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Creative Writing Frequently Asked Questions

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Applying to the Creative Writing Program

When will the application for Creative Writing be available?

The application for the poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction tracks of the creative writing major and minor are open until May 6, 2025. The application is available HERE.

 

I only want to take “the sequence” in poetry (ENG 393-1,2.3), fiction (ENG 394-1,2,3), or creative nonfiction (ENG 395-1,2,3). What do I do?

You should apply using the same form as for the poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction tracks of the major and minor. There is a field in the webform to state whether you are applying to the major, the minor, or the sequence only.

Can I apply for the Creative Writing Major if I am studying abroad during the application period?

Yes. If you are abroad, you may still fill out and submit an online application to the sequences by the deadline stated (in Central Standard Time).  Please contact our Director of Creative Writing with any questions.

You may also declare the Cross-Genre Track of the Major or Minor at any time.

I want to apply to the poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction track, but I also want to study abroad. Can I defer the sequence classes?

You must apply for the poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction track in the spring before you plan to take the yearlong course sequence in your chosen genre. Admission to the sequence cannot be deferred. For example, if you plan to go abroad during your junior year, you should plan to apply for the poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction track in the spring of your junior year and take the course sequence in your chosen genre during your senior year. Sequence courses must be taken in-person over the course of a single year, without interruption. Your other option is to choose the cross-genre track, which has a more flexible schedule.

When can I declare a major or minor in Creative Writing?

You may declare the cross-genre track of the major or minor at any time by filling out the appropriate WCAS major or minor declaration form and emailing it to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) for approval. You may declare the poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction tracks only after applying for and being accepted into one of these tracks. Accepted students fill out their declaration forms during advising week in the spring quarter.

I was accepted to the poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction track as a minor or sequence-only student. Now I want to change my status to major. How do I do this?

If you want to change from a writing minor or sequence only to a major or vice versa, make an appointment with your writing faculty advisor.  If you do not have one, contact our Director of Undergraduate Studies in Creative Writing.

Required Courses

Can I take 206, 207, and/or 208 through the School for Professional Studies?

No.  English 206, 207, and 208 must be taken through the WCAS English Department in order to count toward the Creative Writing major or minor.

Can I repeat writing courses for credit?

Yes. English 306, 307, 308, and 309 may be repeated up to twice for credit. Speak to your creative writing advisor for more information!

I am a transfer student, and I took a course similar to English 206 at another university. Do I have to take it at Northwestern?

Yes. All prerequisite courses for the creative writing program must be taken at Northwestern.

English 392, which is required for writing majors, is not being offered this year. How can I fulfill this requirement?

If English 392 is not going to be offered, contact the Director of  Undergraduate Studies in Creative Writing to discuss a possible course substitution.

Can I participate in one of the sequence courses and the honors program at the same time?

No. The sequences and the honors program both require students to focus on a single creative work over an extended period. It would not be productive for a student to take them simultaneously, as the program is designed for students to focus on one major writing project at a time.

Cross-Genre Track

What are the cross-genre tracks of the major and minor? How are they different from the poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction tracks?

The cross-genre tracks of the major and minor are the most recent additions to the creative writing curriculum. You can declare these tracks at any time, with no prerequisites and no application process. They are designed for students who are looking for advanced workshops, flexibility of scheduling, and a latitude of choice in exploring multiple genres. In particular, they allow students to avoid the scheduling restrictions imposed by the “sequence” in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, which must be taken in the same time slot across three quarters of the same academic year.

Is there an application for the Cross-Genre Tracks of the Major and Minor?

No. The Cross-Genre Tracks of the major and minor are non-competitive and can be declared at any time, from first to senior year. You simply need to fill out the corresponding WCAS Major or Minor declaration form and submit it to the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Creative Writing.

How can I declare the Cross-Genre Tracks of the Major and Minor?

The Weinberg Dean's Office has created electronic major and minor declaration forms, available here.  Once you have completed the form, e-mail it to our Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing. They will sign it and submit to the WCAS Office of Undergraduate Studies. You can complete this form at any time.

 

Other Questions

Can I double major in English Creative Writing and English Literature? Can I Major in English Literature and minor in Creative Writing, or vice versa?

No. Weinberg does not allow a double major, or a major and a minor, within the same department.

Where can I get more information about the Creative Writing program?

We host an open house each academic quarter to introduce the writing faculty and answer any questions from interested students. There is also a Creative Writing Listserv, which you may sign up for in University Hall 215, to receive e-mails about specific writing events. If you have questions about the program not answered by this website, you may contact our Director of Undergraduate Studies in Creative Writing.