Program · Major

Creative Writing, A.B.

DegreeA.B.
TypeMajor
DepartmentEnglish and Creative Writing

Turn your passion for books, reading, writing and literature into in-demand professional skills for a creative, idea-seeking economy.

Unleash the Power of Language

Guilford’s Creative Writing majors gain practice in the craft of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and playwriting while learning to move readers through the power of artful language. Turn your passion for books, reading, writing and literature into in-demand professional skills for a creative, idea-seeking economy.

Editors at CreativeWritingEdu listed Guilford’s Creative Writing program among their “Top Picks” for the best BA and BFA degrees.

The program offers both creative flexibility and structural coherence, allowing emerging writers to concentrate on a field of special interest like fiction or poetry, or to sample from a range of genres and courses. Classes are taught by accomplished and award-winning writing faculty who emphasize collaborative, workshop-centered learning; drafting, critique and revision of manuscripts; and practical editing and publishing skills and knowledge.

Students pursuing the minor study the formal and aesthetic conventions that shape literature and creative writing in its various genres; draft, revise and polish their own creative writing; read and study models in specific genres; and gain introductory experience in both theory and the practice of being a creative writer.

Our accessible and supportive faculty prepare you for a career in media, education, law, government, business and much more. Regardless of the creative path you choose, the bachelor of arts and minor in Creative Writing will help you discover how to wield the power of words to create the life, and the world, you seek.

As a Creative Writing major/minor, you can:

  • Develop tools and techniques to craft your own original creative works.
  • Contribute to Guilford's student literary magazine, The Greenleaf Review.
  • Pursue an independent creative project.
  • Join the staff of award-winning student newspaper, The Guilfordian.
  • Craft a senior thesis, such as writing a collection of stories, poems, or essays, or a play for radio.
  • Apply for student scholarships.
  • Present research at the Guilford Undergraduate Symposium (GUS).

Internship Ideas

Intern at local publishing firms, Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., Children's Book Council in New York City, media companies in London, independent film companies in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Alumni Careers and Graduate Schools

Yale professor, lawyer, U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst, Shakespearean actor, Congressional staff member, video game developer; UNC Chapel Hill, Brown University, New York University, Harvard University

College Catalog

For more information about courses within the Creative Writing Major, visit the Academics Departments and Majors page in the College Catalog. For more information about courses within the Creative Writing Minor, visit the Minors page in the College Catalog. In addition to the Undergraduate Catalog, information includes academic department and major information as well as academic regulations and resources; admission standards and requirements; and tuition, fees and financial aid information.

Hands-on Learning

Guilford Creative Writing students learn by exploring beyond the classroom at internships including:

  • Working with local, New York City or London publishing firms and media companies
  • Interning at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.
  • Collaborating with filmmakers in San Francisco and Los Angeles
  • Partnering with Guilford professors by conducting research or teaching
Take the next step

Come build your path at Guilford.

Apply, visit, or ask us anything — and your gift, of any size, powers financial aid and the 189-year work of teaching a handful of students at a time.

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