Overview

The Creative Writing major at University of California, Riverside provides a comprehensive foundation for students seeking to master the art of literary composition. As the only dedicated major of its kind within the University of California system, this programme offers an unparalleled environment for artistic growth. Students engage in a demanding curriculum designed to challenge their creative boundaries and technical skills.

The department fosters a vibrant community where aspiring authors can explore diverse genres and styles. By focusing on small class sizes, the university ensures that every student receives individualised attention and constructive feedback. This intimate setting is essential for the workshop-based teaching model that defines the academic experience at this institution.

Why Creative Writing at University of California, Riverside?

This programme stands out as the exclusive undergraduate major in this field across the entire University of California network. The faculty consists of professional poets, fiction writers, and playwrights who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Their unique subject material and specialised teaching methods provide students with a distinct advantage in the literary world.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises the workshop format, allowing for deep engagement with their peers' work and their own. The department also supports various literary publications and events, such as Writers Week and the Los Angeles Review of Books, providing a rich cultural backdrop for undergraduate study. These resources create a professional atmosphere that prepares students for the realities of a writing career.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 52536 per year
National fee: USD 52536 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core specialisations and intensive workshop sessions. Modules may include:

Fiction
Poetry
Nonfiction
Playwriting
Creative Writing Workshop
Literary Studies

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates from this programme are equipped with the versatile communication and analytical skills required for various roles in the creative industries. The rigorous training in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry prepares students for professional paths in publishing, editing, and freelance writing. Many alumni also find success in related fields such as journalism, media, and communications.

The department's connection to prestigious literary journals and annual speaker series provides students with insights into the professional writing landscape. By engaging with visiting authors and faculty publications, students gain a realistic understanding of the industry. This foundation supports transitions into graduate study or direct entry into the competitive world of arts and letters.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Writer in Writing

Fiction and Film

Poetry and Fiction: A Reading Course For Writers

Creative Writing and Ancestry

Ghosts, Gods, and Monsters: Children’s Literature For Writers

The Prose Poem and “ShortShort” Story

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Riverside, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing View 559 other Bachelors in Creative Writing in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

You must have a GPA of 3.0 or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in the A-G courses, with no grade below a C.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

You will need your:

Test scores

Annual income (optional)

Social Security number (if you have one)

Citizenship status

Statewide student ID (optional)

Credit card (or check)

Order Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to be sent.

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

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Out-of-State

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Riverside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Creative Writing.

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

Riverside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners