Bachelor of Arts Requirements

BA IN FICTION WRITING MAJOR
Degree Requirements

The Fiction Writing Department offers a four-year writing program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fiction Writing. The program is structured around the nationally acclaimed Story Workshop method of teaching writing, originated and developed by the department's former chairperson, John Schultz. The Story Workshop courses teach the writing of fiction and creative nonfiction. The department also offers a variety of Critical Reading and Writing classes, as well as elective specialty writing courses such as science fiction, children's writing, creative nonfiction, and publishing, on a level and scope unequaled in undergraduate programs. Columbia writing graduates have published widely in all of these areas, and possess training enabling them to obtain jobs in a broad range of communications-related fields.

FICTION WRITING MINOR
Degree Requirements

The Fiction Writing minor is designed to allow students to combine their major fields of study with a sequence of writing courses that will improve reading, writing, listening, speaking, and creative problem-solving skills. The Fiction Writing minor is of interest to students who realize the great importance of writing in most careers. Many Fiction Writing courses carry Writing Intensive credit for the college's composition requirement.

BFA IN FICTION WRITING MAJOR
Degree Requirements

This degree is a natural extension of the 44-credit BA program, and includes specializations in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, Electronic Applications, Publishing, and Story Workshop Teaching. A service learning or internship component is required, and students choose between two capstone courses that provide a culminating experience and lead to products (a portfolio of creative work or a teaching journal/essay) with specific career outcomes. Finally, through a variety of recommended courses in other departments, this program provides solid, focused pathways for students to extend their applications of Fiction Writing training and to explore interdisciplinary possibilities.