Florida is a populous state filled with colleges and universities offering creative writing degrees. Whether you want to study fiction, poetry or scriptwriting, courses from these programs will prepare you for effective creative expression and a possible graduate career. These schools offer a variety of paths to receive creative writing training, depending on your interests.
Stetson University
Stetson University in DeLand offers a strong undergraduate creative writing program, featuring courses in fiction, poetry, dramatic writing and creative nonfiction. These courses culminate in a creative writing minor. The faculty at Stetson University are well-published in a variety of genres and committed to undergraduate student learning. Stetson's English department has placed many writers in M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) and Ph.D. creative writing programs, in addition to excellent conferences and writers' colonies. The school receives support from the Tim Sullivan Endowment for Writing, which allows the department to offer five courses per year at varying levels on a rotating basis.
The University of Tampa
Offering both major and minor in writing, the University of Tampa combines both creative and practical writing pursuits, educating students in the "art and craft of written communication." Students who major in writing can concentrate on creative writing, professional writing or writing for the media. The University offers publication opportunities through their student literary magazine. The department also has a reading series which brings in writers such as Li-Young Lee, Margaret Atwood and Derek Walcott for public readings and class appearances.
University of Miami
Featuring a top-notch M.F.A. program for graduate students, the University of Miami's undergraduate creative writing program provides concentrations in both fiction and poetry writing, and offer a close-knit writing community of faculty and students. Recent graduates have been placed in M.F.A. programs such as Cornell, Sarah Lawrence and the University of Texas at Austin, according to the department's website. The university has a rotating distinguished writer-in-residence and two major reading series, featuring a variety of national and international guests.
University of Central Florida
Students in the creative writing program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando may receive either a major in English with a concentration in creative writing or minor in creative writing. Because UCF also offers a creative writing M.F.A., students are exposed to publishing and networking opportunities, including two literary magazines and visits from distinguished writers. The degrees at the University of Central Florida are offered in fiction, poetry or non-fiction. Students may also choose to receive honors in the major, which includes one-on-one study with creative writing faculty and culminates in a comprehensive creative thesis.
Florida State University
Florida State University in Tallahassee offers a wide variety of creative writing opportunities for undergraduates due to the strong graduate creative writing program. Florida State offers a major in English with a concentration in writing, in addition to an M.A., M.F.A. and Ph.D. in creative writing. Tallahassee itself has a vibrant literary community, and the university is home to well-known presses and literary magazines, giving students opportunities for both publication and editorial experience. There is also a weekly visiting writers series, featuring not only national and international writers and poets, but also Florida State students and faculty.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
Gale Marie Thompson's work has been published in "Denver Quarterly," "Los Angeles Review" and "Best New Poets 2012." Thompson holds a BA in English and creative writing from the College of Charleston, a MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and is working on a PhD at the University of Georgia.