What Can You Do with a Creative Writing Degree?

Approximately 6,715 students earn a creative writing degree each year, according to statistics compiled by Data USA. Additionally, upon completion of this specific college program, graduates are qualified to join the other 1.46 million writers currently working in this field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) adds to this topic by explaining that the median pay for professional writers and authors is approximately $62,170 per year. The future looks positive for writers as well with the BLS indicating that writing-based jobs are expected to grow eight percent by the year 2026, which means 10,000 new positions.

But what types of careers are you more prepared to pursue after earning your creative writing degree? Here are a few to consider.

1. Fiction Writer

If your ultimate goal is to write fiction books or short stories, earning your creative writing degree can help

you develop the skills necessary to create publish-ready content. Whether your interest falls in crafting science fiction content, romance novels, dramas, thrillers, or any other genre of story, a creative writing degree provides the foundation needed to write in a way that truly connects with your readers.

2. Speech Writer

Another option for graduates with a creative writing degree is becoming a speech writer. This is an excellent career choice for individuals who are interested in government and public policy as many elected and public officials rely on writers to create speeches designed to captivate (and persuade) their audiences. Who knows? Maybe your speech will touch the world for decades, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech or Abraham Lincoln's "The Gettysburg Address".

3. Play Writer

Maybe you've always been intrigued by theater. In this case, you could become a play writer, coming up with storylines that educate, inform, and entertain audiences of all sizes and interests. A few of the greatest playwrights of all time include William Shakespeare (Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth), Anton Chekhov (Three Sisters, The Seagull, and A Marriage Proposal), and Henrik Ibsen (A Doll's House, Ghosts, and Hedda Gabler). Why not add your name to the list?

4. Television or Movie Script Writer

You could also take your love of writing scripts and use it to create television shows or movies that families and friends enjoy together. Both put you square in the middle of the entertainment industry, with the latter generally referred to as a screenwriter. That makes this a good career choice for individuals who dream of seeing their name on the big screen.

5. Poet

A creative writing degree also prepares you for a career in writing and publishing poetry. Depending on which route you decide to take with this option, you may choose to publish your own books of poetry or you may contact an existing publication that specializes in printing poetic content. Markets that currently pay for poetry include Poetry Magazine, the Kenyon Review, Qu, and Agni.

6. Essayist

Study.com explains that essayists "are a varied sort with a large range of specializations," which means that you can write anything from a literary criticism or manifesto to a personal narrative or a reflection on nature. Technically, essayists do write non-fiction content, but because this type of writing requires a special way with words, a creative writing degree can help you better get your thoughts and opinions out in a manner that the reader understands and can relate to.

7. Memoirist

Sometimes true life stories are more intriguing or inspiring than anything a person could ever dream up. If you agree with this statement, you may want to take your creative writing degree and become a memoirist. In this role, you will help yourself and/or others share life events and lessons learned so readers can learn from them too.

Additional Writing Career Tracks

Though creative writing generally involves creating fiction-based pieces, this degree can also help prepare students interested in writing nonfiction content. Careers falling into this category include:

• Advertising copywriter
• Digital copywriter
• Creative director
• Web content writer/manager
• Editorial assistant
• Magazine or newspaper journalist

Start Working on Your Creative Writing Degree Today

If you're ready to pursue your creative writing degree, Saint Leo University offers a master's in creative writing. This program is 36-credit hours and is offered online, though it does involve three 8-day residencies at University Campus (in the summertime).

Saint Leo also offers a minor in creative writing, giving students the ability to explore this career field while only requiring the completion of 18 credit hours. Both can help you become a more