B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in Creative Writing
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Creative Writing at Lycoming College is designed for students who are passionate about the art of writing and eager to develop their skills in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and other forms. The program integrates intensive workshop experiences with a solid foundation in literary study, encouraging students to marry their creative passions with a robust intellectual curiosity. It aims to cultivate graduates who are not only skilled writers but also astute readers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators, prepared for diverse professional paths or advanced study in creative writing.
Curriculum: The Creative Writing curriculum is built around hands-on workshops and rigorous literary analysis. While specific course numbers may vary, the program typically requires students to take foundational courses in literary study (e.g., covering various periods like American, British, Classical, or African American literature) alongside dedicated creative writing workshops. Students explore a wide variety of genres, from poetry and fiction to creative nonfiction. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, critical discussion, and collaborative writing workshops where students serve as both creators and careful critics of each other's work. The program culminates in a senior portfolio, showcasing their best creative work, and may also involve a capstone seminar or thesis project.
Research Focus: Research is deeply embedded within the Creative Writing program at Lycoming College, though it often manifests differently than in traditional scientific disciplines. Students engage in extensive literary research to inform their creative work, delving into literary traditions, forms, and the cultural contexts that shape storytelling. They learn to analyze existing works critically and to understand the "craft" of writing through close study. Opportunities exist for students to conduct independent research projects, often in conjunction with the Humanities Research Center (HRC), which supports student-faculty collaboration and scholarship. Students are encouraged to submit their work to the college's literary journal, The Tributary, and may also present their creative or critical research at undergraduate conferences.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its Creative Writing students. The program provides numerous opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. These include internships with literary agencies (such as a recent internship at Folio Literary Management), publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets. Students can also gain valuable experience working on The Tributary, Lycoming's student journal, or contributing to the school newspaper, The Lycourier. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) provides dedicated career advising and connects students with these crucial internship and professional development opportunities. The faculty, many of whom are published authors, offer direct mentorship and insights into the publishing world.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is intrinsically woven into Lycoming College's Creative Writing program through the study of diverse literary traditions and the exploration of universal human experiences across cultures. The curriculum often includes courses that delve into global literature, exposing students to varied storytelling forms and cultural narratives. Lycoming College actively encourages and supports global learning experiences, offering a wide array of study abroad programs in over 100 locations, including programs specifically focused on writing and literature (e.g., the IES Abroad Dublin Writers Program). These opportunities allow students to immerse themselves in different cultural contexts, drawing inspiration for their creative work and broadening their understanding of the interconnected global literary landscape. The presence of a diverse international student body further enriches classroom discussions.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Creative Writing from Lycoming College provides graduates with a highly adaptable and valuable skill set that extends far beyond traditional authorship.
Copywriter / Content Creator: This is a highly sought-after role in marketing, advertising, and public relations. Graduates craft compelling and engaging content for websites, social media, advertisements, brochures, and email campaigns to promote products, services, or brands.
Editor / Proofreader: With a strong command of language, grammar, and style, graduates can work in publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, or for digital platforms, reviewing and enhancing written work for clarity, accuracy, and impact.
Journalist / Reporter: The research, interview, and storytelling skills developed in creative writing are highly transferable to journalism. Graduates can work as reporters, feature writers, or columnists for print, online, or broadcast media, focusing on diverse topics.
Technical Writer: These professionals translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and easy-to-understand documents, such as instruction manuals, user guides, and online help content for software, hardware, or scientific products.
Public Relations Specialist: Leveraging their ability to craft persuasive messages and manage narratives, graduates can work to build and maintain a positive public image for organizations, individuals, or brands through media relations, press releases, and strategic communication.
Screenwriter / Playwright: For those focused on narrative for visual or performative mediums, a creative writing degree provides the foundational skills for developing scripts for film, television, theatre, or video games.
Grant Writer / Fundraising Specialist: Non-profit organizations and academic institutions rely on skilled writers to secure funding. Graduates can research funding opportunities and write compelling proposals to persuade donors and foundations.
Social Media Manager: The ability to craft engaging and concise messages, understand audience engagement, and tell stories visually is essential for managing an organization's social media presence and developing content strategies.
Literary Agent / Publishing Assistant: For those interested in the business side of books, graduates can work for literary agencies, scouting new talent and helping authors secure publishing deals, or assist editors in publishing houses with manuscript review and production.
Educator (K-12 or ESL): With additional certification, a creative writing degree can lead to teaching English or creative writing at the secondary school level. It also provides an excellent foundation for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) both domestically and internationally.
