We CU Educating at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing
Develop your voice across fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction while building a professional portfolio for careers in writing, publishing, media, and storytelling professions.
Literature has the ability to inspire, challenge, and connect us.
Literature doesn’t just tell stories—it captures the spirit of its time. It reflects, shapes, and challenges the cultures that create it. The English Major program invites you to explore the unique ways in which literature illuminates the human experience and shapes the way we see the world.
As an English major, you will:
- Immerse yourself in timeless and modern masterpieces: Travel through literary landscapes that span centuries, continents, and cultures from classics to groundbreaking contemporary works.
- Analyze literature as a cultural artifact: Examine how literature responds to and influences societal changes, expresses cultural anxieties, and delivers socially-relevant messages.
- Think critically; express curiosity: Dive deep into literature to analyze the written word, craft compelling arguments, and raise thoughtful questions.
- Harness the power of written and oral communication: Strengthen your skills to write and speak with clarity, eloquence, and impact.
- Bring your stories to life: Share your unique perspective and imagine your own worlds through creative writing courses.
- Join our literary community! Work with peers and professors in who share your love for literature. Our small class sizes create a culture of connectivity and collaboration.
Where Can an English Degree Take You?
With the skills honed in critical thinking, creative expression, textual analysis, and communication, English majors may pursue careers in the following:
- Writing and editing
- Publishing
- Library sciences
- Education
- Marketing, advertising, and public relations
- Law, policy, and advocacy
- Media, film, and entertainment
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public relations
- And more!
Your Journey Starts Here
The English Major program is more than an academic path—it’s an invitation to explore the world through the lens of literature and use what you discover to shape the future. Unleash your creativity, sharpen your intellect, and prepare to make an impact.
Reach out to the English Program Director, Dr. Erica McCrystal, with questions: erica.mccrystal@centenaryuniversity.edu
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MA in Communication, MFA/MA in Writing, digital media, UX/content strategy, grant writing, publishing, or technical communication certificate.
Career Pathways:
Author, Screenwriter, Copywriter
Industry Outlook:
Creative writing is competitive, with opportunities primarily in freelance writing, publishing, and content creation.
Regional employers include
Audible; NJ PBS; News 12 New Jersey; Prudential Center / NJ Devils; NJPAC; Seton Hall / Rutgers communications offices; pharmaceutical/healthcare communications teams; nonprofit arts organizations.
Salary Outlook:
$35,000 – $60,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in English: Creative Writing, a reasonable starting range is approximately $40,000–$58,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $65,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data