Undergraduate Programs

Creative Writing

BFA in Creative Writing

Students who major in Creative Writing will receive comprehensive instruction in the art and craft of creating original fiction and poetry.  They work in intensive workshops that emphasize invention, drafting, peer-critiquing, and close editing with publication in mind.  The major culminates with a capstone course and thesis.  Options may include courses in the Graphic Novel and Creative Nonfiction.  The fine arts emphasis is complemented by the study of literature and by internship opportunities that develop professional skills in writing, editing, and publishing.  Majors also frequently serve on the staff of Prairie Margins, the university’s undergraduate journal. 

Minor in Creative Writing

Students who minor in Creative Writing will receive comprehensive instruction in the art and craft of creating original fiction and poetry, identical to majors.  At the upper division, students can choose to specialize in either fiction or poetry, or can continue to work in both genres through intensive workshops. The workshop courses are complemented by courses in literature that provide intellectual, artistic, and cultural context. 

English (Literature)

BA: English (Literature) Major

Students who complete a Bachelor of Arts in English will learn to use writing effectively—including current modes and evolving technologies—to explore subject matter and to communicate.

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in English are expected to:

  • Use writing effectively—including current modes and evolving techniques and technologies—to explore subject matter and to communicate;
  • Develop understanding of subject matter in relation to larger historical and/or cultural contexts, including multicultural contexts;
  • Make connections between theory and practice. Students apply theory to understand texts, solve problems, and teach effectively, and/or students generalize from experiences with texts, communication situations and teaching situations;
  • Develop skills of creative and/or critical thinking.

English (Literature) Minor

Students can also get a minor in English. Requirements for the minor include 21 hours of courses:

  • ENG 2010 (3)
  • ENG 3020 (3)
  • ENG 3100, 3110 or 3140 (3)
  • 12 additional hours of English literature coursework, including at least 3 hours at the 4000 level (12)

**NEW**
The Accelerated BA to MA in English

Looking to make the most of your time studying English at BGSU? The Department of English now offers a path for students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an efficient manner.

Students following this accelerated path will finish with both a BA in English and an MA in English specializing in Literary and Textual Studies.

Once you are accepted into this Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program, you may take up to nine credit hours of graduate credit that will overlap both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees and count toward both degrees. Students enrolled in this program pay tuition at the undergraduate rate until completing the BA, after which they will pay the graduate student rate.

You may apply to this program once you have 75 credit hours earned and an overall BGSU GPA of at least 3.2; or 90 credit hours earned and an overall BGSU GPA of at least 3.0.

Minors

Scientific and Technical Communication Minor

Bowling Green State University offers a minor in Scientific & Technical Communication (S&TC). Our S&TC minors possess the background necessary to succeed in today's competitive market. Students focus on the program's core classes in technical communication and editing to gain a solid base of skills required for the field.

TESOL & Applied Linguistics Minor

The new TESOL & Applied Linguistics minor offers students a foundation for teaching English to speakers of other languages or an exploration of applied linguistics related to their major fields of study. Students also gain skills that can transfer beyond the field of Applied Linguistics, such as analytical reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, intercultural awareness, and reflection.

Read a student testimonial!

Word and Image Minor

Jointly offered by the Department of English and the School of Art, the Word and Image minor is an academic option for any student interested in exploring the intersection between writing and the visual arts through the making of graphic novels, comics, picture books, photo books, video games, and illustrations.

Writing Minor

The Writing Minor is timely and responsive to demands for undergraduate students to demonstrate an ability to write effectively and with confidence. The minor will offer students from across disciplines a robust, application-based opportunities to develop expertise in writing. Students majoring in Arts, Humanities, Science, Technology, and Health programs gain invaluable experience producing writing that has meaning to their academic, professional, civic, and personal lives.

Updated: 10/30/2024 10:09AM