If you're set on pursuing creative writing, knowing where to study can make all the difference. We've pinpointed the best colleges for creative writing, with Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania leading the pack. These schools are just perfect for aspiring writers, offering vibrant communities and networks that can jumpstart any literary career.
In this article, we’ll explore why these colleges have earned their reputation and how they can help shape your writing journey.
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Exploring the Creative Writing Major
If you’re thinking about choosing a creative writing major, you're looking at a path that goes deep into the art of crafting compelling stories, poems, and more. Creative writing isn't just about writing what you know, it's about learning how to make people feel and experience your stories as if they were their own.
Creative writing courses are super diverse. You've got your classics like fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, but then there are courses on playwriting, screenwriting, and even digital media writing. Many programs throw in some electives, like literary analysis and the ins and outs of the publishing business. This means you get to pick and choose which direction to take.
Job prospects are pretty decent, too. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that jobs for writers and authors are growing at a steady pace — about 4% over the next decade. And while the average salary for writers was around $73,154 in 2022, those who can navigate the digital world often find themselves earning even more.
So, choosing a creative writing major is more than just prepping for a job; it’s about joining a community that shares your passion for words and possibly preparing to teach others. Whether your future holds bestselling novels or transformative marketing campaigns, the skills you gain will open doors to a variety of paths.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University’s Creative Writing program is all about helping students grow as writers. Located in Baltimore, a city known for its deep cultural history, this program provides a rich backdrop that fuels creativity. The courses go beyond traditional writing; they encourage students to explore a variety of literary styles and push the boundaries of how stories are told.
One of the best parts of the program is the workshop setup. Here, students get to work closely with experienced writers, receiving feedback and insights that help refine their writing skills. These workshops also bring in guest authors who share their experiences and give tips on everything from writing to getting published.
The program doesn’t just focus on crafting beautiful prose; it also teaches students how to handle the business side of writing, like getting published. Alumni from Johns Hopkins have gone on to publish books, win literary awards, and work in publishing and academia.
Jean McGarry
Ph.D.
Elliott Coleman Professor in the Writing Seminars
Mary Jo Salter
M.A.
Professor in the Writing Seminars
Dora Malech
M.F.A.
Assistant Professor in the Writing Seminars
Brad Leithauser
J.D., M.F.A.
Professor in the Writing Seminars
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the best creative writing colleges for students who love to write and want to get better at it. Located in Philadelphia, the program combines creative exploration with critical thinking, helping students develop their own writing style across different genres.
Workshops are at the heart of the program. These are sessions where students share their work and get detailed feedback from classmates and professors. It’s a supportive environment that helps budding writers fine-tune their skills and grow more confident in their writing.
The program also covers the broader literary world, offering classes on literature history, modern writing, and even the theory behind good writing. Students also get to meet and learn from successful writers through special readings and lectures.
Penn's program doesn’t just focus on writing itself but also prepares students for the real world of publishing. They learn about getting published, editing, and other essential skills needed to succeed after graduation. Graduates from Penn have gone on to publish their works, win awards, and take up important roles in the writing world.
Max Apple
Ph.D.
Full Professor
Julia Bloch
Ph.D.
Director, Creative Writing Program
Lorene Cary
M.A.
Senior Lecturer
Anthony DeCurtis
Ph.D.
Distinguished Lecturer
Columbia University
Columbia University's Creative Writing program is right in the middle of New York City, a major hub for writers and publishers. This program is well-known for its thorough and challenging approach that helps students polish their writing skills to a professional level.
Central to the program are the writing workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. These workshops provide a space for students to work closely with celebrated authors, sharpen their writing, and engage in deep discussions about writing techniques and styles. The atmosphere is supportive, encouraging students to grow as writers and critics.
Columbia also offers seminars that delve into the history of literature and modern theories about writing. These courses help students expand their understanding of literature and its role in society. The university frequently invites famous writers to give talks and readings, which serves as great inspiration and professional guidance for students.
The Creative Writing program also focuses on helping students prepare for real-world careers in writing, publishing, and teaching. Columbia graduates have a record of publishing important works and winning prestigious literary awards.
Richard Ford
M.F.A.
Professor of Professional Practice
Timothy Donnelly
M.F.A.
Professor of Writing
Leslie Jamison
Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Writing
Ben Marcus
M.F.A.
Professor of Writing
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
The Creative Writing program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is perfect for students who are serious about writing. Nestled in the vibrant arts scene of Ann Arbor, the program offers a lively and enriching experience that goes beyond the classroom.
At the core of the program are specialized workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. These classes are small, allowing for personalized guidance and detailed critiques from some of the best writers in the field. This supportive environment encourages students to experiment with their writing and develop their own style.
Students also take part in a broad range of literature courses that cover everything from the classics to modern works. This solid foundation in literary history helps deepen their understanding of the craft. Additionally, the program offers practical advice on navigating the publishing world, helping students prepare for a career in writing.
A unique aspect of studying at Michigan is the access to local literary events and guest lectures by renowned authors. These opportunities not only inspire but also offer practical insights into the literary world.
Laura Kasischke
M.F.A.
Fiction and Poetry Professor
Airea D. Matthews
M.F.A.
Assistant Professor
Cody Walker
M.F.A.
Lecturer
V.V. Ganeshananthan
M.A.
Assistant Professor in Creative Writin
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University's Creative Writing program is where technology meets art. Located in Pittsburgh, this program is perfect for students who are not only passionate about creative writing degrees but are also interested in how technology intersects with the arts. It offers a unique blend of creative writing skills and technological insight, setting students up for success in today's digital world.
At the heart of the program are the writing workshops focused on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. These workshops give students a chance to dive deep into their writing, sharpen their skills, and receive valuable feedback from experienced writers. The collaborative environment encourages students to explore and refine their styles.
Besides traditional writing courses, Carnegie Mellon offers classes that merge writing with technology and media. Students get to experiment with digital storytelling and content creation, which are essential skills in the modern media landscape.
The program also helps students get ready for the real world. Internships at local magazines, tech companies, and arts organizations offer hands-on experience and a chance to build a professional network.
Terrance Hayes
M.F.A.
Professor of English
Sharon Dilworth
M.F.A.
Associate Professor of English
Jane Bernstein
M.F.A.
Professor of English
Kevin González
M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of English
New York University
New York University's Creative Writing program campus is right in the middle of Greenwich Village, a legendary spot in Manhattan that’s long been a home for artists and writers. This is one of the best creative writing colleges for students who want to dive deep into writing surrounded by one of the liveliest literary communities in the world.
At NYU, the focus is on immersive creative writing workshops. Students get to sharpen their skills across different genres like fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and even screenwriting. These workshops are all about exploring your creative side, developing your unique voice, and learning from some of the best writers around.
The program also offers a wide range of literature courses that span from ancient classics to modern-day masterpieces, helping students get a broad understanding of literary history and styles. Plus, there are special seminars that tie writing to broader cultural, political, and historical contexts.
One of the biggest perks of studying at NYU is the access to internships. Thanks to its location in New York City, students can snag opportunities at top literary agencies, publishing houses, and major magazines, giving them a real taste of the professional writing and publishing world.
Zadie Smith
M.A.
Tenured Professor of Creative Writing
Anne Carson
Ph.D.
Distinguished Poet-in-Residence
Charles Simic
M.A.
Professor of Creative Writing
Nathan Englander
M.F.A.
Distinguished Writer-in-Residence
Northwestern University
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, has a Creative Writing program that really stands out for its unique blend of writing and interdisciplinary studies. It’s part of the prestigious School of Professional Studies and offers students a chance to dive into writing while also exploring how it intersects with other fields like psychology and sociology.
In this program, students work on their craft through specialized workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. These sessions aren’t just about writing better—they’re about finding and nurturing your personal creative style. Alongside these workshops, the program offers seminars that connect writing to broader social issues, helping students see how their words can impact the world.
Real-world experience is a big part of the learning at Northwestern. The program takes advantage of its close proximity to Chicago to offer students internships at media companies, cultural institutions, and nonprofits. These opportunities aren’t just great for building skills; they also help students make connections that can be crucial after graduation.
Chris Abani
M.F.A.
Board of Trustees Professor of English
Eula Biss
M.F.A.
Artist-in-Residence
Natasha Trethewey
M.F.A.
Board of Trustees Professor of English
Juan Martinez
Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
Brown University
Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, offers a creative writing program that really stands out because of how it's woven into the broader liberal arts education. Brown's famous open curriculum lets creative writing students pick and mix courses that fit their personal writing goals, mixing their passion for writing with interests in other areas like history or science.
The heart of Brown’s program is its small, interactive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. These workshops create a tight-knit community where students get loads of personal attention and encouragement from both faculty and fellow students. This supportive environment is great for getting deep feedback and trying out new writing styles.
What’s more, Brown brings in a bunch of visiting writers throughout the year for lectures and readings, giving students a chance to hear from and interact with well-known authors. Students can also get involved in literary journals or enter writing contests, which are fantastic ways to get noticed and start building a writing portfolio.
John Edgar Wideman
M.A
Professor Emeritus of Literary Arts
Monica Youn
J.D.
Lecturer in Literary Arts
Forrest Gander
M.A.
Professor of Literary Arts
Cole Swensen
M.F.A.
Professor of Literary Arts
Washington University in St. Louis
At Washington University in St. Louis, the Creative Writing program is well-regarded for helping students flourish as writers within a lively cultural community. Set in a city with a strong literary tradition, the program offers students a mix of in-depth writing practice and professional development.
What makes WashU's program special is how it weaves rigorous literary courses with hands-on workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. These workshops are small and intimate, providing plenty of personalized guidance from experienced authors. Students are encouraged to mix different genres, which sparks creativity and leads to unique pieces of writing.
WashU also hosts the Distinguished Writers Series, where famous writers visit to read their work and talk about the writing life. This is a fantastic way for students to gain insight from successful authors and to ask questions that can influence their own writing journeys.
Beyond just improving their writing, students at WashU get practical experience by working on the university’s literary magazine, learning about publishing, and participating in community projects. These activities are great for building a solid resume and expanding professional networks.
Marshall Klimasewiski
M.F.A
Associate Professor of English
Mary Jo Bang
M.F.A.
Professor of English
Danielle Dutton
M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of English
Kathryn Davis
M.F.A.
Senior Writer-in-Residence
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College offers a creative writing program that truly embraces the liberal arts spirit. Located in the serene town of Hanover, New Hampshire, the program gives students a picturesque backdrop that's as inspiring as the classes themselves.
In Dartmouth's creative writing program, students can easily combine their writing interests with other academic passions, whether that's exploring historical narratives or diving into cultural studies. This integration makes for richer, more nuanced storytelling.
Workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction are central to the curriculum. These intimate sessions are about more than just honing writing skills; they offer a chance for students to receive direct, constructive feedback from experienced authors and to develop their own distinctive literary voices.
Dartmouth also enriches the academic experience with a robust lineup of literary events. These include readings and talks by visiting authors, which not only provide inspiration but also practical insights into the literary world.
Alexander Chee
M.F.A.
Associate Professor of English
Joshua Bennett
Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing
Cleopatra Mathis
M.F.A.
Professor of Creative Writing
Mindy Ohringer
M.A.
Visiting Lecturer in Creative Writing
To Sum Up
You can't go wrong with the best schools for creative writing programs like Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and Dartmouth College. These places aren't just about learning to write; they're communities where you can really grow as a writer, thanks to their amazing programs and supportive environments.
And if you're looking to polish up those college application essays, EssayService is here to help. We offer personalized writing services that can take your essays from good to great, making sure you stand out in the application process.
FAQs
Which College Has the Best Creative Writing Program?
Johns Hopkins University is one of the best options for creative writing. With great workshops and supportive faculty, it's a top choice for students serious about improving their writing.
Where Is the Best Place to Study Creative Writing?
Columbia University in New York City is an ideal spot for creative writing. You’ll be in a city full of literary culture, with access to top publishers and inspiring events.
What Is the Best Degree for Creative Writing?
An MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing is the best degree for those who want to focus on developing their writing skills and exploring different genres.