Creative Writing Programs in Lakewood, Colorado

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Lakewood, Colorado

A Creative Writing Degree offers comprehensive training in narrative techniques, poetry composition, and nonfiction writing. Prospective students can choose from various pathways, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Associate of Arts (AA), or even a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. These programs typically include workshops, portfolio development, and capstone projects designed to hone creative and critical skills. For those seeking a robust foundation in creative writing, understanding the degrees available and the admission requirements is essential.

About Lakewood

Lakewood, Colorado is a dynamic city noted for its rich arts scene and community engagement. With local initiatives such as the City of Lakewood Arts Commission promoting cultural events and grant programs, the city offers a supportive environment for creative pursuits. Nestled near notable landmarks and bustling neighborhoods like Belmar, Lakewood provides an inspiring setting for emerging writers.

Creative Writing Programs in Lakewood, Colorado

While Lakewood itself offers excellent local opportunities, students may consider programs in nearby institutions to fully explore creative writing coursework. Below are three prominent schools along with their Creative Writing programs:

  1. Colorado Christian University (CCU) – Lakewood, CO

    • Program: BA in Creative Writing (online with campus resources)
    • Address: 1150 W 50th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (located near the Belmar neighborhood)
    • Description: CCU offers an online BA in Creative Writing focused on a Christian curriculum, blending literary techniques with ethical and philosophical perspectives. Learn more on the CCU Creative Writing page.

  2. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) – Denver, CO (Approximately 10 miles from Lakewood)

    • Program: BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing
    • Address: 1301 18th St, Denver, CO 80202 (situated in downtown Denver near historic neighborhoods such as LoDo)
    • Description: MSU Denver provides a Creative Writing concentration that features specialized courses in fiction, poetry, and screenwriting, alongside a robust portfolio development component. Details can be found on the MSU Denver English page.

  3. Arapahoe Community College (ACC) – Littleton, CO (Approximately 9 miles from Lakewood)

    • Program: AA in Creative Writing (designed for easy transfer to 4-year programs)
    • Address: 1055 S. Villa St, Littleton, CO 80120 (located in the historic downtown area of Littleton)
    • Description: ACC’s transfer program emphasizes foundational writing workshops and creative exercises, with a guaranteed transfer agreement to partner institutions. More information is available on the ACC Creative Writing page.

Literary Opportunities in Lakewood

Lakewood supports a variety of literary organizations and community events, offering additional avenues for creative growth:

  • Lakewood Literary Festival

    • Purpose: This annual event features workshops, author readings, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and refine writing skills.
    • Website: Lakewood Literary Festival

  • Jefferson County Writers Group

    • Purpose: Focused on peer critique and professional development, this group holds regular writing workshops and meetups.
    • Website: Jefferson County Writers Group

Additionally, the Jefferson County Public Library regularly offers writing workshops and author events that further support the literary community.

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Most Creative Writing programs require applicants to have a strong academic background and a demonstrable interest in writing. Key prerequisites often include:

  • A completed high school diploma or equivalent (minimum age requirement varies by institution)
  • Submission of a writing portfolio or sample (especially for BA and MFA programs)
  • Minimum GPA requirements for AA programs (typically ≥2.0)
  • Application deadlines vary by institution (for example, Colorado Christian University offers rolling admissions)

Each institution outlines its specific requirements on their official admissions pages, so close attention to deadlines and submission guidelines is recommended.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing Degree can explore diverse career paths. Some common roles include:

  • Author or Novelist: Crafting fiction, nonfiction, and genre-specific manuscripts
  • Editor: Working in publishing to refine and curate written content
  • Content Writer: Creating compelling content for digital and print media
  • Technical Writer: Producing manuals, guides, and documentation

Freelance opportunities and self-publishing have expanded career prospects in the creative industries. For detailed job outlook statistics and further career information, visit the Writers and Authors job outlook page on bls.gov.

Creative Writing Degree Requirements and Resources for Lakewood, Jefferson County, Colorado

Official Educational and Arts Regulatory Bodies

Federal Oversight Agencies

Types of Degrees Available in Colorado

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing

    • Offered by institutions such as Colorado Christian University and MSU Denver
    • Specializations include fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and Christian writing

  • Associate of Arts (AA) in Creative Writing

    • Available at Arapahoe Community College, designed to facilitate an easy transfer to four-year programs

Admission requirements vary; for BA programs, a writing portfolio is typically required (e.g., MSU Denver’s Creative Writing concentration), while the AA program usually requires a minimum GPA of 2.0. Core curriculum components include writing workshops and capstone projects, with courses such as Fiction Workshop and Poetry Writing Workshop forming a standard part of the training.

Professional Organizations and Literary Events

  • Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)

    • Purpose: Offers professional development, networking, and conference discounts
    • Website: AWP

  • Lakewood Literary Festival and Jefferson County Writers Group

    • These organizations support emerging writers through events, workshops, and peer reviews.

For additional creative writing experiences, the MSU Denver Center for Creative Writing provides community engagements and reading series.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Creative Writing graduates pursue varied career paths. Many work in publishing, digital content creation, technical writing, and freelance writing. Common career titles include:

  • Author, Novelist, and Screenwriter
  • Content Writer and Editor
  • Technical Writer and Communications Specialist

These roles are supported by freelance opportunities and self-publishing platforms. Detailed career outlook and statistics are available on the Writers and Authors job outlook page provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a Creative Writing Degree in Lakewood, Colorado opens a gateway to creative and professional opportunities. With local and nearby educational resources combined with a supportive literary community and regulatory bodies, students are well-equipped to build a promising career. Explore programs, evaluate prerequisites, and contact schools via their official forms to take the first step toward an enriching education in the arts.