Overview

The Creative Writing, Specialization in Memoir and Essay at Oakland University offers a rigorous academic pathway for students dedicated to the craft of non-fiction. This undergraduate programme combines creative workshops with deep literary analysis to prepare writers for professional success in the publishing world.

The curriculum is designed to build technical proficiency through a series of progressive workshops. Students must maintain high academic standards, requiring at least a B- grade in each workshop to advance through the sequence. This ensures that every graduate possesses a high level of competency in prose and narrative structure.

A central feature of the degree is the capstone experience, which involves a 4000-level advanced workshop.

Why Creative Writing, Specialization in Memoir and Essay at Oakland University?

The programme is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, benefiting from a faculty of experienced writers and scholars. Students have access to diverse facilities including the university libraries and research centres, which support the extensive reading required for the major.

The university emphasises a liberal arts foundation, requiring students to complete a foreign language sequence and general education modules. This holistic approach ensures that writers are well-rounded individuals capable of engaging with global perspectives and various academic disciplines.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 23867 per year
National fee: USD 23867 per year
Local fee: USD 16772 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Prose and Poetry Writing
Memoir and Essay
Workshop Memoir and Essay
Advanced Workshop Memoir and Essay
Screen/TV Writing
Fiction
Poetry
Screenwriting
Playwriting
Advanced Workshop in Fiction
Advanced Workshop in Poetry
Advanced Screenwriting
Advanced Playwriting
Creative Non-Fiction
Topics in American Culture
Modes of Self-Narrative
Early American Literature
American Literature 1820-1865
Biography
Adaptation: Fiction, Drama, Film
Contemporary Fiction
Contemporary Poetry
Studies in Memoir and Essay
Documentary Film

Careers with Creative Writing, Specialization in Memoir and Essay

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles within the creative industries, including professional writing, editing, and publishing. The focus on memoir and essay is particularly relevant for careers in journalism, digital content creation, and communications.

The analytical and narrative skills gained also provide a strong foundation for further study in literature or fine arts. Alumni may find opportunities in media organisations, educational institutions, or as independent authors and freelance essayists.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Workshop Memoir and Essay
Screen/TV Writing
Workshop in Poetry
Advanced Workshop in Fiction
Advanced Screenwriting
Workshop in Creative Non-Fiction

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rochester Hills, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Literature View 558 other Bachelors in Creative Writing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed Oakland University admission application. While an essay is optional, interested students may choose to include an essay for consideration

Cumulative high school grade point averages of 3.2 or above. Applicants with cumulative grade point averages below 3.2, but above 2.5, may be admitted after consideration of the quality of academic preparation. Scholarship awards are based on a student's academic record at the time of admission

SAT or ACT scores are no longer required for the incoming classes, for students with a minimum high school GPA of 2.5

Number and types of college preparatory courses

Positive trend of grades

English language proficiency test score reports

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23867 USD / year

≈ 23867 USD / year
Out-of-State

23867 USD / year

≈ 23867 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16772 USD / year

≈ 16772 USD / year

Living costs

Rochester Hills

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing, Specialization in Memoir and Essay.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rochester Hills

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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