Program Overview

English (Creative Writing) Program

Overview

The Department of English offers students a curriculum that is central to twenty-first century education. One of the largest degree programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, the major allows students to emphasize either "Literature, Media & Culture," "Creative Writing" or "Editing, Writing & Media." Students may also pursue other specialized programs such as Honors in the Major or independent courses of study.

Description of Major

The major teaches students how to get more from what they read and achieve more with what they write. It contributes to critical thinking, to the student's knowledge of human culture, and to an understanding of poetry, fiction, drama, film, and non-fiction as cultural artifacts that are fundamental to other bodies of human knowledge such as philosophy, history, religion, psychology, classics, and modern languages. In addition to its primary benefit of intellectual and empathetic growth, the English major also offers practical preparation for professional careers in teaching, professional writing, law, medicine, business, religious affairs, all levels of government service, and all aspects of the creative economy.

Admission Requirements

• To be admitted, students must complete at least 52 hours of credit with an adjusted GPA of 2.00 on FSU coursework, and at least half the required hours in General Education, including all freshman English and mathematics, or an AA.
• Prospective transfer students should contact the Arts & Sciences Admissions with specific questions about admission and mapping requirements.

Prerequisite Coursework

• Complete the following with a C minus grade or higher:
  • ENC X101 (3) Freshman Composition and
  • ENC 2135 (3) Freshman Writing, Reading and Research
• Or six (6) semester hours of English (ENC) coursework in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level English skills through multiple assignments.

Requirements for Graduation

• The College of Arts and Science requires proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level.
• Major Program of Studies at FSU: (36 hours)
  • Thirty-six semester hours of English in courses at the 2000 level and above.
  • At least twenty-one semester hours must be in courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels, including at least nine semester hours at the 4000 level.
• Minor Coursework: (12 hours minimum)
  • At least 12 hours in an approved minor.
• Digital Literacy: (0-3 hours)
  • Undergraduate majors in English satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C minus" or higher in a University approved Digital Literacy course.
• Oral Communication Competency: (0-3 hours)
  • Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly.

Concentration in Creative Writing

Undergraduate Curriculum and Requirements

• CORE REQUIREMENTS 12 HOURS
  • ENG2012: Intro to English Studies
  • ENC3310: Article and Essay Technique
  • CRW3110: Fiction Technique
  • CRW3311: Poetic Technique
• ADVANCED WRITING WORKSHOP 6 HOURS
  • ENC 4311: Advanced Article and Essay Workshop
  • CRW 4120: Advanced Fiction Workshop
  • CRW 4320: Advanced Poetry Workshop
  • ART4935C: Advanced Graphic Novel Workshop
• PRE-1900 LITERATURE 3 HOURS
  • ENL: 3210, 3334, 4112, 4122, 4161, 4171, 4218, 4220, 4230, 4240, 4251, 4311, 4333, 4341
• LITERATURE ELECTIVES 9 HOURS
  • (Students must complete three courses at 2000+ level)
  • AML, ENL, or LIT Prefix
• ENGLISH ELECTIVES 3 HOURS
  • (Students must complete one course at 2000+ level)
  • AML, ENL, LIT, CRW, ENC or ENG Prefix
• CAPSTONE - 3 HOURS
  • ENG 4934: Senior Seminar Capstone in English

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary

• Min. Hrs. Required: 120
• General Education: 36
• Major Coursework: 36
• Minor Coursework: 12 minimum
• Other Coursework: 0-12 (depending on foreign language placement)
• Digital Literacy: 0-3
• Oral Competency: 0-3
• Electives to bring total hours to 120

Employment Information

• Salary Information:
• Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Writer, Press Relations, Teacher, Critic, Personnel Officer, Archivist, Lawyer, Editor/Editorial Assistant, Researcher, Investigator, Administrative Officer, Reporter, Technical Writer, Management Trainee, Public Relations Specialist, Speech Writer, Legislative Assistant, Trainee, Information Specialist.
• Representative Employers: Local School Boards; Universities, Colleges, Junior Colleges; Businesses; Publishers of Magazines, Newspapers, Books. An English major can qualify for a variety of positions in Education, State and Federal Government, and private industry and business. English majors are attractive to employers because of their classroom training in analysis, research, and interpretation, and because they are expected to be able to communicate effectively in print and in speech.

International Opportunities

• International study is available for all students and may include opportunities for internships or taking course work towards various majors and minors. International study may have an impact on the MAP; therefore, it is important to consult with the academic advisor before participating.