Writing Major

Give voice to your ideas and effectively tell your story to make a difference in the world. 

From journalism and advertising to publishing and business, employers are looking for strong writers. The Writing major at Houghton will prepare you to exceed their expectations as you learn how to write both analytically and expressively.

Take classes on writing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Learn to tell your story in Writing about Spiritual Experience and Narrative and Personal Essay. Or learn about writing in workplace with classes in Professional Writing, Journalism, and Writing for Social Change. Whether you are learning to write fiction or nonfiction, our classes will help you share your writing with a wider audience.

Be a part of excursions in the literary world

Exercise your analytical and written skills in preparing papers and writing reviews for conferences and theatres such as:

• Taylor Making Literature Conference

• Calvin Festival of Faith & Writing

• National Undergrad Research Conference

• Penn York Undergrad Research Conference

• Lyric Theatre at Houghton University

• Shake on the Lake in Perry, NY

• Stratford Festival (Shakespeare) in Stratford, Ontario, Canada

Engage in a tight-knit campus community

Receive one-on-one feedback from faculty and fellow students in small classes while working for on-campus organizations such as The Houghton Star (student newspaper), The Lantern (student literary journal), or working as a trained consultant in the Writing Center.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s major in Writing, you will develop your skillful and creative language as you:

  • Work alongside fellow students and faculty members as you reflect on language’s role in history, culture, and faith.
  • Engage with authors who share in the human experience of brokenness and redemption while being challenged to respond to others with empathy and compassion.
  • Collaborate with your peers on developing your writing and sharpening your thinking. Meet regularly with your professors for one-on-one conferences and receive feedback on your writing.

124 Credits

30

Required Courses

94

Elective Courses and General Education

Degree Requirements

Classroom Workshops

With most classes of 15 students or fewer, the Writing Major allows for close collaboration with fellow students as you work together to both give and receive feedback on your writing.

Publishing Opportunities

Receive helpful feedback on fiction, nonfiction, or academic pieces that can be published in online or print magazines and other collections. Get advice from professors and alumni mentors about how to submit your work for publication or find a literary agent for your work.

Resumé Enrichment

Be recognized for your efforts in writing by winning writing awards within the department.

Employment Expected to Grow 9%

for Writer and Authors
SourceU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Meet a Faculty Member

Application Requirements

1

Start Your Application

Complete the application here
Apply Now
2

Documents and Supporting Materials

You’ll be asked to provide your official high school transcript and your test scores (can be waived)
Testing Policy
3

Personal Statement

The personal statement portion of our application for admission is perhaps the best place to truly tell your story, to tell who you are and what is important to you.
Personal Statement

Have Questions?

Discover if earning your degree in Writing from Houghton University is right for you.