B.A. in Creative Writing

Program Overview

The B.A. in Creative Writing at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit undergraduate program. It is designed to immerse students in the craft-based discipline of creative writing, rooted in the study of literature. The program's core goal is to help students develop their individual creative voice and approach writing as an experiential craft that encourages idea exploration. With a strong emphasis on community and one-on-one mentorship from active, published faculty, the program seeks to broaden existing areas of interest rather than funneling students towards a singular aesthetic. It prepares graduates for diverse professional writing careers or for advanced study in the creative arts, focusing on the authenticity and integrity of their public voice.

Curriculum: The 120-credit curriculum for the B.A. in Creative Writing at New England College includes 56 credits dedicated to the Creative Writing major, 42 credits for the Liberal Arts & Sciences core curriculum, and 22 elective credits. Core Creative Writing courses typically include "Introduction to Creative Writing," "Reading as Writer," and "Senior Seminar and Topics." Students engage in genre workshops such as "Fiction Workshop," "Poetry Workshop," and "Creative Nonfiction Workshop," with opportunities for advanced workshops in these areas. The curriculum also incorporates literary studies through courses like "Survey of American Literature" and "Topics in Literary Movements," as well as "Contemporary Literature Electives." This blend ensures students gain analytical, critical, and creative skills, developing an informed practice of craft grounded in historical and theoretical knowledge.

Research Focus: The B.A. in Creative Writing at New England College primarily focuses on the practical application and development of writing craft rather than traditional academic research for a thesis. The program's goal is for students to "approach creative writing as a craft-based discipline rooted in the study of literature and writing," enabling them to produce original works. While students engage in the "study of literature and writing" and gain "analytical, critical, and creative skills," this is geared towards informing their creative practice. Faculty research interests, such as creative nonfiction and memory narrative, hybridity, contemporary American poetry, and feminist literature, reflect the ongoing engagement with literary and theoretical ideas that inform the workshops and discussions within the program.

Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in Creative Writing program demonstrates industry engagement by aiming to prepare students for "a professional writing career." The curriculum is designed to be "knowledge-based, experiential," with faculty who are "published and active in their field" and dedicated to one-on-one mentorship, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The program offers "hands-on and individually guided practicum opportunities" and encourages students to explore the "professional applications of creative writing." While specific industry partnerships are not extensively detailed, the emphasis on developing a "public voice" and gaining "the perspective to effectively pursue a career as a professional writer" indicates a strong focus on preparing graduates for the demands of the publishing and broader writing industries. NEC's The Henniker Review, an annual literary publication, also provides a direct avenue for students to engage with the publishing process.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Creative Writing at New England College implicitly incorporates a global perspective through its engagement with diverse literary traditions and contemporary works. While there isn't a specific course titled "Global Literature" or "Global Creative Writing" detailed in the core curriculum, the study of literature and various writing genres inherently involves exploring narratives and voices from different cultures and regions around the world. The program aims for students to "explore the world through your own unique style and voice," which naturally encourages an awareness of diverse human experiences and global issues that can serve as inspiration for creative work. Furthermore, the broader skills developed, such as critical thinking and effective communication, are universally valuable in an increasingly interconnected global society.