Creative Writing

What does it mean to major in Creative Writing?

Majoring in creative writing to earn the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree means engaging your creativity at an intense level. Students learn the fine craft of writing, but in the process learn how to be better readers and develop a critical eye. The major allows for the study of several genres, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and nonfiction. The study of creative writing requires close reading of literary works, discussion and critique of peers’ work in workshop settings, and the development of creative writing techniques and strategies. Creative Writing serves students who wish to improve their writing, communication, and analytic skills, as well as strengthen their imaginative and expressive faculties.

There is a separate application for creative writing. More details are found on the Department of English website.
The degree sheet gives the specific requirements and a sample 4-year curriculum plan.

Minor in Creative Writing?

Students complete 6 courses that include creative writing courses in English and some approved electives taught outside of the Department of English. Choices of courses include workshop courses in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting.

Why is UM a good place to major in Creative Writing?

The University of Mississippi has a rich history of storytelling. From William Faulkner and Rowan Oak to the spectacular writers teaching in the writing program like Beth Ann Fennelly, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, and Tommy Franklin, University of Mississippi offers experience and mentorship for young writers. Oxford is a town full of writers, and with institutions like Square Books and annual events like the Oxford Conference for the Book, there is always a steady stream of contemporary writers coming through town to inspire students.

What can Creative Writers do after graduation?

Graduates have the potential to not only go on to graduate studies in writing, but also into editing and publishing careers as well as advertising, marketing, technical writing, and many other professions outside the academy. A BFA in Creative Writing offers students experiences that are useful for any profession and are pivotal for meaningful participation in a thriving economy and society.

Get prepared for professional and graduate school or for a wide variety of careers in law, business, journalism, education, marketing and communications, professional and creative writing, entertainment, information technology, editing and publishing, medicine, public relations, politics, activism, and more. Students explore diverse representations of human experience and ultimately learn how language shapes the world.

For more information

Dustin Parsons
Creative Writing Program Director
Bondurant Hall C-128
(662) 915-7439 | djparson@olemiss.edu