Creative Writing

In the University of the Arts' Creative Writing program, it all begins with the story. The BFA in Creative Writing provides you with an unmatched opportunity to focus on the craft of writing in an inspiring and unique artistic environment. Young writers of poetry and short fiction collaborate with musicians and illustrators, filmmakers and graphic designers, sculptors and actors. Our artistically diverse community and dynamic city provide a spark for your imagination.

What makes us different: writing as an art
Taught in small workshop-style classes, the BFA in Creative Writing is an immersive, rigorous major devoted to the craft of writing. You choose one of two areas of concentration – Fiction or Poetry – but also have ample opportunity to sample diverse craft seminars in subjects including Arts Criticism, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, Screenwriting and the Graphic Novel.

Our Creative Writing faculty includes working novelists, short story writers, and poets, including the founding editor of The American Poetry Review, one of the nation's oldest and most respected literary journals, housed at the University of the Arts. Rich on-campus opportunities for Creative Writing students include interning at APR, working on the University's popular student magazine Underground Pool and collaborating with other student artists. You can also take advantage of the Visiting Writers Series, a lively and ongoing student reading series, and the vibrant literary life in downtown Philadelphia.

What can graduates do with a Creative Writing degree?
The strong writing and reading skills acquired through a BFA in Creative Writing at the University of the Arts will not only prepare students for careers as professional writers of fiction or poetry and the pursuit of graduate study, but also equip them for a range of creative fields including editing, publishing, public relations, comic book-writing, reviewing and writing for the web.

Photo above by Spencer Starnes '13 (Film/Video).