Overview of Boston University Creative Writing
Boston University (BU) offers creative writing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels through the College of Communication and the College of Arts and Sciences. These programs emphasize craft development, critical feedback, and professional practice in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scriptwriting. Students join workshops, literary journals, and public readings while learning from working writers and scholars. This overview outlines program structure, coursework, faculty expectations, admissions considerations, and common outcomes for graduates pursuing writing-centered paths.
Program Levels and Offerings
BU creative writing pathways include a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing within the College of Arts and Sciences, a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Creative Writing within the College of Communication, and graduate options such as the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Undergraduates take foundational courses in craft, genre, and form, then advance to workshops and electives tailored to their interests. Graduate students engage in advanced seminars, one-on-one mentoring, and a sustained thesis project. Both tracks stress revision, peer collaboration, and sustained practice across multiple genres.
Undergraduate Tracks
The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and the BS in Communication with a creative writing concentration differ in general education requirements and internship options. BA students typically focus more on literature and studio courses, while BS students integrate media, journalism, and communication studies. Shared experiences include small workshops, portfolio development, and opportunities to publish in student-run literary magazines. Electives in digital storytelling, translation, and interdisciplinary projects allow students to tailor their creative focus.
Graduate Curriculum and Thesis
Graduate programs center on a thesis manuscript—often a collection of stories, poems, or a novel in progress—guided by faculty advisors. Workshops function as laboratories for experimentation, with structured feedback fostering growth. Candidates also study craft theory, publishing industries, and professional practices, preparing them for teaching, editorial roles, and independent创作. Graduates emerge with a polished portfolio, public reading experience, and a network of mentors and peers.
Notable Faculty and Visiting Professionals
Boston University creative writing instructors include published novelists, poets, essayists, and screenwriters who balance teaching with professional work. Many lead public readings, advise literary journals, and mentor independent studies. Visiting writers and industry professionals frequently conduct lectures, workshops, and residencies, providing students direct access to contemporary practices and diverse career paths. This combination of full-time faculty and visiting artists supports a living, evolving literary community within the university.
Workshops and Mentorship
Workshops emphasize craft techniques, narrative structure, voice, and revision across fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students submit manuscripts for group critique, learning to give and receive precise, constructive feedback. Faculty mentorship extends beyond the classroom through office hours, individual conferences, and guidance on submitting work to journals and contests. These relationships help writers refine projects, build confidence, and make informed decisions about publication and further study.
Admissions and Application Process
Undergraduate applicants submit high school records, standardized test scores (where optional), essays, and recommendation letters, with creative writing supplements to demonstrate commitment and originality. Graduate candidates typically provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample or portfolio. Competitive programs seek students with evidence of serious engagement, curiosity, and persistence. Deadlines vary by term, so planning ahead is essential for completing auditions, interviews, and supplemental materials.
Portfolio and Writing Sample Tips
Strong writing samples show clear voice, technical control, and thoughtful revision. Applicants often submit several polished pieces in one genre or a mixed portfolio with a coherent through-line. Concise, error-free prose or poetry, with attention to structure and imagery, helps reviewers understand the applicant’s potential. Following submission guidelines—word limits, formatting, and deadlines—signals respect for the program and supports a fair evaluation.
Curriculum and Skill Development
The curriculum balances studio practice with theory, history, and professional skills. Students study narrative techniques, point of view, dialogue, setting, and research methods, while exploring how form shapes meaning. Courses in literature, editing, publishing, and digital media broaden perspective and career readiness. Collaborative projects, internships, and public readings build real-world experience, helping writers translate classroom work into audience-facing projects.
Genres and Interdisciplinary Options
BU creative writing supports work in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scriptwriting, with electives in areas like translation, graphic narrative, and digital storytelling. Interdisciplinary tracks connect writing with film, performance, law, and public policy, encouraging hybrid forms and innovative projects. This flexibility allows students to pursue personal interests while maintaining a clear creative focus and professional trajectory.
Career Outcomes and Professional Pathways
Graduates pursue careers as authors, poets, editors, journalists, educators, and content strategists, often combining roles in publishing, education, and media. Many build freelance practices, join literary organizations, or continue to MFA or professional programs. Alumni networks, internships, and faculty connections open doors to internships at presses, magazines, and media outlets. While outcomes vary, BU creative writing prepares writers to communicate clearly, think critically, and sustain long-term creative practices.
Paths, Stipends, and Residencies
| Pathway | Typical Stipend/Income Range (indicative) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistantships (Graduate) | $15,000–$35,000 per year | Tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for instructional support |
| Publishing Internships | Often unpaid or modest stipend | Editorial, marketing, and production experience in presses and media orgs |
| Arts Administration & Grants | $30,000–$50,000+ | Roles in cultural institutions and literary organizations |
| Freelance Writing & Content | Highly variable; project-based | Rates depend on niche, experience, and client budget |
| Full-Time MFA-Funded Programs | Stipend + tuition waiver (if funded) | Competitive programs often provide support for 2–3 years |
How to Choose the Right Program
Evaluate programs by faculty, alumni publications, workshop culture, location, and opportunities for internships and public readings. Consider whether the curriculum aligns with your preferred genres and professional goals, and whether you thrive in structured or more independent environments. Visit campuses or attend online info sessions, talk to current students, and review recent graduate work to gauge fit. Balance artistic vision with practical considerations such as tuition, housing, and time commitments to find a program that supports your growth as a writer.
FAQs
What should I include in a creative writing application?
Include academic records, a statement of purpose or creative intent, a writing sample or portfolio, letters of recommendation, and any relevant supplements such as essays or audition videos. Follow each program’s specific guidelines and deadlines carefully.
Are workshops required for all creative writing students at BU?
Workshops are central to studio-based tracks, especially in graduate programs, while some undergraduate options may include workshop elements alongside craft and literature courses. Exact requirements vary by program and degree track.
Do alumni teach or mentor current students at BU?
Yes. Many alumni return as guest instructors, panelists, and mentors, and faculty often connect students with alumni for networking, internships, and manuscript advice.
How do internships and funding opportunities work?
BU supports internships, assistantships, and funding through departmental awards, grants, and partner organizations. Funding availability and terms differ by program, so discuss options with faculty advisors and career services early.
What kinds of careers do BU creative writing graduates pursue?
Graduates commonly work in publishing, media, education, grant writing, and content strategy, while others pursue freelance writing, poetry readings, and long-form projects. Many combine creative work with teaching, editing, or communications roles.