Overview

The Creative Writing major at Columbia University provides a comprehensive foundation in literary production by combining creative workshops with the analytical study of literature. Students develop their unique voices through a curriculum that balances original composition with a deep exploration of historical and contemporary texts. This academic structure ensures that writers understand the technical mechanics of language while building a robust artistic practice.

Why Creative Writing at Columbia University?

The programme is distinguished by its faculty of acclaimed authors and its location within the School of the Arts. Students benefit from a community of professional writers, including professors, associate professors, and adjunct experts who are active in the global literary scene. The curriculum is designed to broaden a student's sense of artistic possibility, drawing on the university's extensive resources in English, philosophy, and comparative literature to enrich their creative instincts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The major requires a minimum of 36 points, including five workshops, four seminars, and three related courses. Students must complete at least one workshop outside their primary genre to ensure a well-rounded technical education. Modules may include:

Fiction Workshop
Nonfiction Workshop
Poetry Workshop
Senior Fiction Workshop
Senior Nonfiction Workshop
Senior Poetry Workshop
How to Build a Person
Traditions in Poetry
Art Writing for Writers

The seminar curriculum serves as the intellectual ballast of the programme, offering close examinations of literary techniques such as plot, point of view, tone, and narrative voice. Advanced workshops are available by application, requiring a writing sample for admission to ensure a high level of peer critique and accomplishment.

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse roles within the literary and media landscapes. The rigorous training in narrative structure, critical analysis, and professional editing supports careers in publishing, journalism, and professional writing. By developing the ability to read like a writer and execute a total artistic vision, students gain transferable skills applicable to any field requiring sophisticated communication and creative problem-solving.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Senior Fiction Workshop

Fiction Seminar: Approaches to the Short Story

Fiction Seminar: The Craft Of Writing Dialogue

Time Moves Both Ways

Nonfiction Workshop

Workshop

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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.

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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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