creative writing and business degree

Top 20 Best Majors for Creative People

Ready to find the perfect college degree.

Now more than ever, creative people are being “creative” with their career paths. We’ve seen a decline in print media opportunities. But we also see a world fueled by creativity and innovation. This is good news for a creative person.

Creative jobs are out there if you know where to look. Industries, of all kinds, hire individuals with creative skills. Companies need wordsmiths and storytellers, graphic designers and art directors. If you consider yourself a creative person, these 20 degrees offer unique and rewarding careers.

Here’s a look at the top 20 best majors for creative people .

1. Journalism

Journalism programs have changed over the last decade. There is less focus on print journalism and more on visual communication. Students have moved from fact-checking, interviewing, and research to graphic design and social media. They master technology used to provide journalistic success in this constantly changing field.

Journalists of today use visual elements to convey stories. Programs prepare students with technical skills they can use in investigative journalism. But programs also focus on developing the creative process. Journalism programs offer concentrations for creatives to explore their passions. Popular concentrations in journalism include:

• Broadcast and digital journalism
• Convergent media
• News and features
• Sports and media

Journalism majors can also develop creative skills in digital marketing and communication. Classes on editing and social media can help give you an edge over other candidates when applying for creative jobs. Candidates with the best job prospects have visual communication experience and strong writing skills.

Career paths for journalism graduates include editor and journalist roles. But you can also qualify for jobs as PR consultants, technical writers, and photographers.

Top Programs for Journalism

University of Massachusetts University of North Carolina

2. Theater or Dramatic Arts

A degree in theatre can seem like a niche area of study. But it is more than playwright and acting. Programs offer a wide range of liberal arts courses and intensives focusing on dramatic arts. A theater program can give you the creative career you’re looking for. Here’s how.

Theater and dramatic arts courses cover many different topics. From classical theater to comedy, you can take courses that interest you and promote a creative career. You take both performance and production classes. Performance means students must audition for roles in different forms of dramatic arts. You can focus on areas of interest.

You can also focus on the business side of arts, taking classes in digital marketing or visual communication. Some theater majors pick up a minor in another area of arts. From graphic design to web development, you can choose a minor that complements your studies. Your combined degree can lead to many different creative jobs.

Top Programs for Theater

The New School USC School of Dramatic Arts

3. Graphic Design

Graphic designers create visual content for a variety of media. They create advertisements, packaging, logos, and websites. They also do art for layouts in magazines and digital publications. To work in graphic design, you need specific technical skills. But you also need an eye for visual communication.

A graphic designer creates images and designs layouts. You learn how to do this in a graphic design program. Graphic design programs teach you how to use computer software and applications for digital creation. They also help you develop your creative process. When you graduate from a graphic design degree program, you can qualify for jobs in all kinds of businesses and industries. These include:

• Advertising agencies

A graphic designer can find creative jobs in any industry where visual elements and web design are important aspects of success.

Top Programs for Graphic Design

Kent State University Savannah College of Art and Design

4. Game Design

Game design is a $200 billion industry that has captured the attention of all ages. Its rapid growth has increased demand for individuals with creative skills. Companies hiring game designers look for creative majors with skills in many different areas.

One of the best majors for creative types and top creative degrees that pay well is game design. The industry offers creative jobs for people with effective communication skills and strong writing skills. They want their designers to have more than creative degrees. They want candidates with a mix of technical and creative skills.

Game design programs give you the skills you need for success in creative fields. You learn how to create characters and storylines. You learn how to create websites for gaming platforms. Your classroom learning also teaches you about animations and other creative visual elements.

But to qualify for creative jobs in game design, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Top Programs for Game Design

Full Sail University Southern New Hampshire University

5. Creative Writing

Creative writing programs dive deep into the creative process of writing. A creative writing degree program teaches students how to investigate literature and create original stories. This type of program helps students improve their craft and develop talent. The skills you gain can help you succeed in creative careers.

But what makes creative writing one of the best degrees for creative minds? Versatility!

Writing programs help you develop effective communication skills. You also gain writing skills you can take into different creative fields. Since you spend much of your time analyzing classic and modern literature, you hone your critical thinking skills. But you also learn about the writing process and how it relates to real world projects.

Top Programs for Creative Writing

University of Iowa University of Massachusetts

6. Landscape Architecture

Over the last few years, the landscape architect field has grown and changed. Because of this, it has become one of the best degrees for creative people who love working outdoors. But with climate change and a strain on resources, the field has evolved.

Today’s bachelor degree in landscape architecture program focuses on sustainability and balance. Students learn how to solve problems in the field by applying problem-solving and technical skills. In this program, you learn everything from architecture to environment constraints. You also study the technology used in the field.

But not all landscape programs are equal. Look for schools accredited by the Landscape Accreditation Board to ensure program quality. And to get a job right out of college, make sure you intern or work a summer job that puts your skills to the test. Employers favor candidates with experience.

Top Programs for Architecture Landscape

Academy of Art University

University of Virginia

English is one of the top college majors for creative minds. A bachelor’s degree in English gives students a complete understanding of grammar and literature. But it also teaches you about writing and analysis. It is one of those creative degrees that are also versatile.

Courses vary by program, but most include writing and literature. Some English programs cover writing courses for different creative fields. Writing topics covered in an English program include:

• Contemporary fiction
• English composition
• Nonfiction writing
• Technical writing

Some programs offer certificates and concentrations in niche creative fields like investigative journalism and publishing. With an English degree you can qualify for different roles. From an advertising manager to author, an English degree can open doors to many creative fields.

Top Programs for English

The University of Memphis University of Washington

8. Entrepreneurship

The business world needs data-driven, analytical minds. But it also needs creatives. These are innovative people with a unique process for creating. They mix business with innovation, and we refer to them as entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship programs teach creative marketing and product innovation. Since the creative process is key to success in business, entrepreneurship programs emphasize it. Courses cover topics such as:

• Digital marketing
• Risk management
• Visual communication
• Web and application technology

If you’re bent toward business and innovation, but also creative, consider creative degrees like entrepreneurship.

Top Programs for Entrepreneurship

North Carolina State University

Western Carolina University

9. Architecture

One of the top majors for creative people is architecture. Most programs are graduate degrees. You don’t find an abundance of bachelor’s degree programs, but master’s degrees are out there.

In an architecture program, you get to create. You work with existing designs and come up with new ones. Architects create functional living spaces and eye-pleasing structures. The program teaches you how to work with cutting-edge technology and use innovative tools.

Aspiring architects take courses like:

• 3D CAD fundamentals
• Smart urban infrastructures
• Software design and architecture
• Sustainable development

The time it takes to complete a master’s program in architecture varies. But most take two to five years to finish.

Top Programs for Architecture

University of Maryland University of Michigan

10. Advertising

Advertising is a creative field. Advertising agencies employ both creatives and business professionals. Because of this, advertising is one of the top creative college majors.

In an advertising program, students learn how to market and promote goods and services. You study promotion and brand management. You also examine consumer behavior and learn what it takes for customers to purchase products. Advertising majors spend time researching, analyzing, and studying the market.

There are many different career paths in advertising. With a bachelor’s or master’s degree you can qualify for jobs as:

• Advertising manager
• Advertising sales representative
• Digital marketing expert
• Film and video editor
• Graphic designer
• Marketing manager
• Social media coordinator

But advertising agencies aren’t the only option for employment. Any business or organization with an advertising department can have job openings for those with an advertising degree. You can also go into business for yourself.

Top Programs for Advertising

Boston University

Temple University

11. Communication

Communication is a broad field with several career paths for creatives. Companies hire communication majors to provide written and oral communication on their behalf. In many ways, they are the mouth piece of the company.

Effective communicators are creative. In communication programs, you learn how to develop and deliver communication through various media. You work on improving your verbal and writing skills. You also hone effective communication skills. Courses offered in this program cover topics such as:

• Marketing and brand management
• Public speaking
• Storytelling through communication

There are many different roles you can take after college. Some communication majors pursue jobs as editors, interpreters, professors, and writers.

Top Programs for Communication

Arizona State University

University of Cincinnati

12. Instructional Design

Students wanting to pursue careers in instructional design look for creative programs that combine skill and innovation. Programs teach both technical skills and creativity.

In this type of program, you study instruction and curriculum design. You also learn different training systems and platforms that instructional designers use on the job. Required courses cover topics like:

• Curriculum development
• Design analysis
• Functional and aesthetic structures
• Instructional design

Most graduates find career opportunities in education. Many go to graduate school where they combine their undergraduate work with advanced instruction. A degree in instructional design can open doors to administration jobs or creative work in different industries.

Top Programs for Instructional Design

North Carolina Central University

Western Governor’s University

13. Marketing

Marketing is a good degree for creative people. Whether it’s a comedic Super Bowl commercial or a viral video post, marketers work behind the scenes of these projects. Creative ideas and planning help companies sell products.

Marketing degrees teach a wide range of subjects such as:

• Consumer behavior
• Digital design
• Social media marketing

Some programs teach niche courses that allow students to tailor their marketing degree toward an area of interest. Examples of electives and concentrations include graphic design and web development. Graduates of a marketing program can qualify for creative jobs. Roles include:

• Advertising and promotions managers
• Fashion designers
• Fundraising and PR managers
• Game designers
• Sales executives
• Technical writers

Top Programs for Marketing

University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Minnesota

14. Film Studies

Film studies programs are a good option for creatives interested in visual media. Majoring in film teaches you how to interpret and analyze media from different perspectives. The major can also help you explore unique career opportunities.

In film studies, students look at technical and visual perspectives. They also study culture. The program prepares students for entry-level careers in film, TV, media, and cinematography. Curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills and technical analysis. Courses cover topics like:

• Film story analysis
• Intro to production
• Visual storytelling for screenwriters
• Writing the short film

Coursework involves film and media from various time periods and genres. It applies an interdisciplinary perspective that implements social science concepts.

Top Programs for Film Studies

New York University

University of Southern California

15. Fashion Design

Are you a creative person with a passion for fashion design? A fashion design degree program opens up career opportunities to work in the fashion industry.

The fashion industry looks for creative talent and sharp business skills. That’s why fashion design is a good major for students with an eye for fashion and business sense. But since the fashion industry is competitive, students should also have ambition and perseverance. If this sounds like you, consider earning a fashion design degree.

Accredited programs open doors to different career opportunities. You can work as a(n):

• Art director of a fashion magazine
• Costume designer
• Clothing designer

You can also qualify for jobs in industrial design or interior design. Some fashion design majors earn a concentration in another design subject. Popular concentrations include interior design, fashion business management, or marketing.

Top Programs for Fashion Designers

Marymount University North Carolina State University

16. English Literature

An undergraduate degree in literature is a good choice for creatives. It teaches students how to analyze and interpret both classic and modern works. It also prepares students for careers in a range of industries.

In a literature program, you study different types of writing. Coursework focuses on literature, but also brings in studies from other disciplines. It is not uncommon to focus on psychology, sociology, and anthropology while reading literature. Because the coursework blends different disciplines, you can qualify for many different career opportunities.

Graduates find work in industries like:

• Communication
• Entertainment

Top Programs in English Literature

University of California Santa Cruz University of New Hampshire

17. Fine Arts

A fine arts degree can prepare you for careers in art and performance. It can also help you launch a creative writing career. Most programs let students tailor their degree toward a career goal or area of interest because of the many concentrations offered.

Students pursuing a degree in fine arts earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. Most programs offer concentrations that include studies in:

• Art education
• Creative writing
• Fashion design
• Photography
• Printmaking

Graduates of BFA programs can pursue entry-level roles in various careers. They become art directors and graphic designers. They also pursue careers in public relations or web design. The point is that you can do about anything with a fine arts degree.

But most students with a BFA look for creative masters degrees, such as the MFA. With this terminal degree, you can qualify to teach at a college or university.

Top Programs for Fine Arts

Boston University Rhode Island School of Design

18. Public Relations

A PR degree is a top choice for creatives. Public relations professionals represent and manage a company’s brand, image, and reputation. Their role is important to any business because of the visibility.

Most public relations programs teach students how to communicate with media members. You learn how to draft speeches and write press releases. You also learn how to act as a liaison between the public and your company. To do the job, you need effective communication skills. The industry attracts talented and creative artists and writers with good communication abilities.

Public relations degree programs also offer concentrations in other creative disciplines. You can take courses, or earn a concentration, in advertising, marketing, or another subject. Exposure to other areas can open the door to a unique creative career as a public relations specialist in any field. Required courses in most public relations programs include:

• Communication writing
• Digital online media
• Market research and advertising campaigns
• Public relations campaigns

Top Programs for Public Relations Degree

Southern New Hampshire University

The University of Texas at Austin

Are you passionate about music? Want to turn a hobby into a career? A music degree is a popular choice for creative people.

Music programs draw students from all backgrounds of music. Some play instruments, others sing or compose. Programs help you learn different aspects of songwriting and performance. You also learn the business side of music, studying promotion and marketing.

There are different types of music degrees. Undergraduate programs include:

• Bachelor of Music Education (BME)
• Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)
• Bachelor of Science in Music (BS)

You can also earn a Bachelor of Music (BM) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). In undergraduate programs, students take courses that improve their abilities to analyze and appreciate music. Courses include:

• Applied piano
• Aural learning
• Music history
• Music theory
• World music

Music majors go on to teach or perform. They can also become creative directors at arts centers. With a music degree you can find work in most creative fields.

Top Programs for Music

Berklee Online University of Maryland

20. Robotics Engineering

Robotics engineering is a branch of engineering and technology. For STEM-bent creatives, it is a good degree.

Robotics engineering blends different disciplines. It combines computer science and engineering with the utilization of intelligent machines. Robotics engineers create and use these machines. From autonomous vehicles to the exploration of sustainable agriculture, robotics engineers help improve different industries.

Students in robotics engineering are creative. They have a strong background in computers and math, but they also like to create and imagine. The program offers courses that cover topics such as:

• Electric circuits
• Engineering economics
• Logic and design
• Mechanics of robotic systems,
• Signal analysis in robotic systems

Bachelor’s degrees in robotics engineering can launch candidates into entry-level positions. But you need a master’s degree to work in advanced roles.

Top Programs for Robotics Engineering

Lake Superior State University Miami University

Related Resources:

• 30 Best History Degree Online Programs (Bachelor’s)
• 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in English Degrees
• Top 30 Best Religious Studies Degree Online Programs (Bachelor’s)
• 10 Best Online Degrees for Writers and Writing
• 10 Best Online Degrees for Hippies
• 10 Best Online Degrees for Humanitarians

This concludes our list of the top 20 creative degrees.

Brenda Rufener Author

Julie McCaulley Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris Editor-in-Chief

2025 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in America

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Cambridge, MA ·
• · Rating 4.18 out of 5   671 reviews
• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 4%
• Net price $20,232
• SAT range 1530-1580

#1 Best Colleges in America. 4 Year, CAMBRIDGE, MA. 671 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Featured Review: Other says I don’t have personal experiences, but I can share that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and a collaborative... Read 671 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 4%, Net Price: $20,232, SAT Range: 1530-1580,

Dartmouth College

• Hanover, NH ·
• · Rating 3.89 out of 5   755 reviews
• Acceptance rate 6%
• Net price $19,208
• SAT range 1500-1580

#5 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, HANOVER, NH. 755 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Alum says At Dartmouth, undergraduates enjoy the best of both worlds: the supportive, tight-knit environment of a small liberal arts college AND the top-tier resources and opportunities of a larger research... Read 755 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 6%, Net Price: $19,208, SAT Range: 1500-1580,

Columbia University

• New York, NY ·
• · Rating 3.83 out of 5   1,389 reviews
• Net price $22,058
• SAT range 1490-1580

#6 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, NEW YORK, NY. 1389 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Graduate Student says As a graduate student at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies majoring in Strategic Communications, my overall experience has been enriching and insightful. The classes are... Read 1389 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 4%, Net Price: $22,058, SAT Range: 1490-1580,

Roger Williams University

• BRISTOL, RI
• · Rating 3.57 out of 5   1,070

The New School

• NEW YORK, NY
• · Rating 3.58 out of 5   663

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

• SHIPPENSBURG, PA
• · Rating 3.57 out of 5   1,120

Brown University

• Providence, RI ·
• · Rating 3.86 out of 5   1,097 reviews
• Acceptance rate 5%
• Net price $26,723

#7 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PROVIDENCE, RI. 1097 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Senior says Brown is a highly academic environment that fosters collaboration instead of competition. The open curriculum and the ability to pass/fail any class allowed me to take truly bizarre classes, like TV... Read 1097 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 5%, Net Price: $26,723, SAT Range: 1490-1580,

University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA ·
• · Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,382 reviews
• Acceptance rate 7%
• Net price $26,123
• SAT range 1500-1570

#11 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1382 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Alum says My experience at the University of Pennsylvania was incredible. I loved the academic opportunities, which offered both rigor and flexibility, allowing me to pursue a dual degree in Bioengineering and... Read 1382 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 7%, Net Price: $26,123, SAT Range: 1500-1570,

Washington University in St. Louis

• Saint Louis, MO ·
• · Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,597 reviews
• Acceptance rate 12%
• Net price $23,432

#15 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, SAINT LOUIS, MO. 1597 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says The school and people are great. I came into the semester excited for the food, but I feel misled. The food quality is generally good as college food goes, but it varies. Read 1597 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 12%, Net Price: $23,432, SAT Range: 1500-1570,

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Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL ·
• · Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,517 reviews
• Net price $22,095
• SAT range 1490-1570

#17 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, EVANSTON, IL. 1517 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Alum says Excellent academic experience, great scholarships to graduate debt free and the best location close to the lake with easy access to Chicago. Dorms were small, but lots of places to study on campus... Read 1517 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 7%, Net Price: $22,095, SAT Range: 1490-1570,

Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA ·
• · Rating 3.72 out of 5   1,495 reviews
• Acceptance rate 11%
• Net price $33,499

#18 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PITTSBURGH, PA. 1495 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Senior says Overall my experience at CMU has been quite positive. I enjoy the cloture on campus and my academic opportunities, and particularity like the ability to pursue interdisciplinary interests. One thing... Read 1495 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 11%, Net Price: $33,499, SAT Range: 1490-1570,

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD ·
• · Rating 3.69 out of 5   1,425 reviews
• Net price $24,034
• SAT range 1520-1570

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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Ann Arbor, MI ·
• · Rating 3.97 out of 5   4,828 reviews
• Acceptance rate 18%
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• SAT range 1350-1530

#23 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, ANN ARBOR, MI. 4828 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says I have had an amazing experience here at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. I really love the campus and the people here as well as the fact that Ann Arbor is the perfect college town. The academics... Read 4828 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A+, Acceptance Rate: 18%, Net Price: $19,318, SAT Range: 1350-1530,

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL ·
• · Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,314 reviews
• Net price $36,991

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University of Southern California

• Los Angeles, CA ·
• · Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,122 reviews
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Emory University

• Atlanta, GA ·
• · Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,641 reviews
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Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA ·
• · Rating 3.77 out of 5   640 reviews
• Acceptance rate 14%
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University of Texas - Austin

• Austin, TX ·
• · Rating 4.01 out of 5   6,884 reviews
• Acceptance rate 31%
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• SAT range 1230-1500

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University of Miami

• Coral Gables, FL ·
• · Rating 3.87 out of 5   3,130 reviews
• Acceptance rate 19%
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• SAT range 1310-1480

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Hamilton College

• Clinton, NY ·
• · Rating 3.72 out of 5   495 reviews
• Net price $24,503
• SAT range 1420-1540

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Haverford College

• Haverford, PA ·
• · Rating 3.96 out of 5   281 reviews
• Net price $23,476
• SAT range 1430-1540

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University of Washington

• Seattle, WA ·
• · Rating 3.8 out of 5   4,762 reviews
• Acceptance rate 48%
• Net price $10,603
• SAT range —

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Purdue University

• West Lafayette, IN ·
• · Rating 3.84 out of 5   5,236 reviews
• Acceptance rate 53%
• Net price $12,576
• SAT range 1200-1470

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Macalester College

• Saint Paul, MN ·
• · Rating 3.81 out of 5   483 reviews
• grade  A Overall Niche Grade
• Acceptance rate 28%
• Net price $36,095
• SAT range 1340-1500

#82 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, SAINT PAUL, MN. 483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Senior says Overall, Macalester offers a great liberal arts education. Most notably, the quality of teaching stood out the most for me because (most) professors sought out unique methods of assessment that I... Read 483 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 28%, Net Price: $36,095, SAT Range: 1340-1500,

Southern Methodist University

• Dallas, TX ·
• · Rating 3.87 out of 5   1,599 reviews
• Acceptance rate 52%
• Net price $45,094
• SAT range 1370-1510

#83 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, DALLAS, TX. 1599 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Freshman says Southern Methodist University offers a blend of tradition, high expectations, and a vibrant campus life. The beautiful campus and dedicated professors create a rewarding academic environment, though... Read 1599 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 52%, Net Price: $45,094, SAT Range: 1370-1510,

Colby College

• Waterville, ME ·
• · Rating 3.9 out of 5   685 reviews
• Acceptance rate 8%
• Net price $16,951

#84 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, WATERVILLE, ME. 685 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Featured Review: Junior says Current Junior at Colby. Academically, I could not imagine a better experience; all of the professors are awesome and genuinely want you to succeed/will go out of their way to help you. People are... Read 685 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 8%, Net Price: $16,951, SAT Range: 1430-1540,

University of Pittsburgh

• · Rating 3.76 out of 5   4,425 reviews
• Acceptance rate 49%
• Net price $24,286
• SAT range 1280-1470

#92 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, PITTSBURGH, PA. 4425 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. Featured Review: Sophomore says Attending the University of Pittsburgh has truly been an amazing experince, and I would highly recommend attending Pitt! I greatly appreciate the athletic department here at Pitt, as they truly bring... Read 4425 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 49%, Net Price: $24,286, SAT Range: 1280-1470,

George Washington University

• Washington, DC ·
• · Rating 3.67 out of 5   2,281 reviews
• Net price $42,723
• SAT range 1330-1490

#100 Best Colleges in America. Blue checkmark. 4 Year, WASHINGTON, DC. 2281 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars. Featured Review: Graduate Student says I love GWU! I was worried to come to grad school directly after graduating undergrad; however, the student population at GWU has been so welcoming and easy to talk to. My professors at the Elliott... Read 2281 reviews. Overall Niche Grade: A, Acceptance Rate: 49%, Net Price: $42,723, SAT Range: 1330-1490,

Ithaca College

• · Rating 3.59 out of 5   2,101
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Roanoke College

• · Rating 3.67 out of 5   775

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing The Write Stuff for Writers

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Grow Your Writing Passion into a Career with Liberty’s Online MFA in Creative Writing

Many people write creatively, but few hone their skills to develop their writing craft to its highest form. Even fewer learn the other skills it takes to become a successful writer, such as the steps needed to get a book published and into the hands of readers. Conferring Liberty’s 100% online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing can help you develop your writing passion into a career so you can set your works free to impact culture and the world.

Employers in every industry need professionals who have strong writing skills, so you can be confident that your ability to write effectively can also help set you apart in your current career. With in-demand writing expertise and the ability to customize your degree with electives in literature or writing practice, Liberty’s online MFA in Creative Writing can help you achieve your professional writing goals.

Our online MFA in Creative Writing is designed to help you build on your writing skills with specific workshops dedicated to the craft of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or screenwriting. With a work-in-progress approach to writing practice and mentorship from our faculty of experienced writers and scholars, you can learn the specific skills you need to make your writing stand out.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com's Top 5 College Campuses in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s MFA in Creative Writing?

Our online MFA in Creative Writing is mainly offered in an 8-week course format, and our tuition rate for graduate programs hasn’t increased in 9 years. Through our program, you can study the writing process and develop your creative skills through workshops with experienced writing professionals. With our flexible format, you can grow in your creative writing while continuing to do what is important to you.

As a terminal degree, the online MFA in Creative Writing can also help you pursue opportunities to teach writing at the K-12 or college level. You will gain comprehensive and in-depth exposure to writing, literature, publishing, and many other professional writing skills that you can pass on to students. Partner with the Liberty family and learn under faculty who have spent years in the field you love. Your career in professional writing starts here.

What Will You Study in Our MFA in Creative Writing?

The MFA in Creative Writing program is designed to help you become an excellent creative writer across the genres of creative fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and poetry. You can learn how to produce aesthetically and culturally engaged creative works while gaining professional knowledge and practice. You will also study foundational contemporary literature so that you have a background in studying important works to draw on for your writing.

To help you in your professional writing, you will also study many essential skills in editing, layout, and the business of publishing so that you can best position yourself for success in the market. Through your creative writing courses and workshops, you can develop your craft so that you will be ready for your thesis project.

Here are a few examples of the skills Liberty’s MFA in Creative Writing can help you master:

• Marketing your projects and pursuing new writing opportunities
• Organizing writing and adapting it to different types of writing
• Tailoring writing to specific audiences and markets
• Understanding what makes art effective, compelling, and impactful
• Writing compelling stories that engage readers

Potential Career Opportunities

• Book and magazine writer
• Business communications specialist
• Creative writing instructor
• Publications editor
• Screenwriter
• Website copy editor and writer
• Writing manager

Featured Courses

• ENGL 600 – Editing, Layout, and Publishing
• ENGL 601 – Writing as Cultural Engagement
• ENGL 603 – Literary Theory and Practice
• WRIT 610 – Writing Fiction

Degree Information

• This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences .
• View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required) .
• Download and review the Graduate Manual for MFA .

Degree Completion Plan

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Creative Writing Sample – A creative writing sample of one creative writing work of at least 2,500 words or a culmination of creative writing samples totaling 2,500 words.*
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*A sample of one or more poems totaling a minimum of 750 words may also be submitted. Song lyrics are not accepted at this time as writing samples.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
• If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an mfa in creative writing.

A Master of Fine Arts degree, or MFA, is a terminal degree in an artistic craft that demonstrates that you have achieved the highest level of training and skill in your discipline. Like a doctorate, an MFA often allows you to teach courses at the graduate level while also providing many opportunities for scholarship and leadership in education. If you want to grow your creative writing skills to become the best writer you can be, then the Master of Fine Arts can help you get there.

How will students work towards developing their writing skills?

With creative writing workshops and a thesis project, you will receive support and guidance to help you become the best writer you can be.

How long will it take to complete the MFA in Creative Writing?

You can complete the MFA in Creative Writing in just 48 credit hours!

Inner Navigation

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• What Will You Study?
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Writing in the Disciplines

These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to produce and refine various forms of writing for different audiences in different disciplines. In spring and summer 2024, we invited college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 15 institutions with stellar examples of writing in the disciplines. Colleges and universities that received 10 or more nominations are ranked here. Read the methodology »

To unlock full rankings, SAT/ACT scores and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass !

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Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. 2024

Creative writing is about artistically sharing emotions, thoughts, and opinions on a subject; not just relaying information. Courses include American literature, editing and proofing, fundamentals of writing, world literature, Shakespeare, screenwriting fundamentals, fiction fundamentals, writing nonfiction, and poetry writing. Creative writing covers both nonfiction and fiction, but the predominant types of creative writing are poetry and fiction, which includes novels, short stories, novellas, and flash fiction. Playwriting, screenwriting, journaling, and memoirs are other typical forms.

Students will learn how to use written language to communicate more clearly in their professional and personal lives and move beyond proficient mechanics to writing craftily in an attempt to evoke emotions and express points of view. Careers for creative writers?outside of being a creative writer?include blogger, journalist, composition teacher, copywriter, scriptwriter, and novelist. Creative writers must understand the importance of deadlines and have well-researched writing samples in order to move up the career ladder. The median annual wage of writers and authors was more than $50,000 in May 2010. Religious, professional, and civic industries employed the most writers followed by newspapers and book industries. Creative writers may also be freelance writers. Freelance writers are self-employed individuals who make a living selling their content to publishers. They may simultaneously work on multiple assignments for numerous companies depending on individual financial goals.

Best Creative Writing colleges in the U.S. for 2024

Brown University offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 48 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 38 Bachelor's degrees, and 10 Master's degrees.

Northwestern University offers 3 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 11 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees, and 1 Bachelor's degree.

Johns Hopkins University offers 4 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 80 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 47 Master's degrees, 29 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Certificates.

University of Southern California offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 37 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 37 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Notre Dame offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 4 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.

University of Virginia-Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Columbia University in the City of New York offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 174 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 124 Master's degrees, and 50 Bachelor's degrees.

The University of Texas at Austin offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 100 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 81 Certificates, and 19 Master's degrees.

Cornell University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 7 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.

Vanderbilt University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Creative Writing majors in the U.S.

List of all creative writing colleges in the u.s..