Students may apply to major in creative writing. Admission to the creative writing major is competitive, based on a manuscript of creative work from ENGLISH 206-0 Reading & Writing Poetry, ENGLISH 207-0 Reading and Writing Fiction, or ENGLISH 208-0 Reading & Writing Creative Non-Fiction. The major offers an apprenticeship in the writing of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. A strong literature component and a course in the history and culture of lit­erary production anchor the writing within a context of general literacy.

The department accepts applications to the creative writing major early each spring. First year students may not apply.

Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.

NOTE: This Catalog describes Weinberg College BA requirements that pertain to students who matriculated at Northwestern after spring quarter 2023. Refer to the Archives if you are following BA requirements described in the 2018-2019 through 2022-2023 editions.

Honors in Creative Writing

Creative writing majors who are completing the yearlong theory and practice sequence in poetry, fiction, or creative non­fiction and who have kept up with their other writing major requirements may apply to the honors program. Applications are submitted early in spring quarter of junior year. Over fall and winter of the senior year, admitted students enroll in ENGLISH 399-0 Independent Study and work one on one with a faculty mentor to complete a significant writing, creative media, or literary translation work (ENGLISH 399-0 does not count toward requirements for the major). Students whose projects and grades meet department criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors. For more information see the director of creative writing or a creative writing adviser, visit the department website, and see Honors in the Major.