About this Program

When a poem or lyric moves you, how does it make you feel what you’re feeling? When a story scares you, what’s happening on the level of structure and syntax to usher you toward surprise? In the creative writing emphasis, students won’t only read and write, they’ll learn the very mechanics of prose and poetry, in order to be able to reproduce the effects of literature they love. During their course of study they’ll read and interpret the work of contemporary writers, study the history and conventions of various genres, attend literary readings, and share their prose and poetry with classmates. The creative writing emphasis offers concentrated study in the practice and craft of writing as a creative art. Students will study the art and craft of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and take workshops devoted to one or more of those three genres. Students in this emphasis will develop the skills of critical thinking, creative problem solving, close reading, editing, and logical analysis.

Program Highlights

  • Workshop setting

  • Literary readings

  • Critiquing of peers' work

  • Focus on contemporary literature

  • Chance to study with published working writers

  • Annual poetry and fiction competitions with cash prizes

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Reporters and Correspondents

$51,550 Median Salary

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Film and Video Editors

$83,950 Median Salary

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Editors

$68,230 Median Salary

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Producers

$90,770 Median Salary

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.

Alumni Careers

ODU
The Virginian-Pilot
Huntington Ingalls
NASA
Norfolk Public Schools

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Creative Writing at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Arts program in Creative Writing should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Professor

5020 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529