PROGRAM GUIDE | COURSE DESCRIPTIONS | FACULTY | SCHEDULE OF COURSES | MINOR PROGRAM GUIDE
Read about students in the creative writing program.
Nurturing Writers
Students who are passionate about writing can develop their interests at Point Park University through hands-on workshop classes and literary seminars. Undergraduates can pursue a creative writing major or a minor working in a variety of genres including:
Student Profile
Read a Q&A and watch a video interview with English/creative writing major Jesse Padjune.
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- Creative Nonfiction
- Fiction
- Poetry
Craft-Oriented Workshops
The creative writing program offers a series of workshop courses in which students focus on practicing and refining their craft. The seminars, from introductory to advanced, are based on the production of creative work and constructive feedback from faculty and fellow students. The workshops are the hallmark of Point Park’s writing program and are designed specifically for the University’s creative student population.
Undergraduates in the creative writing program will also take a slate of diverse literature courses so that they may constantly be engaging the life of a literary text at every point -- from the first draft's raw inspiration to the published work's ongoing vitality, apart from its author's vision or context. Students must complete one course in the form and theory, culture and tradition of creative writing. Students in the major will also complete a capstone seminar in which they write a 30-40 page manuscript in their selected genre.
More Hands-On Experience
Point Park offers students in the program rich opportunities for practical experience. In addition to the craft-oriented workshops, the University hosts a literary artists club and regularly welcomes nationally known authors to lecture and work with its writing students.
Students in the creative writing program:
- Analyze important works in the genres they study;
- Define the most important elements of genres they study;
- Apply their understanding of creative genres by writing their own creative works;
- Refine their voices as writers; and
- Prepare to pursue an MFA degree or a career in the arts or other profession.
Course Offerings
You will receive a well-rounded education through Point Park's core curriculum and classes in your major. Some of the courses in the English/creative writing program include:
- Creative Nonfiction Workshop
- Major American Authors
- Fiction Workshop
- The English Novel
- Poetry Workshop
For a comprehensive list of program requirements and course descriptions, see the program guide and School of Arts and Sciences course descriptions. Students can also choose to minor in English/creative writing.
Career Opportunities
With a degree in English/creative writing, you will have the option to pursue various career opportunities, such as:
- Poet
- Author
- Writer
- Publisher
- Columnist
- Playwright
Point Park Writers' Series
The Department of Humanities and Human Sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences hosts Writers’ Series events on campus each year. These events include public lectures and master classes in the areas of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Learn more.