Creative Writing

Our Creative Writing program offers courses in a variety of genres: creative nonfiction, fiction, play/screenwriting, and poetry. The curriculum includes a study of literature and emphasizes experimentation to help students find and develop their interests, their skills, and ultimately, their ownniche.

Our Readers Series brings to campus several successful authors each year for public readings, classroom visits, and workshops. CW students are encouraged to pursue publication of original work both by submitting for print publication and participating in readings—and opportunities abound.

Our literary publication, Zephyrus, is produced by and for WKU students; numerous writing contests (including the English Club’s Goldenrod Poetry Contest and a genre-rotating contest accompanying the annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing) are offered each year; and the campus and larger community offer a variety of venues for readings, from coffeehouse open-mic nights to more formal occasions, like our annual Senior Reading.

The CW major requires either a second major or a minor, and we invite students to use that requirement to their advantage by selecting one which will contribute directly to their aspirations, whether that may be a career plan (since almost every career field has a place for skilled writers) or a discipline which will better equip them for a specific writing pursuit. Naturally, the CW program—like all other English majors—also offers opportunities to study abroad.

Incoming, prospective creative writing majors may apply for the special Creative Arts Scholarship.

To become a creative writing major or minor, click here.

CW Major Flyer

CW Major Worksheet / CW Four-Year Sample Plan

The English major (reference # 662) with a creative writing concentration requires a minimum of 39 hours and leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor or second major is required.

CW Minor Flyer

CW Minor Worksheet

The English minor (reference # 348) in creative writing requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. In consultation with the advisor, creative writing students should consider taking at least one of the electives in contemporary literature.

Honors

In cooperation with the Dixie and Pete Mahurin Honors College, the Department of English offers a number of courses designed to challenge and reward honors-eligible students studying English. Fostering a sense of community among outstanding students, the English honors courses also facilitate graduate school admission and job placement. Participants enjoy opportunities for discussion and instruction in small classes, as well as for independent research and membership in Sigma Tau Delta--the International English Honor Society. Additionally, English majors who choose to write a six-credit-hour Honors Thesis may apply three of those credit hours toward their upper-division English electives. For information, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Rice, English Honors Advisor (jeffrey.rice@wku.edu).

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