B.F.A. or B.A. concentration in Creative Writing

Studying Creative Writing immerses students in both celebrated literature and the craft of writing original works. Through this program, students actively explore fiction, poetry, essays, plays, and screenplays.

As they progress, students develop a strong understanding of key literary elements and sharpen their creative skills. At the same time, they gain insight into the discipline, focus, and imaginative energy that shape a writer’s life and work.

 As you study Creative Writing, you will actively experiment with a variety of creative forms, techniques, and styles. Along the way, you will develop a unique creative voice across literary genres, gain advanced skills in a chosen area, and recognize the value of writing expertise in diverse mediums, contexts, and professional environments.

A BFA or BA concentration in Creative Writing will prepare you to:

  • Read closely and critically, while engaging texts with creativity and originality
  • Write with clarity, eloquence, and artistic purpose
  • Understand a broad range of literary terms, genres, forms, periods, theories, and authors
  • Analyze creative works within distinct historical, cultural, biographical, formal, and theoretical frameworks
  • Explore how writing and literature deepen, complicate, and transform the human experience
  • Produce original, polished writing projects

The BA degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing (36 credits) offers a strong option for students who want to develop their writing skills while pursuing a second major or minor. Many Creative Writing students also choose to study disciplines such as Art, Theatre, or Music; Art History; Psychology; Communication; History, Religion, Philosophy, or Political Science. They also explore interdisciplinary fields like Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies or Race and Ethnic Studies.

This BA program combines a solid foundation in literary studies and critical analysis with the flexibility to specialize in a specific genre. Through a sequence of intermediate and advanced Creative Writing courses, students refine their craft. Likewise, they deepen their understanding of both literature and the creative process.

The BFA in Creative Writing (48 credits) is designed for students aiming to pursue graduate study or careers in writing, editing, or publishing. This program offers more extensive and holistic advanced training, along with focused professional development. As a result, students graduate well prepared for writing-related fields in publishing, editing, public service, or informal teaching.

The program culminates in the Senior Creative Writing Project. During their final year, students work closely with an English faculty member to develop and complete a substantial manuscript. This capstone experience allows students to refine their craft and gain hands-on experience in producing original creative work.

If you’re a current Otterbein student and interested in pursuing the BFA in Creative Writing, you’ll need to submit a creative portfolio. Typically, students apply after their first or second year in the program.

To be considered for the following academic year, you must submit your portfolio by May 15. Send your completed application materials via email to Tess Schwarz at tschwarz@otterbein.edu.

Once submitted, the Creative Writing faculty will review your work carefully. You can expect to receive a notification regarding your acceptance by mid-May.

Portfolio Content & Formatting Guidelines

To ensure your portfolio meets submission requirements, please follow the formatting guidelines outlined below:

· Begin with a title page that includes your full name and student ID number

· Next, number all pages except the title page

· Additionally, include your last name with each page number (e.g., “Fitzington – 2”)

· Then, choose your strongest creative writing in at least one of the following genres:

Poetry

  • Submit 5 to 10 pages of poetry
  • Use single spacing
  • Start each poem on a new page

Fiction or Creative Non-Fiction

  • Submit 6 to 10 pages of prose
  • Use double spacing
  • If submitting multiple pieces, start each on a separate page

Playwriting

  • Submit 10 to 20 pages of original script

Note: If you’re submitting work in more than one genre, your combined page count should not exceed 25 pages in total.

Want More Details? Check the Catalog

For more information on the BFA in Creative Writing, including curriculum and academic policies, visit the Otterbein University Catalog.

If you’re a current student, make sure to reference the catalog from the academic year when you first enrolled. This ensures you’re following the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your degree.

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. Students read broadly across a variety of periods, genres, forms, movements, cultures, and media. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
2. Students read closely and interpretively to extract and construct meaning; attend to structures and strategies of texts; and participate in a community of readers. Multi-literate, Engaged
3. Students produce clear, graceful, fluent writing that is attuned to context, audience, purpose, and genre conventions. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
4. Students approach inquiry by asking complex questions, analyzing component parts, and researching, using, and crediting sources effectively. Engaged, Inquisitive
5. Students engage with and expand social, political, and cultural understanding, articulating both self-awareness of cultural bias and understanding multiple and complex perspectives. Engaged, Responsible
6. Students engage creative thinking by taking risks, embracing contradictions, connecting and combining unlikely materials, and transforming knowledge. Engaged, Inquisitive
7. Students demonstrate initiative and independence in engaging experiences and contexts beyond the classroom (such as publications, internships, or other immersive literary opportunities) and becoming lifelong learners. Engaged, Responsible

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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