Our Creative Writing program is a concentration within our BA in English degree. This concentration includes workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, plus critical analysis of literary works. Advanced courses refine skills and expose students to diverse genres, emphasizing personal expression and honing writing craft.
What is a Creative Writing degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a degree in Creative Writing?
Our Creative Writing concentration within our BA in English degree equips you for careers in writing, law, education, etc. Workshops, analysis, and diverse writing forms foster creativity and proficiency. Flexible yet career-focused, it offers a clear path to graduation and enhances professional prospects.
Student media
Write for the student newspaper, or join the student advisory board for literary journals for fiction, poetry, and visual art.
Portfolio development
You’ll build a portfolio showcasing your strong writing skills and storytelling ability, a valuable asset in the job market.
Supportive environment
Our faculty, staff, and students create a learning environment, cultivating creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Industry-aligned curriculum
Our program aligns with industry trends and expectations, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
English Education program
Our English for Secondary Education program is available for students interested in teaching English.
What you’ll learn in your Creative Writing program
In our program, you'll dive into literary exploration with courses ranging from Shakespearean analysis to advanced creative writing workshops. Develop poetry, fiction, and nonfiction skills while exploring diverse genres and refining techniques. These courses offer a rich environment for both creativity and critical engagement.
- Hands-on workshops for students to develop their writing skills.
- Explore and refine writing techniques.
- Analyze the language and themes across comedies, tragedies, romances, and histories.
- Concentrate on specific writing genres or themes such as journals, biography, or playwriting.
- Gain exposure to both traditional and experimental forms of creative nonfiction.
Explore Creative Writing courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 42 gen ed credits, 38 core credits, 42 elective credits, and 1 capstone.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 317 | Creative Writing Workshop | 3 credits |
| ENGL 415 | Adv. Creative Writing | 3 credits |
| ENGL 303 | Shakespeare | 3 credits |
| ENGL 320 | Writing Topics | 3 credits |
| ENGL 321 | Creative Nonfiction | 3 credits |
How much does a bachelor's degree in creative writing cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all of SAU’s accreditations
How does SAU support Creative Writing students?
Our English faculty, though small, offers expertise across professional domains. Working closely with each faculty member, students explore career paths and achieve academic objectives. Faculty members publish widely, ensuring comprehensive guidance inside and outside the classroom. They prioritize student support, collaborating closely to provide prompt assistance and reliable guidance.
Creative writing faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for Creative Writing students?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-Based and Institutional Scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Don’t let cost hinder your future
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa
What’s on campus for Creative Writing students?
If you’re looking for an immersive experience in convergent media St. Ambrose is the place for you. The best part? You can access each of these opportunities on your first day on campus. Join, The Buzz, St. Ambrose’s independent student newspaper. Choose editorial content, report stories, publish newsletters, take photos, and sell and design advertising. Take part in Quercus on the student advisory board, SAU's literary journal for fiction, poetry, and visual art. Join Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society.
What are the admission requirements for a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Creative Writing program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S., there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with an English degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our English program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Author
- Editor
- Technical writer
- Playwright
- Scriptwriter
- Book Critic
Potential employment settings
- News publishers
- Professional services
- Motion picture
- Video industries
- Streaming distribution services
- Social networks
Top traits of a creative writer
- Perceptive
- Creativity
- Determination
- Persuasion
- Critical-thinking skills
- Adaptability
Industry facts
- From 2022 through 2032, employment in the editing sector of creative writing is projected to open about 11,600 jobs.
- In median, editors make around $73,080 per year, with less than five years of experience in the field. Most editors are self employed making up 13% of all editors.
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
