Creative Writing Program

The creative writing concentration at MSU offers students a program that blends foundational work in literary studies, exploration of creative writing in multiple genres, and a focused capstone experience. Students graduate with a B.A. in English, but their diplomas note their dedicated commitment to creative writing. Beginning with the same foundation as other English majors, students also work at the introductory and advanced level in at least two different genres of creative writing. Many then choose to write a senior thesis in a single genre, creating in the last year of study a collection of poems or stories, a novel, or a finished screenplay; students might also pursue internships in writing and editing. Our program provides many co-curricular events and opportunities, including a reading series, writing workshops, brown bag lunch conversations with faculty and visiting writers. The Michigan State University English Department is also home to Red Cedar Review, one of the oldest student-managed literary journals in the United States.

The creative writing concentration is available to students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in English except those students seeking teacher certification. Students interested in the concentration should consult with their advisor. Students who elect this concentration must complete the following courses, all of which will count toward the 36 to 40 credits in the Bachelor of Arts in English degree. The concentration will be noted on the student’s transcript. Students interested in the Creative Writing concentration should consult their advisor.