2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
    Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog

Creative Writing, B.A.


Working closely with dedicated faculty members, students in this department hone their ability to think and read critically, reason persuasively, and write eloquently. Through exploring a constantly evolving range of course offerings, English majors learn the methodologies and vocabularies appropriate to literary study; contemplate the forms and purposes of literary art in a variety of periods and cultures; and investigate the intersections between English and many other disciplines.

The English Department also fosters a culture of curiosity and intellectual endeavor, as well as respect for a variety of cultures and intellectual approaches, through advising, internships and service learning, study abroad, and extracurricular programming. Students who pursue optional creative writing courses balance critical study with creative endeavor, learning the history and forms of literary art as apprentice practitioners.

Workshop Courses


Choose at least four Create Writing Workshop courses using the following guidelines.

  • At least one course must be at the 200-level, numbered ENGL 201-215.
  • At least two courses must be at the 300-level, numbered ENGL 306-309.
  • One course may be at either the 200 or 300-level.

Literature Courses


Choose at least four Literature courses based on the following guidelines.

  • One may be at either the 100- or 200-level.
  • One must be at the 200-level, numbered 216 to 299.
  • At least two must be at the 300-level, numbered 310 to 399.
  • At least one must also be designated literature before 1800 (included in the below list)
  • At least one must also be designated Countertraditions (incuded in the below list)

Internship


Students must complete either ENGL 453 - Internship in Literary Editing with Shenandoah  or an approved relevant summer experience or internship in an appropriate field.

Capstone


Students must complete ENGL 413 - Senior Research and Writing  or, if approved for an honors thesis and a total of eleven required courses, two ENGL 493 - Honors Thesis  courses.

Total Major Requirements 30 Credits