Creative Writing: Nonfiction - Columbia College Chicago

The English Department’s major in Creative Writing: Nonfiction introduces students to a variety of forms in nonfiction and helps them explore the history of the genre and find a way of creating nonfiction that is individual and original. By graduation students will have a clear sense of how open creative nonfiction is to new modes of expression and will be well-versed in some major aspects of the history of its genres, such as the essay, memoir, autobiography, and diary. Students will also acquire the writing and editing skills that will help them to find employment when they graduate or to enter graduate programs in nonfiction.

Full-time faculty members in the department have published over 50 books, including books of poems, creative nonfiction, short stories, novels, scholarship, and textbooks, and they are published widely in national, international, and online journals. Faculty are committed to improving students’ abilities to think, write, read, and speak effectively. Course offerings and teaching approaches reflect this philosophy. The Department of English provides student-centered classrooms where instructors are sensitive to individual students writers’ and readers’ needs. We seek to encourage reading and writing as lifelong habits, for our personal and professional development depend upon our abilities to communicate clearly, creatively, and with confidence.

Kenneth Daley
Chairperson, English

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"You chose your major because you had to. It was your passion: a strong and genuine desire to make the arts and media your life's work. That passion will serve you well." - Warrick L. Carter, President of Columbia College Chicago

Our students come from all walks of life, from a variety of backgrounds and from a multitude of experiences, but however different they may appear, a common ground exists: our students are passionate.

Columbia College Chicago offers an academically rigorous creative learning environment for students eager to study the visual, performing, media, and communication arts. At Columbia we wed theory and practice. Throughout their studies, students are firmly rooted in coursework in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as the fundamental theories and histories that shape their chosen disciplines. Equally important, they get their hands dirty by creating work of their own, collaborating with students from other disciplines, making industry contacts, and working alongside faculty who provide the context and expertise to guide their work.

By their final year Columbia students have developed a Body of Work that gives voice to their talent and personal vision. The countless hours logged at consoles, the late hours spent in practice rooms, the miles ran across stages, and the dog-eared pages of their notebooks demonstrate a unique passion not found on any other campus in the nation.

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Housing

Columbia’s urban campus is home to some of the most innovative student housing available. Our four residence centers are centrally located on campus, each with their own unique vibe, and provide ideal settings for creative students. Each building features its own unique set of amenities (from music practice rooms, fitness centers, bicycle storage, to a graffiti room), and each uniquely embodies the innovative mindset of the College. Columbia’s residence centers are a hub of social activity—actively building strong communities by providing the events, social support, and resources that truly make it their home-away-from-home.

Those interested in an immersive residential environment are encouraged to explore the Writertypes Living Learning Community, which brings together writers of all types: poets, journalists, novelists, playwrights, and anyone else who finds words the most interesting way to communicate.

Of note, Columbia’s on-campus housing is situated in the heart of the “South Loop Education Corridor” of Chicago, among the safest neighborhoods in the third largest city in the United States with steps-away access to mass transit. The adventurous will appreciate the numerous cultural, career and social opportunities awaiting them at the nearby clubs, theatre companies, and media agencies; the homesick will take comfort in experiencing that a short walk or brief ride will take them to a meal as good as mom made, be it a classic American diner in the Loop or a beloved pho restaurant in Little Vietnam.

How to Apply for Housing

Students who apply for Admission using Columbia’s Online Application should complete the On-Campus Housing section of the application. Students who apply for Admission using the Common Application will be asked to complete an On-Campus Housing application separately.

Important Note: Housing is assigned on a first-come first-served basis, and we do our best to match students with the “room-type” and/or roommate preference they indicate on the application. Housing assignments are made exclusively by room-type, and not by building. More information about residence life and housing are available here.

Thank you for your interest in applying to Columbia College Chicago. We welcome applications from all students interested in becoming part of our diverse and uniquely creative community. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Ready to apply?
Visit our Apply page to begin.

For all domestic students, there are three key parts to Columbia’s application:

1 of 3		Application, including housing portion, essay and application fee
2 of 3		Letter of recommendation
3 of 3		Official transcript(s)

Regarding test scores: If you have taken the ACT or SAT, and your scores are not on your transcript, please arrange to have your test results forwarded separately to the Admissions Office. Although the ACT or SAT is not required for admission to Columbia College Chicago, these tests are valuable tools for advising new students. In many cases ACT scores may be used as an alternative to the college's assessment test. All students are strongly urged to complete one of these tests while they are in high school.

Detailed information about the application process is available on the Apply page.

International applicants are welcome: please view special instructions to ensure your application is completed properly.

Fall 2013 Applicants
January 1, 2013		FAFSA Application process opens
May 1, 2013		General deadline for Fall 2013
July 31, 2013		Final decision date for Fall 2013

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