Creative Writing

Why Creative Writing at Valpo?

In our bachelor of arts in creative writing, you’ll hone storytelling across fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and digital media, equipping you for writing-focused careers and creative industries.

Learning goes beyond the classroom to help you bring your creative and analytical talents to life. From contributing to professional-quality publications like The Lighter, Valpo’s student literary magazine, The Torch, Valpo’s student-led newspaper, and Valparaiso Fiction Review, to engaging in immersive internships, you’ll gain firsthand experience that sets you apart in the professional world. These opportunities allow you to refine your craft, build your portfolio, and develop a versatile skill set that opens doors in writing, editing, publishing, and more.

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About Our Creative Writing Program

The creative writing major and minor at Valparaiso University offer the opportunity to develop your voice across fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and digital media. Through hands-on experience with campus literary publications, students refine their craft and gain experience for careers in writing and creative fields.

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General Information

Creative Writing Major

Major Requirements (Minimum 33 Credits)
ENGL 180	Gateways to Interpretation, Experience	3 Cr.
ENGL 201	Introduction to Creative Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 492	Seminar in Creative Writing	3 Cr.
One course from the following options:
ENGL 260	Cross-Cultural Narratives	3 Cr.
ENGL 360	Cross-Cultural Engagement: English Studies	3 Cr.
Three courses from the following options:
ENGL 323	Short Story Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 324	Poetry Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 325	Creative Nonfiction	3 Cr.
One of the following options:
CVA 472	Screenwriting	3 Cr.
ENGL 326	Playwriting	3 Cr.
One course from the following options:
ENGL 370	Modern and Contemporary Fiction	3 Cr.
ENGL 372	Modern and Contemporary Drama	3 Cr.
ENGL 375	Modern and Contemporary Poetry	3 Cr.
One course from the following options:
ENGL 210	Introduction to Business & Professional Writing-WIC	3 Cr.
ENGL 296	Traditions of Giving and Serving in American Life	3 Cr.
ENGL 311	New Literacies, Technology, and Cultures of Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 440	Multimedia Writing and Design	3 Cr.
ENGL 486	Internship in English	0.5 Cr.
CVA 230	Graphic Design	3 Cr.
Six additional credits from English courses numbered 200 or above

Creative Writing Minor

Minor Requirements (Minimum 15 Cr.)
ENGL 201	Introduction to Creative Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 492	Seminar in Creative Writing	3 Cr.
At least two courses selected from the following options:
ENGL 323	Short Story Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 324	Poetry Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 325	Creative Nonfiction	3 Cr.
One of the following options:
CVA 472	Screenwriting	3 Cr.
ENGL 326	Playwriting	3 Cr.
At least one course from the following options:
ENGL 370	Modern and Contemporary Fiction	3 Cr.
ENGL 372	Modern and Contemporary Drama	3 Cr.
ENGL 375	Modern and Contemporary Poetry	3 Cr.

Upcoming Admission Events

November 14

9:30 am

Valpo Preview Day

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Writing Center

The Writing Center offers individual peer consultations and workshops on writing to support undergraduate and graduate students in their development as writers.

Judith l. beumer writing center

English Department

Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty members are well-educated, experienced, and versatile. We have areas of scholarly specialization and publish in our fields, yet teach, with equal facility, introductory courses and more advanced courses in language and literature. Many of us have been nominated for or received teaching awards; our classes tend to be small, student-centered, and discussion-based.

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