BFA in Creative Writing

For a total of 125 undergraduate credits, the curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of general education and narrative arts core courses alongside specialized classes in professional and technical writing, creative genres including poetry, nonfiction, and fiction, and a comprehensive portfolio development process.

As a Creative Writing major at HCU, engage in the art of pitching stories and extending your network within author spaces, which are vital practices for any aspiring writer aiming to navigate the publishing industry successfully. Your academic journey is punctuated by hands-on experiences, including an internship that offers real-world writing and editing exposure.

Degree Plans

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Courses

As a Creative Writing major in a Fine Arts bachelor’s degree program, you will enroll in in-depth courses exploring various works and genres. These classes help you learn to write your own creative content in your preferred genre and expand your horizons by pushing boundaries in styles and techniques you may not have attempted before.

The BFA in Creative Writing degree curriculum includes courses such as:

• Advanced Grammar and Writing
• Creative Writing: Fiction
• Creative Writing: Nonfiction
• Creative Writing: Poetry
• Professional and Technical Writing
• Storytelling in Creative Writing

Creative Writing Minor

If you feel pulled to pursue a different HCU bachelor’s degree, adding a minor in Creative Writing intersperses your main area of study with hands-on writing workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary and narrative writing electives of your choice.

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By engaging deeply in the practice of writing across genres, receiving insightful feedback, and refining their craft in collaborative workshop settings, graduates of the BFA in Creative Writing from HCU are well-prepared to bring their literary creations to life in the diverse landscapes of today’s literary and media environments.

This balanced approach ensures that you’re proficient in crafting compelling stories and poised for success in various professional writing contexts upon graduation.

Career and Salary Outcomes

From mastering the art of storytelling for traditional publishing and digital platforms to honing the skills necessary for effective content creation in marketing and communications, you’re ready to enter a wide range of writing-focused careers strengthened by versatile knowledge and practical experiences.

Roles that you can pursue with a BFA in Creative Writing include:

• Journalist
• Marketing Copywriter
• Novelist
• Travel Writer
• Writing Professor

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that writers and authors in the publishing industry earn an average of $73,150 annually. Becoming an editor can bring an average annual salary of $73,080.

Embrace your entrepreneurial spirit to explore self-publishing or content creation ventures and develop the essential communication and networking skills to succeed in the dynamic and competitive realms of creative writing, publishing, and beyond. Whether your path leads you to becoming a novelist, screenwriter, editor, or content strategist, a BFA in Creative Writing from HCU offers the foundation and inspiration to pursue your passion and make a significant impact with your words.

Tutoring and Writing Center

Feel comprehensively supported in your writing journey through our Tutoring Center, which covers 90+ course subjects, and the Writing Center, where you receive in-depth assistance on writing assignments. Becoming a tutor at the Center enhances your résumé and allows you to contribute to the success of your peers, embodying the spirit of community and collaboration that defines our institution.

With the assistance of the Department of Student Success specialists, you can ensure you graduate on time with the experiences you’ve aimed to have.

Engaged Artistic and Writerly Community

The melding of academic rigor and creative exploration is a hallmark of student involvement and student life at HCU. The Houston Christian University campus and the vibrant city of Houston offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from art galleries showcasing contemporary works and timeless masterpieces to museums that inspire and educate.

Join the English Honor Society, or attend School of Fine Arts events such as the Writer’s Conference that draw authors from various genres to share insights and connect with writing students.