vcu creative writing minor

Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success

College of Humanities and Sciences

The Department of English teaches students to see their worlds with clarity and respond to them with sensitivity, through reading, writing, and critical thinking. Students gain the knowledge and skills to participate actively and conscientiously in the twenty-first-century global culture and the professional workplace. The Department fosters the deep reading of the traditional Anglophone canon as well as the literatures of diverse cultures and under-represented voices, it cultivates an appreciation of their aesthetic features and social functions, and it studies the crafts of creative and professional writing. By engaging in multiple media, learning a wide variety of rhetorical practices, and writing and editing academic and creative texts, students gain skills in critical and creative thinking increasingly recognized as essential by employers. Students are prepared to participate in their historical and cultural moment, to speak with authority about the literatures of the past and present, and to produce substantial creative and professional communication of their own.

Students have the option to pursue minors in creative writing or professional writing and editing. Students also have the opportunity for meaningful experiential learning, whether through internships, independent studies, or pursuit of the department’s Distinguished Majors program.

A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers lists written communication skills as the single most desirable attribute any employer seeks. Similarly, Google’s Project Oxygen revealed the seven top characteristics of success at Google are all soft skills cultivated by humanities degrees including communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, particularly those with different values and points of view, and being able to make connections across complex ideas. An undergraduate degree in English provides exactly those skills.

Additionally, a degree in English is good preparation for graduate study in English, as well as other areas such as, law, education, public administration, or business. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative for most careers related to non-profits, education, law and business. Gain experience in fundraising and grant writing techniques. Nonprofit and educational organizations are often funded in this manner. Part-time and summer jobs, internships, and volunteer positions are critical to gaining the experience and skills that employers seek.

• Fundraiser  
• High School Teacher
• Human Resource Specialist
• Library Technician
• Proof Readers and Copy Markers
• Public Relations Specialist
• Reporters and Correspondents
• Research Assistant
• Social Media Coordinator
• Staff and Legislative Assistant
• Technical Writer
• Advertising Executive
• College Professor or Administrator
• Director of Communications
• Public Policy Specialist
• Association of American Publishers
• International Association of Professional Writers and Editors
• Modern Language Association
• National Council of Teachers of English
• Society for Technical Communication

English, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

English, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's

• Quantitative Foundations requirement only
• Natural Sciences requirement only
• To declare: none To graduate: 2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA
• View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Maximize course and degree planning.

• Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
• Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
• Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
• Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center .
• Complete UNIV 111, 112, and 200 with grades of C or higher.
• Consider taking foreign language and math during the first year as well as ENGL 301.  

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

• Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
• Consider applying to the Honors College .
• Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
• If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council .
• Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
• Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond ’s many museums and parks.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

• Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
• Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
• Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
• Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 .

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
• Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader .
• If eligible, consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake .
• Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
• Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

• Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
• Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services , make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
• Explore “ What Can I Do With This Major ” to learn about employers in your field of study.
• Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
• Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor .
• Attend departmental events on internships and careers for English majors.
• Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center .
• Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide .
• Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
• Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
• Complete a 202-level foreign language or pursue two additional English courses at the 200-level.
• Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
• If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association .
• Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
• Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
• Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
• Join a student club like the Creative Writing Club.
• Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
• Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship .
• Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses .
• Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
• Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
• Choose to take one of the English department’s literature of diversity courses.
• Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
• Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
• Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
• Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
• Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
• Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
• Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
• Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
• Continue to attend departmental events on internships and careers for English majors.
• Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning .
• See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
• Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces , services, and research help .
• Continue to be aware of the ENGL area requirement each semester.
• Attend Course Fair and see your English advisor at least once each semester.
• Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council , or state legislative sessions .
• Design a community-engaged research project.
• Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
• Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU .
• Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.  
• Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
• Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals .
• Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
• Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
• Choose upper-division classes to develop a deeper knowledge of global regions.
• Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
• Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram .
• Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
• Pursue an internship with Blackbird , the English department's online literary journal.
• Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue. 
• Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
• Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
• Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship .
• Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
• Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
• Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
• Combine everything you've learned in your major by taking your senior seminar, ENGL 499. 
• Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps , Literacy Lab , Richmond Teacher Residency , or AmeriCorps.
• Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
• Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization .
• Challenge yourself through an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity. 
• Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
• Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
• Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
• Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
• Build intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus.
• Attend Cultural Graduation Ceremony.  
• Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR , which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
• Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
• Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity .
• Reflect on your skill-building experiences and document them in your resume.
• Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter .
• Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
• Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

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Creative writing courses at VCU?

just moved to richmond for an ad agency in the area. i was thinking about enrolling in a creative writing course (specifically fiction/short stories), and i was wondering if anyone had any good experiences with that! like what courses/teachers to look out for. thanks!

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Undergraduate degree programs

Minors and certificate programs, teacher preparation, educational goals, academic advising, graduation requirements.

The College of Humanities and Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees in the following areas (selected concentrations are indicated):

• African American Studies – B.A.
• Anthropology – B.S.
• Biology – B.S.
• Chemistry – B.S.
• Economics – B.S.
• English – B.A.
• dual languages
• Forensic Science – B.S.
• Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies – B.A.
• Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science – B.S.
• History – B.A.
• International Studies – B.A.
• media production
• public relations
• applied mathematics
• biomathematics
• general mathematics
• mathematics
• operations research
• secondary teacher preparation
• ethics and public policy
• philosophy and law
• philosophy and science
• Physics – B.S.
• Political Science – B.A.
• Psychology – B.S.
• Religious Studies – B.A.
• professional science
• Sociology – B.S.

Information concerning curricula is given in the individual program descriptions.

In addition to a major, a student may elect a minor area of study in any program or department offering such a program. The minor can be used to fulfill career needs or serve as a means for the student to study a discipline of secondary interest.

Students interested in pursuing a minor should discuss their intentions with their advisers or the chair of the major department. When the student decides on a minor, a change of major/minor form must be completed in the Office of the University Registrar. When the student files for graduation, the student must complete the minor application along with the graduation application.

Courses for the minor should be chosen from courses approved by departments offering minors in their areas. Generally, students cannot minor in the same area as their major.

A minor designation on the transcript requires a minimum of 18 credit hours and a minimum 2.0 GPA must be achieved in the minor. Prerequisites for courses are stated under course descriptions.

Detailed descriptions of each minor and certificate program appear in this bulletin.

Minors are offered in the following areas:

• African American studies
• American studies
• anthropology
• Asian and Chinese studies
• British studies
• creative writing
• European studies
• gender, sexuality and women’s studies
• history of science, technology and medicine
• international social justice studies
• Italian studies
• Latin American studies
• LGBT+ and queer studies
• media studies
• Middle Eastern and Islamic studies
• nonprofit management and administration
• philosophy of law
• political science
• professional writing and editing
• public management
• religious studies
• Russian studies
• world cinema

Undergraduate certificates are awarded in the following areas and levels:

• Spanish/English translation and interpretation (baccalaureate certificate)
• statistics (post-baccalaureate undergraduate certificate)

Students in the College of Humanities and Sciences can apply to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program sponsored jointly with the School of Education. This program awards both a bachelor’s degree from the College of Humanities and Sciences and a master’s degree from the School of Education. Students who successfully complete this program will be certified to teach in early childhood, middle or secondary education.

Additional information on this five-year program is available at the School of Education’s Office of Student Services in Room 3106, Oliver Hall, or by calling (804) 827-2670. A more thorough description of this program is found under the “School of Education” section of this bulletin and in the extended teacher preparation handbook available from the School of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning or the College of Humanities and Sciences dean’s office.

Information about VCU students’ performances on the state-mandated licensure tests (Praxis I: Reading, Writing and Mathematics and Praxis II: Specialty Area Tests) is available on the School of Education website: soe.vcu.edu .

The ultimate goal of a liberal arts education is to help students develop the abilities to think and continue their learning. These skills will aid students as they take their places in a world dominated by change. These abilities also will aid students in their future endeavors as they encounter problems, whether in their personal or professional lives or in their communities. Graduates of the College of Humanities and Sciences are broadly educated, not simply trained, allowing them to function as understanding participants in events rather than as spectators or even victims of those events.

To achieve this goal, the faculty of the College of Humanities and Sciences has identified the following specific requirements.

• Students should write well, organize their ideas, support them and communicate them clearly and effectively.
• Students should reason logically and be able to quantify experiences.
• Students should have knowledge of the fundamental ideas and methods of the natural sciences.
• Students should be able to analyze ethical conflicts.
• Students should have an understanding of literature and the other arts.
• Students should have knowledge of American heritage and those of other cultures, along with an introduction to a foreign language.
• Students should have a basic knowledge of human behavior and social, political and cultural institutions.

All freshmen majoring in areas offered within the College of Humanities and Sciences are advised through University Academic Advising. Please refer to the “Undergraduate study” section of this bulletin for further information on the first-year advising program . After attaining sophomore standing, students within the College of Humanities and Sciences receive academic advising from within the department or school of their majors. The advising system for each department and school varies somewhat; however, each student is assigned an adviser according to their program of study. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the educational and career-planning assistance provided by their assigned advisers. Ultimately, students are responsible for understanding all university and college requirements needed to earn a degree and for seeking out academic advising on a regular basis. The academic advisers provide assistance with interpreting policies, requirements and regulations, maximizing academic success, and enriching the overall undergraduate educational experience.

All baccalaureate degree programs in the College of Humanities and Sciences require students to complete a minimum of 120 credits. No more than four of those credits can be physical education/activity courses. See program descriptions for exact number of major credits (30 credit minimum) and elective courses to complete the total required 120 credits. For students majoring in a four-year bachelor’s degree program within the College of Humanities and Sciences (including students in the pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-veterinary and extended teacher preparation program classifications), there are three areas of requirements that must be completed for graduation:

• University general education requirements (see departmental major sections for any additional ancillary requirements)
• Departmental major requirements
• Electives to complete the total of a minimum of 120 credits

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Department of English

College of humanities and sciences, mfa in creative writing.

Our selective and academically rigorous 48-credit, three-year program is designed to provide talented writers with the opportunity to work closely with both outstanding faculty and gifted peers.

Students will strengthen their craft, develop their literary aesthetics, enrich their understanding of existing traditions and compositional possibilities, and participate actively in the life of the literary community at large.

The primary tracks are poetry and fiction, and admission is highly competitive. In addition to the poetry and fiction workshops, there are courses available that focus on writing drama, nonfiction, and screenplays, as well as courses that provide practical experience in editing.

The basic requirements to complete the MFA degree program are simple and straightforward, and include 12 semester hours of writing workshops, 12 hours graduate literature courses, and six to 12 hours of thesis work. Thesis hours enable students to produce a substantial creative writing thesis, a requirement of graduation.

Concentrations

In addition to completing a thesis, fiction students will learn effective approaches for creating sustained works of fiction distinguished by a nuanced use of appropriate narrative elements, techniques and conventions and will demonstrate a highly developed proficiency in understanding and creating story structures.

Degree Details

Learning Outcomes

How to Apply

Students in the poetry concentration will gain skillful use or knowledge of major poetic devices and classic poetic forms in addition to completing a thesis.

We have expanded creative nonfiction/CNF work and created the new dual genre concentration to allow our MFA students to formally add CNF to their academic concentrations.

Program Highlights

Increased financial support.

Graduate assistantship stipends have greatly increased, and now range from $14,000 up to $22,000 a year (plus tuition waiver). All current full-time MFA students are funded.

Teaching Opportunities

Assistantships not only offer teaching opportunities in writing and rhetoric coursework, but also undergraduate creative writing classes as well.

Travel Funding

We have newly established travel stipends for MFA students for summer writing conferences and study abroad travel, as well as yearly travel funding and registration waivers for students attending the annual AWP conference.

Assistantship Options

Assistantship assignments also include the opportunity to coordinate VCU’s national literary awards , including the Cabell First Novelist, Levis Reading Prize, and Tarumoto Prize in short fiction.

Dual Genre Concentration

Independent study and internships.

We offer three-year course requirements that enable MFA students to design up to six credits of independent study and six credits of professional internships, including opportunities to work in electronic publishing (editorial, web design, digital sound editing, and more) via the program’s nationally prominent online literary journal, Blackbird .

Small Workshops

We boast an excellent 4 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Our program has nine full-time MFA faculty and approximately 30 graduate students.

Coursework Options

We have additional and regular offerings in screenwriting, form and theory coursework , and literary editing/publishing seminars.

Active Authors

Every one of our full-time faculty members has a recent or forthcoming book publication .

Faculty Specialties

We have recent faculty hires in both fiction and creative nonfiction.

A polished, book-length creative thesis is the capstone project of the MFA curriculum. Assessment of learning outcomes are conducted through a comprehensive review of each student’s thesis by the student’s thesis director and second reader (always a member of the MFA faculty ). In addition, to determine each student’s comprehension of the literary antecedents and cultural contexts of their work, and to evaluate the written and oral articulation of personal aesthetics, an exit interview (or in some cases, a traditional “thesis defense”) will be conducted by members of the MFA faculty.