The knowledge of literary traditions, genres, and theory; writing and analysis skills; and writing workshop experience gained from a major in Creative Writing provides a strong foundation for a career working as a writer or incorporating creative writing principles into one’s work. Graduates in Creative Writing might write or edit for popular or literary periodicals, books, websites, or television, or they might work as teachers, arts advocates, or on creative teams in public relations, media, or advertising. A Creative Writing major is also excellent preparation for Master of Fine Arts writing programs or graduate studies in English, literature, journalism, or media arts.
Creative Writing, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. Following are career possibilities that may most closely relate to this major. Some of the career areas and job titles below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Writing
- Editing
- Teaching
- Journalism
- Outreach
- Consulting
- Publishing
- Administration
- Advertising
- Public relations
Sample Employers:
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Self-employed (freelance)
- Arts councils
- Summer camps/programs
- Nonprofit organizations
- Print media
- Publishing companies
- Television and film industry
- Advertising firms
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Writer/Author
|
$28,600 - $55,400
|
|
Editor
|
$28,900 - $51,500
|
|
Advertising Copywriter
|
$30,000 - $75,000
|
|
Catalogue Copywriter
|
$25,000 - $50,000
|
|
Proofreader
|
$28,090 - $49,990
|
|
Nonprofit Organization Publications Assistant
|
$22,000 - $37,000
|
|
Arts Council Director
|
$24,000 - $65,000
|
|
Public Relations Specialist
|
$30,600 - $52,100
|
|
English Teacher, Secondary
|
$35,000 - $53,200
|
|
English/Writing Instructor, Postsecondary
|
$32,900 - $60,400
|
|
Educational Activities Coordinator
|
$24,000 - $50,000
|
|
Greeting Card Writer
|
$28,020 - $53,070
|
|
Literary Agent
|
$20,000 - $62,940
|
|
Radio/TV Writer
|
$40,500 - $56,500
|
|
Website Content Producer
|
$28,000 - $75,000
|
|
Newspaper Beat Reporter
|
$18,000 - $25,000
|
|
Book or Movie Critic
|
$40,500 - $57,500
|
|
Grant Writer
|
$30,000 - $70,000
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).