BA Requirements: English Undergraduate Programs

Creative Writing option

The Creative Writing option within the English major is available by competitive admission only. Students who apply to the Creative Writing option must have already been admitted to the English major or must apply simultaneously to the English major and the Creative Writing option. (This program is open to day students only; there is no Creative Writing option in the Evening Degree Program.)

A minimum of 60 credits as follows (maximum of 20 credits at the 200 level, including required courses ENGL 202, 283, and 284, can apply toward major requirements; all remaining English credits must be taken at the 300 or 400 level):

1. ENGL 202 (Introduction to English Language and Literature) and writing link ENGL 197 (Writing in the Humanities): 10 credits. It is recommended these courses be completed by the first quarter of admission to the major and no later than the second quarter after admission. ENGL 202 and 197 may also satisfy prerequisites for admission to the major. Note that students who apply the major by presenting alternative prerequisite ENGL courses must still complete ENGL 202/197; there are no substitutes for these courses, and they are required of all English majors for graduation purposes.

2. ENGL 283 (Beginning Verse Writing) and ENGL 284 (Beginning Short Story Writing): 10 credits. Both courses (or transfer equivalents) must be completed for a student to be eligible to apply for admission to the Creative Writing option.

3. English Literature Core (20 credits): at least 5 credits from each of two categories.

4. ENGL 383 (The Craft of Verse) and ENGL 384 (The Craft of Prose): 10 credits

5. 10 credits of approved 400-level Creative Writing courses (ENGL 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 493).

6. Pre-1900 Literature: At least 15 credits in ENGL courses must be focused on pre-1900 literature. (These pre-1900 literature credits may overlap with English Literature Core courses within the English major requirements.)

For assistance with planning and for questions, please consult English Undergraduate Advising.

Click here to download a planning sheet in PDF format 2nd window graphic .

Degree requirements in PDF format: English BA Requirements 2nd window graphic , English Core Course Lists