06/12/2025
Choosing between an English and creative writing degree may feel like deciding between two sides of the same coin. Both paths revolve around language, literature, and expression, yet they differ in focus, methodology, and academic emphasis. While either path may offer an engaging experience, understanding their key differences can help clarify which aligns more closely with a student’s interests, skills, and experiences.
English majors primarily study and analyze existing works of literature, developing interpretive and analytical writing skills through in-depth readings, essays, and class discussions. These programs often explore historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts that shape literary texts, with an emphasis on close reading and literary theory. The coursework typically highlights argument-based writing and critical interpretation rather than personal narrative or creative expression.
In contrast, Creative Writing majors spend much of their time producing original work—writing fiction, poetry, plays, or personal essays. Courses often center on craft techniques, writing workshops, and developing a personal voice. A Creative Writing degree provides structured space to experiment across genres and styles, while also incorporating analysis of texts to support technique and practice.
Curriculum Differences Between English and Creative Writing Degrees
At many universities, the English department offers both English and Creative Writing concentrations, sometimes allowing students to double major or combine coursework. However, the day-to-day classroom experience can differ significantly between the two.
English programs focus on courses like:
- Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature
- American Literary Movements
- Postcolonial and Global Literature
- Literary Criticism and Theory
Creative Writing programs, on the other hand, often include:
- Fiction Writing Workshop
- Poetry and Poetics
- Screenwriting and Playwriting
- Memoir and Creative Nonfiction
In many Creative Writing classes, students are encouraged to share their own writing, participate in group critiques, and revise drafts based on feedback from peers and instructors. This type of collaborative environment can support the process of developing a personal writing style.
English classes, while also discussion-based, are typically centered on published works. Students engage in writing literary reviews, analyzing themes, and exploring cultural and historical perspectives represented in texts.
Skills You’ll Gain in English and Creative Writing Programs
Whether students study English or Creative Writing, their coursework may support the development of both academic and transferable skills that can be relevant in various professional settings.
Shared skills across both majors may include:
- Analytical thinking: interpreting texts and ideas
- Written communication: writing clear, persuasive, or imaginative prose
- Research and synthesis: gathering and organizing information effectively
- Creativity: applying original thought to tasks and projects
- Collaboration: participating in peer workshops or group discussions
Creative Writing students, however, tend to focus more on voice, narrative structure, and stylistic techniques. Their assignments often include writing stories, composing poetry, or crafting personal essays. English majors emphasize literary analysis, argumentation, and academic essays.
Both disciplines encourage reading, but the emphasis differs: English students read to analyze, while Creative Writing students often read to learn form and apply different techniques to their own work.
A 2024 CNBC report ranked communication as the number one soft skills sought by employers—core strengths cultivated in both English and Creative Writing programs.
Career Paths for English and Creative Writing Graduates
A common question students ask is whether one path leads to more job opportunities than the other. While outcomes vary based on many factors like individual skills and experience, understanding how each degree can relate to different career interests and goals may help inform your decision.
English graduates may pursue roles in:
- Editing and publishing
- Education
- Content creation
- Technical writing
- Communications and media
Creative Writing graduates may explore careers in:
- Copywriting and advertising
- Journalism
- Social media management
- Publishing and literary agencies
- Freelance or creative authorship
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles for technical writers and authors are expected to grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032. While this represents modest growth, the internet has expanded freelance opportunities, particularly in digital content writing, grant writing, and marketing.
Many Creative Writing majors also enter adjacent fields by building complementary skills such as SEO, digital strategy, or graphic design to strengthen their career options.
On the academic side, both degrees may serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in writing, literature, journalism, education, or even law. In fact, English and Creative Writing graduates often score highly on entrance exams like the GRE and LSAT due to their reading comprehension and writing proficiency.
How to Choose Between an English and Creative Writing Degree
When considering the English and creative writing degree, students should think about what excites them most:
- Do you enjoy discussing literature and interpreting the meaning behind texts? You might lean toward an English degree.
- Are you passionate about crafting your own writing and developing as a storyteller? A Creative Writing degree could be a better match.
It may also help to reflect on the type of coursework that appeals to you. Would you rather write research-based essays, or write poems, stories, or scripts? Do you prefer analyzing the works of others or creating something from your imagination?
Some students choose to double major or minor in the other discipline, blending the analytical depth of English with the expressive focus of Creative Writing. This combination may help students enhance their writing skills, broaden literary understanding, and prepare them for a diverse range of academic and professional paths.
When possible, talking to professors, academic advisors, or peers within the English department may provide deeper insights into what each program involves. Reviewing syllabi or sitting in on sample classes during junior year or senior year can also help clarify the best path.
Planning Your Future with an English or Creative Writing Degree
There is no universal answer when it comes to choosing between an English and a Creative Writing degree. Each offers a distinct approach to language, thought, and human experience. For some students, the decision may be guided by career interests; for others, it’s shaped by how they want to spend their time in college—engaging with literature or focusing on original writing.
Both degrees are grounded in the liberal arts and emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and expression. Each program offers different ways to engage with language and develop academic or creative interests, whether that involves writing, teaching, editing, or exploring fields such as law, publishing, or nonprofit communications.
Whichever direction you choose, selecting a degree that aligns with your interests and strengths may help guide your academic focus and personal development. The key is to consider which path encourages you to grow as a reader, a writer, and a thinker—and to remain open to where that learning may lead.