The Creative Writing minor invites students outside the English major who are interested in writing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to study the reading and writing of those literary genres with a faculty of distinguished writers, and to participate in UMass Lowell’s vibrant community of writers. The flexible curriculum means that students may enroll in two or more English classes of their choice outside of the Creative Writing concentration—courses in Literature, Theatre, or Journalism and Professional Writing. The required upper-level Creative Writing courses will provide students with an outlet for artistry and imagination, and rigorous instruction in essential writing skills—precision, clarity, and vibrancy—that will serve them well in any future career or pursuit of an advanced degree.

A minor in Creative Writing consists of 18-24 credits. College Writing 1 and 2 do not count towards the minor.

Required Courses

• ENGL.2380 / ENGL.2381 Introduction to Creative Writing¹
• Three Creative Writing electives at the 3000-4000 level
• Any two English courses

¹Prerequisite for 3000-4000 level Creative Writing electives

Creative Writing Electives (3000-4000 level)

• ENGL.3020 Creative Writing: Fiction
• ENGL.3030 Creative Writing: Poetry
• ENGL.3040 Creative Writing: Playwriting
• ENGL.3220 Creative Writing: Nonfiction
• ENGL.3660 Creative Writing: Poetry II
• ENGL.4070 Creative Writing: Fiction II
• ENGL.4180 Creative Writing: Nonfiction II

For more information, contact the English Department.