Skip to main content
Creative Writing student outside creating new literature

Undergraduate Major Creative Writing & English (BA)

Tell Your Story with a Creative Writing Major from SNHU

Unleash your creativity with Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English.

This undergraduate creative writing major prepares you for a career in creative writing, publishing, journalism, communications, the law and many other professions, as well as graduate programs such as the university's low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Fiction and Nonfiction Writing.

Plus, creative writing courses begin during freshman year, unlike many other undergraduate writing programs.

Many English majors are involved in the Creative Writing Club, and work on the student-run literary journal, The Manatee, or write for and edit the school paper, The Penmen Press. There are also opportunities to work as a writing tutor and attend writing events throughout the year, including readings and Q&As with published (and sometimes bestselling) writers.

See Yourself Succeed as a Creative Writing Major

Learn from faculty members who are critically acclaimed writers and who understand the industry. Spend classroom and one-on-one time with publishers, agents and editors, and participate in workshops, readings, book-signings and networking events with bestselling authors and poets.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your creative writing major at SNHU include:

  • Supportive community. Join the SNHU college campus community of fewer than 3,000 students, with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
  • Affordability. It’s our mission to make higher education more accessible. That’s why, SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire. 
  • Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands.
  • Opportunity. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities.
  • Campus experience. Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine.

Internships & Outcomes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 9% through 2030.1 Specific job titles include:

  • Writer/author
  • Literary agent
  • Publisher
  • Manuscript reader 
  • Editor

Get a leg up before you graduate. Publishing opportunities include the student literary journal, The Manatee; the University's national journal, Assignment; high-profile magazines and literary contests. Join the Creative Writing Club and the New Hampshire Writers' Project - the only statewide literary organization for writers of all levels and genres, which is housed on our Manchester campus.

Curriculum

Four creative writing workshops are at the heart of this BA program. Choose three genre workshops followed by an advanced workshop in which you'll write a senior thesis in a genre of your choice, such as fiction, poetry, nonfiction or scriptwriting.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Career

SNHU's bachelor's in creative writing and English program includes:

  • General education
  • Degree-specific courses

General Education Program

Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:

  • Writing
  • Communication
  • Analysis
  • Problem solving

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.

Two campus students using their laptops to complete school work

Campus Undergraduate Tuition

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Related Articles

A man with a communications degree at a podium in front of an audience giving an oral presentation.

What Can You Do with a Communications Major?

If you're interested in careers ranging from media relations, marketing, human resources, corporate communication and more, a communications degree may be the best choice for you. By developing your ability to communicate information clearly, you'll equip yourself with the skills for these careers.
A copywriter writing in a notebook at her desk at a marketing agency.

How to Become a Copywriter

Copywriting is an art and a science: Each and every word choice can make or break the entire message you are sending to your audience. To become a copywriter, you can consider earning a degree such as marketing, communications or creative writing and start building a portfolio of your work.
A professional at a white board, presenting the different jobs for master's in communication graduates to a man in a conference room.

Why Study Communication? Jobs for Master's in Communication Graduates

If you're looking to advance or shift your career and already have your bachelor's degree, moving forward with a master's may be your next step. A master's in communication offers you a more focused education, preparing you to achieve more personal and professional goals.

References