Program Overview

English — Creative Writing

The English — Creative Writing program at UMKC is designed to balance coursework, workshopping, and internships, providing students with both technical knowledge and practical experience. As a creative writing student, you will gain the tools and practice needed to tell effective stories across all genres.

Program Details

• Program Type: Major
• Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
• Standard credit hours: 120
• Delivery Mode: In-person
• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $49,344

Why UMKC

• Hands-on industry experiences through editorial internships on campus
• Opportunities to publish your work
• Award-winning instructors who are nationally recognized faculty

After Graduation

A degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing equips individuals with strong communication, storytelling, and analytical skills. Graduates often pursue careers as writers and authors, developing content across various media platforms, including books, film, television, journalism, and digital media.

Potential Careers

• Author
• Screenplay writer
• Playwright
• Median salary/year: $52,319

Potential Courses

• The Craft of Creative Writing: Discover the key techniques imaginative writers use and develop your skills at writing and reading multiple genres.
• Advanced Screenwriting: Draft, revise, and workshop a short film screenplay by implementing advanced theory in screenwriting and using industry standard script analysis.
• Publication Practicum: Gain practical knowledge of magazine layout, design, and writing by evaluating manuscripts, proofreading, editing, and managing social media for New Letters Magazine.

Related Programs and Pathways

• English — American Studies (Major)
• English — Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Literature (Major)
• English — Rhetoric and Writing emphasis (Major)
• English (Minor)
• English — B.A./M.A. (Major, Master's)
• English (Master's)
• English (Doctorate)

How to Apply

1. Gather your materials:
   • Official transcripts
   • Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
   • Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
   • ACT/SAT test scores (optional)
2. Complete the online application:
   • No application fee for domestic undergraduate students
3. Check admissions requirements:
   • Some programs have specific admission requirements.

Application Dates

• To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by June 15, Classes begin in August
• To Start Classes in Spring: Apply by Nov. 15, Classes begin in January

Estimated Tuition Per Semester

• Resident Rate: $6,168
• Heartland Rate: $9,063
• Nonresident Rate: $16,090