Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing & English New England campus experience
Program Overview Why get a creative writing and English degree on campus?
Unleash your creativity with Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English. Here, you'll start taking creative writing courses beginning your first year, unlike many other undergraduate writing programs. Whether you're interested in writing, editing, publishing or a completely different path, this campus-based program will provide you with career-relevant skills and a supportive network of peers and faculty members.
Skills you'll learn:
- Writing and editing techniques
- Literary analysis and critical-thinking
- Application of storytelling elements
- Literary form, genre, structure and style
- Use of genre conventions and techniques
- Professional portfolio building
Courses & Curriculum Write your story with on-campus creative writing and English courses
In your classes, you'll analyze literary form, genre, structure and style to learn how to create your own unique voice. And you can get experience in a variety of genres here, ranging from fiction and nonfiction to drama and screenwriting. At SNHU, many of our students are strengthening their skills outside of the classroom, too. By joining the Creative Writing Club or working on the student-run literary journal, The Manatee, they're getting real-world experience. Some might also write for and edit the school paper, The Penmen Press, or work as a writing tutor on campus. No matter how you get involved, you'll also be learning through on-campus writing events, including readings and Q&As with published (and even bestselling) writers.
Interested in learning in an online environment? This same curriculum is offered through SNHU's online creative writing degree.
Campus creative writing & english degree concentrations
Looking to specialize your degree? SNHU offers 2 concentrations for the BA in Creative Writing & English degree.
The BA in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Fiction is ideal for students wanting to focus on building worlds, characters and conflict. With this concentration, you'll be able to hone in on a specific genre, including literary, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, mystery, thriller/suspense, horror and western. You can choose to write short stories or chapters to a novel-length work. Plus, having a concentration also opens additional opportunities to apply to MA or MFA creative writing programs.
Courses may include:
- Fiction Writing Workshop
- Genre Writing Workshop
- Advanced Creative Writing
The BA in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Nonfiction is ideal for students who wish to focus their storytelling and research skills through narrative and informative writing. You'll be able to write in a variety of genres, including personal essays, literary journalism, food writing, travel writing, nature/environmental writing and interviews. You can choose to write shorter works or longer memoirs in this program. By concentrating in nonfiction, students may have additional opportunities to apply for an MA upon completion of the BA.
Courses may include:
- Nonfiction Writing Workshop
- Brave New Worlds: Writing for a Better World
- Advanced Creative Writing Seminar
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty bring with them decades of knowledge and experience in the writing and publishing industry, which informs the development of SNHU's courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Lizbette Ocasio-Russe 
Position
Assistant Professor
Joined SNHU
2024
Education
- PhD in Humanities, Creative Writing (Fiction) from the University of Texas at Dallas
- MA in English Literature from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras
- BA in Journalism and Romance Languages from New York University
Dr. Lizbette Ocasio-Russe teaches creative writing, composition and literature courses. Prior to SNHU, she worked as a co-editor at The Switchgrass Review, as well as in multiple teaching positions at universities such as Texas A&M University, Texas Wesleyan University and the University of Texas at Dallas. She has been awarded FTSCA Research Engagement funding for her creative writing project "(Non) White Passing" and was listed on Lambda Literary's "July's Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Books" list in 2023.
David Moloney
Position
Associate Professor and Coordinator, Creative Writing
Joined SNHU
2018
Education
- MFA in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University
- BA in English/Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts Lowell
David Moloney is an associate professor of English/creative writing at Southern New Hampshire University, having joined the faculty in 2018 as an assistant professor. Prior to SNHU, he worked as a mental health counselor, corrections officer and facilitator for changing lives through literature. He holds his Master of Fine Arts in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a BA in English/Creative Writing from University of Massachusetts Lowell.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Creative Writing & English curriculum.
Campus general education courses
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Apply now if you’re ready, and have your decision within 30 days. Or, schedule a visit and come see us in person!
Career Outlook What can I do with a creative writing and English degree?
This campus-based creative writing major helps prepare you for a career in creative writing, publishing, journalism, communications, law and many other professions. You can also consider continuing your education with a graduate program, such as SNHU's low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Fiction and Nonfiction Writing.
Career paths include:
- Author
- Editor
- Copywriter
- Journalist
- Screenwriter
- Speechwriter
Increase in writer and author job openings through 2033, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Median annual salary for writers and authors as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
Here, you'll learn from faculty members who are critically acclaimed writers and who understand the industry. You can spend your classroom and one-on-one time with publishers, agents and editors, while participating in readings, book signings and networking events with bestselling authors and poets. Creative writing workshops are at the heart of this BA program. You can choose 3 genre workshops and an advanced workshop in which you'll write a senior thesis in a genre of your choice, such as fiction, poetry, nonfiction or scriptwriting.
Student support
At SNHU, you don’t have to do this college thing alone. You’ll have help from your advisor, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity and Campus Accessibility Center make campus a safe place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With an average class size of 15-25 (depending on your major) you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our collaborative partnerships with high schools enhance academic opportunities and college accessibility for some high school students.
Hear from us
Sara Howe, Professor of English
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm (viewed Oct. 1, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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