Creative and Professional Writing
Creative writing is needed more than ever because the world is reading more content than ever. In creative writing, you have career choices, whether it be writing blog and social media content in your pajamas from home, writing in a corporate setting with a team, or teaching at a university.
At a Glance
This program’s environment offers you the chance to work closely with faculty while developing and publishing your original work. You will learn to experiment, practice, and develop work in the major genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and the various sub-genres, while gaining knowledge and experience in professional sectors of contemporary creative writing.
Consider these dual major and minor combinations:
- English & Creative Writing Dual Major
- English Major with Creative Writing Minor
- Creative Writing Major with an English Minor
- Creative Writing Major with a Marketing Minor
- Creative Writing Major with an Art Minor
- Creative Writing Major with a Business Minor
- Creative Writing Major with a Theater Minor
What Our Students Are Saying
“This unique program equips students for all kinds of writing jobs, which are in increasingly high demand. Professors work to improve your individual craft and help guide your passions to an applicable place outside of school.I have been a work study intern for the Novus Literary Journal for almost 2 years now, and I’ve gotten to work on four editions so far. When I expressed to Ms. Gertz, the Head Editor of Novus, my desire to go into the editing field, I was given the incredible opportunity to see the hectic and exciting world of publishing up close. I’ve gained invaluable experience in areas like reading submissions, corresponding with contributors, meticulously editing, and meeting tough deadlines. While working with the journal, I have come to understand what it means for my skills and opinions to be seen and respected.
After graduation, I would like to work in the editing and publishing field, because I think the process in which we make words accessible is so fascinating. I would also like to attend graduate school, to learn more about the material that’s already out there, and to give myself a space to continue discovering my own writing voice.”
-Molly Smith, Class of 2024
Gain real world experience as a contributing member of the Novus Literary Journal
As a contributing member of the CU literary community, you are involved in a collective effort to help direct the vision and curation of the writing for the journal, Novus. You will evaluate submissions in a roundtable format and will make recommendations for acceptance of work or rejection of work. These recommendations will be passed on to other advisors for final curating. You will be able to articulate what methods were used in evaluating craft and other aspects of student and outside writing. By compiling a journal, you are gaining experience that makes you competitive in the job market, specifically for publishing and editing careers.
Contact Professor Sandee Gertz at sgertz@cumberland.edu to learn more about working on Novus Literary Journal.
You can dream & write the next Great American Novel, or enjoy writing in other ways...
Nashville is a hub for publishing
Located just 25 miles east of the exciting city of Nashville, Cumberland students have access to many publishing companies including Harper Collins, Thomas Nelson, Lifeway Publishing, Turner Publishing, and Third Man Books.
What Our Graduates Are Saying
“During my time at CU, I worked in the Writing Center, obtained an internship with Novus Literary Arts Journal, collaborated with the Art of Life program, and entered the mentorship program with CU alum Alice Sullivan.
All of these experiences prepared me for the professional landscape in a real, genuine way. I learned concepts and skills that I did not realize I would need: industry software, website design, marketing tactics, technical writing skills, and the list goes on. Most importantly, though, I was given permission to adopt leadership roles and spearhead projects independently.
In my experience, this has been the number one differentiator between me and other professionals. You can teach hard skills all day long, but teaching confidence is a much harder undertaking. Needless to say, I could not be more grateful for my professors who gave me challenging work and essentially said, “Make it your own.”
-Jamie Fleming, Head Writer and Editor for BrightRay Publishing, Class of 2021
What is new at CU
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Published:
Crafting Creativity: Nurturing Personal Growth and Student Success in Creative Writing
Guest Blog by Professor Sandee Gertz I have always felt that to teach any subject, one should be greatly invested in the topic both in and out of the classroom. As an educator, I have
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Published:
Critically Acclaimed Poet and Author to Visit Cumberland
Anders Carlson-Wee featured during Cumberland’s Poet in Residence series Cumberland University will host critically acclaimed W.W. Norton Author, Educator, and Poet, Anders Carlson-Wee during its Poet in Residence series on Oct. 18 and 19 for
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Published:
Persistence is Key: Jamie Fleming’s Journey From Cumberland University to Ghostwriting Success
Cumberland University is a proven launching pad for thousands of people, and Jamie Fleming is no exception. After graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Jamie embarked on a career as a
Questions? We're here to help.
For more information about this program, contact Professor Kerry Ann Moore at kmoore@cumberland.edu.