Skip to main content
Eastern Illinois University
← All Programs

Creative Writing

Students from all around campus come together in this minor to flex their creative muscles as they learn more about writing fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scripts for the stage or screen. In classes led by active publishing writers, surrounded by other students who share their passion, students who choose the minor hone their skills in their preferred genres. Whatever your long-term goals, adding a creative writing minor to your major tells employers you are creative and adaptable.

Apply to EIU MyEIU
Creative Writing

Request Info: Creative Writing

We know you have questions about Creative Writing at EIU, and we don't want to leave a single one unanswered. Submit the form below for a personal response to your inquiry.

Degree Level
Minor
Delivery
In Person / Hybrid
Credit Hours
18 Total, 18 in Major
Careers
Language, Postsecondary, Teachers, Proofreaders, Markers
Creative Writing students at EIU

Why Study Creative Writing at EIU?

  • English 2000 introduces you to all the major genres (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, dramatic writing)--many students discover new interests and strengths
  • After the introductory course, you can choose intermediate and advanced courses in the genres that interest you most
  • We mix and match classes that are on-campus and online to offer you flexibility in completing the minor, which is especially helpful if your major has a busy schedule
  • Classes are typically between 12-18 students to ensure plenty of time for individual attention
  • The Mary Coon Cottingham scholarship fund, one of the largest funds for English, focuses on creative writing students and is open to students in the minor as well as the major
"I chose to attend EIU because of the sense of community and togetherness, the smaller class sizes, and the kind, supportive faculty within my department."
Jenna Tobias
Class of 2026, English (Creative Writing) major
Jenna Tobias, English (Creative Writing) at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Our student literary magazine, The Vehicle, offers students the opportunity both to publish their work and to work on the staff of a literary magazine
  • Each year, the Little Bluestem literary festival brings guest writers to campus to offer master classes (for free) to aspiring writers
  • At our student conference each spring, writers can get their first opportunity to read their work publicly
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Creative Writing students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Our program allows students to practice any of the major creative writing genres that interest them: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting or script writing. Focused reading and feedback from expert writers help emerging writers stretch their skills.

View in Catalog
$78,270
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • English Language & Literature…
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Proofreaders & Copy Markers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Social

Connect With Us

Dr. Angela Vietto
Professor of English and Chair, Department of English
arvietto@eiu.edu
Coleman Hall 3135
217-581-2428
Dr. Angela Vietto Message Dr. Vietto

Message Dr. Vietto

or email arvietto@eiu.edu directly
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

Message Michael

or email mwcornebise@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Still Exploring?

Add any program to your comparison or browse all options.

Chemistry, Accelerated
Graduate Option • M.S.
Geosciences: Human Geography
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
Physics
Major • B.S. • Minor
Accountancy
Graduate Option • M.B.A.
French
Minor
College Student Affairs
Graduate • M.S.
Quality Systems Certificate
Graduate Certificate • Grad. Certificate
Music Composition
Graduate Option • M.A.
United States History: Non-Thesis Option
Graduate Option • M.A.
← Back
0 of 3 selected Compare →