UMass Boston

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Creative Writing Minor

Express Your Creativity & Develop Your Writing Skills.

Are your favorite classes the ones that foster creative expression? Do you dream of being a writer? Consider pursuing a minor in Creative Writing.

UMass Boston’s Creative Writing Minor program is designed for students interested in writing fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Through this program, you’ll connect with a creative writing community to foster your writing skills. The curriculum provides hands-on training, giving you the guidance you need to develop and shape your skills to the full extent of your talent. 

Once you complete the program, you’ll open the door to careers like writer, author, editor, literary agent, and writing instructor.

Expand Your Studies

How to Apply/Declare

Current Undergraduate Students: Declare or change your minor by completing an Undergraduate Program Add/Change form.

Prospective Undergraduate Students: Apply for admission to UMass Boston by completing an application. Start by reviewing the first-year and transfer application pages for important information about requirements, deadlines, and application status checks. Use the links below to apply: 

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Curriculum

Creative Writing Courses (12 Credits)

Take four courses from the list below. At least two must be advanced workshops.

  • ENGL 210 - Introduction to Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 211 - Creative Writing: Poetry 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 212 - Creative Writing: Fiction 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 300 - Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop 3 Credit(s)
  • THRART 251 - Playwriting I 3 Credit(s)
  • THRART 275L - Introduction to Screen and Television Writing 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Workshops:

  • ENGL 301 - Advanced Poetry Workshop 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 302 - Advanced Fiction Workshop 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 303 - Advanced Special Topics in Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 304 - Creative Writing for Children’s Literature 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 306 - Advanced Nonfiction Writing 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 496 - Creative Writing Honors Seminar 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 497 - Creative Writing Honors Thesis 3 Credit(s)

Literature Foundation Course (3 Credits)

Take one course from the list below.

  • ENGL 200 - Introduction to Literary Studies 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 201 - Five British Authors 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 202 - Six American Authors 3 Credit(s)

English, American, or Transnational Literature Courses (6 Credits)

Take two 300-level (or higher) English courses in English, American, or transnational literature excluding ENGL 300 to 302, 306 to 308, 457 to 459, 475 to 477, and 496 to 499.

Completion Requirements

Complete 21 credits from seven courses, including four creative writing courses at the 200-level or higher, one literature foundation course, and two English, American, or transnational literature courses at the 300-level or higher.

Minimum grade: No courses with a grade below C- may be applied toward the minor.
Pass/fail: No courses taken pass/fail may be applied toward the minor.
Residency: At least six courses for the minor must be completed at UMass Boston.

Contact

Eve Sorum, PhD, Department Chair
Wheatley Hall, 6th Floor, Room 2
617.287.6753
Eve.Sorum [@] umb.edu

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Next Steps

Declare or Change Your Minor Request Info About UMass Boston Undergraduate Admissions