Edward Bulwer-Lytton once wrote "The pen is mightier than the sword," meaning that the written word holds more power than a weapon ever could. Students at creative writing colleges harness the power of the written word by writing short stories, plays, longer works, and poetry. This develops their craft for careers in publishing, advertising, journalism, and education. Some students who study at colleges with creative writing programs also go on to work in legal careers.

The Craft of Creative Writing
In creative writing colleges, students take workshops, attend readings, and participate in both writing, critiquing, and having their work critiqued. Students will often, at the undergraduate level, study poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction to get an overview of all aspects of creative writing. At the graduate level, students choose an area to specialize in. Colleges with creative writing programs also require undergraduate creative writing students to take a core curriculum of subjects like science, mathematics, and social science.

Some students who study at creative writing colleges go on to teach creative writing at the secondary school level. A teaching certificate is required to do so. Others may choose to go on to graduate school for an advanced degree that will allow them further study and the ability to teach creative writing. With an undergraduate degree, creative writing college students can work in journalism, publishing, advertising, and other careers.

Write Your Own Career Ticket
Creative writing colleges prepare students for the rigors of writing compelling and creative copy for a variety of careers. In advertising, for instance, creative writers can develop ad concepts and write scripts that will compel viewers to buy their client's product. In publishing, creative writing college graduates may put their knowledge of genres to the test while reading submissions and editing manuscripts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers like public relations specialists are growing at a rate above the national average for careers. However, competition for entry-level positions can be steep, so it's important to distinguish yourself with ancillary experience like internships and working on college publications. Meanwhile, the job outlook for aspiring writers, editors, and screenwriters shows a competitive market that is experiencing average growth.

Public relations specialists earn a median income of $51,280, with some professionals earning about $30,000 on the low end. Writers earn a median income of $64,560, with larger salaries being drawn in the motion picture industry and by independent writers and editors.

Colleges with creative writing programs offer students a chance to learn the technical aspects of creative writing, which can be applied to a variety of careers. Students study the various parts of poetry such a meter and rhythm. Additionally, they learn about aspects of fiction writing such as character development and theme. Students also learn about revision techniques, self-editing and the writer's process. Courses of study at colleges with creative writing programs may also include foreign language study, internships and immersion programs to get a hands-on feel for a writer's life.

Creative writing colleges offer a variety of bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programs. There are also some certificate programs available in publishing.

Are you ready to embark on a challenging path of study in a creative writing college? Find programs near you today.