At the University of Chicago, undergraduate and graduate students can select from several program options that give them an opportunity to pursue creative writing. Undergraduate English majors can take creative writing courses and submit a project in order to receive an honors designation in creative writing. Non-English majors can minor in English and creative writing; the minor requires students to take six courses and submit a portfolio of creative writing work. At the graduate level, the university offers a master's in humanities with a concentration in creative writing; students in the master's program complete a thesis in poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction.
The University of Chicago
1115 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
773-702-8512
creativewriting.uchicago.edu
Northwestern University offers a master of arts and master of fine arts in creative writing, with concentrations in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Both degree programs are available to students on a part-time basis. Students attend workshops and can have their work published in the university's literary journal. Completion of the master's degree can qualify graduates to teach writing at the college level. Internships in publishing are also available to students. Applicants to the graduate program should have solid academic preparation in English or writing. They must submit a writing portfolio and critical essay as part of the admission process.
Northwestern University
School of Continuing Studies
339 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-3008
312-503-6950
scs.northwestern.edu
The master of fine arts program in creative writing at Chicago State University requires students to take workshops in creative nonfiction, fiction and African-American literature. Graduates are qualified to teach creative writing. They must submit a thesis and put on a public reading of their work, which can be a novel, collection of short stories or volume of poetry. Applicants should have completed 18 hours of undergraduate credit hours in English and need a GPA of 3.0 or better. Students submit transcripts, test scores and recommendations, along with a creative portfolio, which is the most important part of the application, according to the program's website.
Chicago State University
Division of Graduate Studies
9501 South King Drive, LIB338
Chicago, IL 60628
773-995-2000
csu.edu
Columbia College Chicago offers three graduate programs in creative writing. The MFA in fiction requires students to complete a book-length manuscript and take courses in writing, critical reading and thesis development. The MA in teaching writing prepares graduates to teach creative writing at the high school and college levels. Students in the MA program submit a thesis and take courses in writing, teaching and language issues in the classroom. Students who want to write and teach have the option of completing the MA program and taking 24 additional credits of courses for a combined MFA degree. Prospective students submit 30 pages of fiction or expository writing, such as essays or professional writing samples. Applicants do not need an undergraduate degree to apply, but may need to take more critical reading courses if they have not studied English at the undergraduate level.
Columbia College Chicago
600 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-369-7130
colum.edu