English - Creative Writing

About the Program

The Creative Writing Program balances writing practice and literary study in the context of a liberal arts education. Students work closely with our faculty of published writers and often have the opportunity to work with other renowned writers as part of the SMSU Visiting Writers Series. The flexibility of the program allows students to choose courses which suit their needs, goals, and interests. Specific courses are chosen by students with the advice and approval of their advisors and the Director of Creative Writing. Senior creative writing majors are required to enroll in the one-credit Senior Portfolio Workshop during the Fall Semester of their final year. This is an excellent area of study for those interested in double-majoring. English majors have their own lounge, the Holm & Dacey Lounge, which houses a lending library of books and literary magazines.

An English with Creative Writing Emphasis Major should...

Students should read a broad spectrum of classic and contemporary literature, as well as have experience writing fiction, poetry, personal essays, and/or dramatic scripts.

Activities

• The Spur (SMSU student newspaper): a chance for students to practice writing for the campus audience
• Writing Center: upper-class students are eligible to become tutors
• Scholarship/Mentorship: allows students to work one-on-one with SMSU faculty while receiving tuition reimbursement
• Perceptions: a literary and arts journal for students to have their works published
• The English Club: students attend regional and national writing conferences, as well as plan writing-related events
• Readings and Open Mic Events: students may read their own writing or hear the writing of nationally-known writers
• Marshall Festival: opportunities to see numerous readings, panels, and discussions with regional and nationally-known authors, as well as volunteer to work in various aspects behind-the-scenes
• Creating Spaces: students serve as the first-tier judges for an annual creative writing contest for 3rd to 12th grade students in the 18-county region

Clubs & Organizations

• The Spur (SMSU student newspaper)
• Perceptions Literary and Arts Journal
• The English Club
• Forensics

Visit Catalog

• Bachelor of Arts: English with CW emphasis

Career Opportunities

• Teaching
• Editing and publishing
• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Freelance Writing
• Technical writing for businesses, non-profits and government

Contact Information

English Program - Office

BA 221, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

• Telephone: 507-537-7155
• Fax: 507-537-6815
• Email: epshdept@smsu.edu