Creative Writing Pepperdine University

Overview

The Creative Writing programme at Pepperdine University is designed to transform passionate storytellers into professional authors and editors. This degree provides a rigorous academic foundation while fostering a vibrant community of writers dedicated to the craft of literary and cinematic arts.

Students engage in a curriculum that balances creative expression with critical verbal skills. By focusing on various genres, the course ensures that graduates are prepared for the diverse demands of the modern publishing and entertainment industries.

The learning environment encourages a professional attitude toward writing, treating the craft as both an art form and a career. Participants benefit from a structured sequence of study that builds technical proficiency and artistic confidence over time.

Why Creative Writing at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University is consistently recognised as a top-ranked institution in California, offering a unique liberal arts education. The university maintains a low 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalised mentorship and close collaboration between students and instructors.

The programme is situated near Los Angeles, providing unparalleled access to major talent agencies, movie production studios, and commercial publishers. This proximity allows students to secure prestigious internships at national television shows and independent media houses.

Students gain practical experience by contributing to award-winning campus publications, including a student-run literary magazine and a campus newspaper. These opportunities allow writers to see their work in print and manage editorial processes before graduation.

The institution hosts a distinguished visiting writers series, bringing nationally acclaimed poets and novelists to campus. Additionally, the presence of industry professionals from the film and television sectors provides students with direct insight into the world of professional screenwriting.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 71860 per year
• National fee: USD 71860 per year
• Local fee: USD 71860 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Fiction
• Poetry
• Writing for Screen and Television
• Analysis of Writing
• Literary Arts

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse roles within the creative arts and corporate sectors. Many find success as professional writers, editors, and content creators for magazines, publishing companies, and digital media platforms.

The skills acquired also translate effectively to careers in government agencies and large corporations that require high-level communication expertise. Alumni often pursue roles in the film industry, working as screenwriters or development assistants in major production studios.

A significant percentage of graduates continue their education in prestigious graduate schools, specialising further in fine arts or literature. The broad analytical training ensures that students are prepared for any field where sophisticated writing and critical thinking are valued.