Houghton writing major sitting at table writing in notebook.

Writing Major

Give voice to your ideas, tell your story and use your creativity to make a difference in the world.

As a writing major at Houghton, you will learn to tell your story by exploring various genres of writing. Explore writing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Interested in writing for the workplace? Take classes in Professional Writing, Journalism, and Writing for Social Change. Whether you are learning to write fiction or nonfiction, Houghton's classes will help you share your writing with a wider audience.

Employers are looking for strong writers. Houghton will prepare you to exceed their expectations by learning to write analytically and expressively, all in a Christ-centered environment.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BA, BS

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Two Houghton students sitting at outdoor reviewing work on their laptops together.

Through Houghtonโ€™s Writing Major, you will develop skillful and creative language as you:

  • Reflect on languageโ€™s role in history, culture, and faith with a community of writers
  • Engage with authors who share in the human experience of brokenness and redemption while being challenged to respond to others with empathy and compassion
  • Collaborate with your peers on developing your writing and sharpening your thinking
  • Meet regularly with your professors for one-on-one conferences to receive feedback
  • Learning to write both analytically and expressively preparing you for work in industries like journalism, advertising, publishing and business

Why study Writing at Houghton?

Engage in a tight-knit campus community

Receive one-on-one, regular feedback from faculty who know you by name. With small class sizes, you'll enjoy collaborating with your peers to give and receive feedback on your writing. You will also have the opportunity to work for on-campus organizations such as The Houghton Star (student newspaper), The Lantern (student literary journal), or working as a trained consultant in the Writing Center.

Learn about publishing

Learn the process behind publishing your own fiction, nonfiction or academic pieces in online formats, print magazines or other collections. Get advice and feedback from professors and alumni mentors about how to submit your work for publication or find a literary agent for your work.

Be a part of excursions in the literary world

Exercise your analytical and written skills in preparing papers and writing reviews for conferences and theatres such as:

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses


WRIT 214 Literary Nonfiction

Learn to write various forms of creative nonfiction, such as expository and persuasive writing and literary journalism. This course emphasizes craft, personal presence, and writing for varied audiences.

WRIT 211 Narrative and Personal Essay

This course focuses on informal essays based on personal experience, emphasizing descriptive and narrative techniques, craftsmanship, and style.

WRIT 302 Poetry

Learn the techniques of writing open and closed verse poetry.

Degree Options


BA/BS - 124 credits

30 credits
Required Courses

94 credits
Elective courses + general education

Degree Requirements

Meet a Faculty Member

What can I do with a degree in writing?

Graduate School

Master's degrees options for Writing majors:

  • Communication
  • Creative Writing (MFA)
  • Journalism
  • Professional Writing

5%

Career growth for Writers and Authors.

From 2023 to 2033 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Finding Community

When Jennifer Page '24 looked at colleges, she loved the idea of a place that would challenge her academically while being supportive and safe as she coped with the loss of her mother. Houghton has provided opportunities in the honors program, within her writing major, and on the softball team that have developed her creativity and honed her time management skills, all while feeling like she is part of a comforting family. Upon graduation, Jennifer feels called to use her gift for writing to minister to teenagers in difficult circumstances, letting them know that they should not be afraid and they are not alone.

Learn more about Alumni Success and Outcomes

Related Majors

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English

Undergraduate - BA
Houghton alumna Rylee taking photos with camera in mac lab.

Communication

Undergraduate - BA or BS
Houghton education major working with student during Literacy Day.

Inclusive Childhood Education

Writing Concentration

Undergraduate - BS

Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Writing from Houghton University is right for you.


Questions?