Nora Schmidt came to UW-Eau Claire, choosing her mathematics minor was easy. Finding her major proved to be far more difficult, though in hindsight the answer was right in front of her all along — English-creative writing.

Once she made her decision, she never looked back. Nora's English professors and fellow students helped her find her place on campus and a future that excites her. She says she’s been fortunate to have had some of the same professors teach her in more than one course, creating a sense of familiarity that makes her feel at home in the department.

Learn more about Nora's experience as an English-creative writing major.

Why English - creative writing emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

Academic apprenticeships and tutoring opportunities. As a creative writing major or minor, you'll have the unique opportunity to work as an academic apprentice. This may require you to facilitate class discussions, assist teams with group work, answer questions, provide input for class activities and assignments and teach part of a class session. You may also choose to tutor other students outside of the English department by becoming a Center for Writing Excellence writing assistant. These experiences provide a chance for you to build skills in leadership, interpersonal communication and problem-solving, while also enhancing your writing abilities.

Fascinating research opportunities. Endless undergraduate research opportunities are available to students at UWEC. Some of the exciting projects taken on by students and faculty in English involve conducting research and interviewing research subjects. Your work could lead to presentations at local and national research conferences, providing you with even more learning and networking opportunities.

Valuable student organizations. Joining a student organization at UWEC builds your skill set — and your resume. You may mentor current and potential students, organize events or give back to the community. You'll also meet students who, like you, are interested in English and all that it offers. A popular student org for creative writing majors is NOTA, or None of the Above, which is a campus literary magazine — entirely student-run — that publishes a biannual collection of the top student submissions in the categories of art, poetry and prose.

A chance to see the world. Writing in a new and different environment can lead to some pretty incredible work. Find inspiration while studying abroad in places like England, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, South Africa or Japan. Or join faculty on a cultural immersion program to renowned places right here in the U.S. These enriching academic experiences are exactly the kind of high-impact practices that set UW-Eau Claire apart from other institutions, making UWEC an excellent place to pursue your creative writing degree.

97% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

English - creative writing emphasis program details

Program length: four years
Offered: in person
Campus: Eau Claire
This major requires a minor or certificate.
This program is also available as a minor and certificate. 
Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Student organizations

English Ambassadors
English Festival
None of the Above (NOTA)
Sigma Tau Delta

What can I do with an English - creative writing emphasis degree from UWEC?

Graduates of UW-Eau Claire's English - creative writing emphasis degree leave with the knowledge, tools, skills and passion to become successful, published authors.

Creative writing jobs

Content manager
Content writer
Technical writer
Social media director
Researcher
Playwright
Freelance writer
Novelist
Journalist

Creative Writing and Teaching - English and Language Arts Major Maggie O'Brien smiling

Some people might stay away from English classes because they think they're bad writers. I would say no one is a bad writer. Writing, like art, is very subjective, and I promise you there is someone out there who will share your story and see the light in your writing. If you're interested in expressing yourself or just have feelings you need to work through, creative writing is something that you should try.

Maggie O'Brien Teaching - English and Language Arts and Creative Writing Major

English - creative writing emphasis bachelor’s degree program curriculum

The English - creative writing emphasis bachelor's degree includes countless opportunities to create and evaluate forms of verbal art, including poetry, fiction and nonfiction. Coursework throughout the program will help you to become a better reader and writer of imaginative literature. Pair your studies with a minor or another major in areas like history, marketing, journalism, public relations, communication studies, political science or graphic design for even more career opportunities.