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Creative Writing

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Creative Writing?

As a Creative Writing major, you’ll learn how to develop your own individual voice. You'll also learn to produce original works in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Coursework consists of creative writing classes, and classes in English, history, and culture. Small writing workshops that focus on giving and receiving feedback will teach you to communicate your ideas to others. You’ll also develop your skills in these areas:

  • Creativity
  • Analysis
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving 

Career Options

  • Arts administration
  • Communications
  • Creative writing
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Library & information science
  • Media
  • Publishing

Post-Graduation Success1

80% employed or continuing education

60% employed after graduation

18% attending graduate school

2% volunteering

$39,000 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, School of Labor and Employment Relations, University of Illinois at Chicago, College Of Dentistry, XciteSteps View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of California, Irvine, University of San Francisco View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

93% first-year retention rate

72% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $34,280
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,770

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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