A new bachelor of arts in creative writing has been approved by the state and is being offered by the English, communication and philosophy department at the College at Florham. It is the only program of its kind in the state.

Complementing the successful, low-residency master of fine arts in creative writing already in place, the creative writing major provides undergraduates with the opportunity to practice and study writing while also acquiring a broad background in literary studies and preparing for careers or further study. Students are introduced to a variety of genres and styles of writing and have the opportunity to focus on one area of writing toward the end of their studies, culminating in a capstone course, the Senior Writing Project Seminar. There are 36 to 42 credits of major requirements including an Advanced Writing Workshop (3 credits), a variety of required and elective writing courses (18 to 24 credits) and 15 credits in literature.

Unique features of the bachelor’s program include the possibility of an internship at The Literary Review, an international literary magazine published at the College at Florham, and studying with its editors; an undergraduate creative writing Web site that publishes outstanding works by students and is linked not only to the FDU Web site but to Web del Sol, the leading international portal for online literary magazines and Web sites; and access to published writers who are members of the FDU faculty. The campus also is home to the Scribbler’s Club, a student literary society that publishes a magazine each semester. In addition, the MFA program brings acclaimed writers to the campus for lectures, workshops and seminars.

“With the initiation of the undergraduate major in creative writing,” says Geoffrey Weinman, chair, English, communication and philosophy (Flor), “FDU will be a center for writers, drawing on the talent of its local and international faculty and the prestige of its MFA program and The Literary Review.”

According to the College Board, 32 percent of all students interested in studying creative writing live within seven northeastern states. That is a significant pool from which the new program is expected to attract a large number of students.

Graduates will have accumulated a significant body of work upon completion of their BA degrees, which can assist in opening doors to free-lance writing; the advertising, corporate communication, media and the publishing industries; or to further study in creative writing.

December 2002/
January 2003

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Flor =
College at Florham, Madison, N.J.

Metro =
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J.

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