Introduction
So, you’ve decided to become a writer. Brave. Noble. Poor. But hey, someone has to write the next great novel, Netflix pitch, or very long passive-aggressive email. The question is: do you need a degree in creative writing to do it? And if so, which one won’t crush your soul or your bank account?
Creative writing degrees are on the rise—mostly because there are more people than ever who’d rather write emotionally damaged characters than become emotionally damaged consultants. The good news? There are tons of programs. The bad news? There are tons of programs.
This guide is your compass through the chaos. Whether you’re 18 and full of dreams or 28 and full of regret, we’ll walk you through what these degrees offer, how to choose one, and what life looks like on the other side. Spoiler: it might involve writing ad copy for a yogurt brand. But hey, at least it’s your copy.
What Is a Creative Writing Degree?
It’s basically Hogwarts, but instead of spells, you learn how to write stories that make people feel things—hopefully on purpose.
Creative writing programs usually cover fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction. You’ll spend an absurd amount of time in workshops, editing your work, pretending you’re totally cool with criticism, and reading things your classmates wrote about birds. Lots of birds.You’ll also take classes in structure, dialogue, character development, and how not to abuse the em dash.
Two main flavors:
- On-Campus Programs: Real classrooms, awkward group readings, and professors with glasses older than your grandparents.
- Online Programs: Learn from home while still wearing pajamas and existential dread.
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How to Choose the Right Program (Without Crying)
This is a Big Decision™, so let’s pretend we’re adults and do a little research.
- School Clout: Some schools (hello, Iowa) have reputations so strong they practically hand you a book deal.
- Professors: If they’ve only published in their personal blog, run.
- Genre Focus: Some places are all about literary fiction; others lean into screenwriting or poetry. Pick your poison.
- Industry Access: Do they help you network? Or will they leave you to figure out LinkedIn like a sad millennial?
- Alumni Outcomes: Are they published? Paid? Sane?
- Tuition: Writer = broke. Look for scholarships or befriend someone with a trust fund.
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Places Worth Looking At:
- Turkey: Istanbul Bilgi University, Kadir Has University
- USA: University of Iowa, Columbia University
- UK: UEA, University of Edinburgh
Again, use your brain. Or at least Google.
What Jobs Can You Actually Get?
Let’s bust a myth: Not everyone with a creative writing degree becomes a starving artist. Some are just regular artists who freelance.
Here are some places you might end up:
- Publishing: Editing, agenting, rejecting other people’s dreams.
- TV & Film: Screenwriting for shows your parents pretend to like.
- Marketing: Ads. Jingles. Copy that makes people buy stuff they regret.
- Content Creation: Blogs, YouTube, TikToks, oddly specific listicles.
- Education: Teaching others to write bird poems.
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People Who Made It (So There’s Hope):
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Went to Johns Hopkins & Yale, now owns bookshelves across continents.
- Ece Temelkuran – Turkish author, international speaker, and proof you can write AND be respected.
68% of grads land writing-related work within two years. The rest? Unclear. Possibly baristas. Possibly bestselling baristas.
Online vs On-Campus: Who Wins?
The ancient duel continues. But really, it’s about what you need.
| What You Want | Online | On-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Flexibility | Absolutely | Nope |
| Networking | Hit or miss | Stronger |
| Immediate Feedback | Not really | Yep |
| Fashion Standard | Pajamas | Quirky scarves |
| Costs | Usually cheaper | Usually painful |
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Final Thoughts
Look, this whole creative writing thing isn’t just a degree.
But it also means taking yourself seriously. Choosing a program that’ll challenge and support you. Getting feedback. Editing. Rewriting. Crying. Editing again.
Whatever your plan—local university or faraway Zoom room—just start. Email schools. Ask questions. Read the fine print. Stalk the professors (ethically).
And maybe, someday, someone will read your story. And feel something real.
Go. Research. Enroll. And write like your dreams depend on it.