Creative Writing Programs in Tampa, Florida

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Tampa, Florida

Pursuing a Creative Writing Degree in Tampa, Florida offers prospective art educators, creative professionals, and art school students diverse educational paths. A Creative Writing Degree can be earned as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), focusing on creative and professional writing, or as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) for those seeking advanced study in creative writing genres such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Programs typically include creative writing workshops, professional writing courses, and a culminating thesis or portfolio project, all accredited by organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Higher Education Act.

About Tampa

Tampa, Florida is a major cultural hub in Hillsborough County with a rich heritage in the arts and literature. The city is home to diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown Tampa and Temple Crest, and it offers a robust arts scene supported by local agencies. Notably, the City of Tampa Department of Education oversees K-12 arts initiatives, while the City of Tampa Arts and Cultural Affairs promotes literary events. These city agencies work closely with Hillsborough County Public Schools (hcps.org) and the Florida Department of Education to maintain high educational standards.

Creative Writing Programs in Tampa, Florida

Tampa and its surrounding areas offer several excellent Creative Writing programs:

  1. University of Tampa

    • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Writing (creative and professional tracks)
    • Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 (Downtown Tampa)
    • Details: The University of Tampa emphasizes creative work through a variety of writing workshops and internship opportunities. Students may participate in the University of Tampa Writing Program and contribute to student publications such as the Neon Literary and Arts Magazine. Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a portfolio for creative writing tracks.

  2. University of South Florida (USF)

    • Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing
    • Address: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620 (Temple Crest area)
    • Details: USF offers advanced creative writing tracks with a focus on literary fiction and poetry. Graduate applicants may provide GRE scores (optional in some cases), writing samples, and letters of recommendation. Core courses include creative writing workshops and technical writing modules complemented by a final manuscript project.

  3. Eckerd College

    • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
    • Address: 2551 28th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (Historic Old Northeast, St. Petersburg)
    • Distance: Approximately 45 miles from Tampa
    • Details: For those willing to travel a bit, Eckerd College offers small class sizes and an interdisciplinary approach to creative writing. Admission requires a similar minimum GPA along with a creative writing portfolio, ensuring rigorous academic preparation.

Literary Opportunities in Tampa, Florida

Tampa boasts a supportive literary community with various organizations and venues that enrich the creative writing experience:

  • Neon Literary and Arts Magazine (University of Tampa)

  • Tampa Theatre

    • Website: https://www.tampatheatre.org
    • Details: Located in the historic district of Tampa, the Tampa Theatre hosts literary events, screenings, and other cultural programs that often feature local writing talent.

  • Hillsborough County Library System

    • Website: https://www.hcplc.org
    • Details: Offering writing workshops, author talks, and community events, the library system is key to fostering literary skills in the local community.

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Enrollment in a Creative Writing program typically requires meeting several prerequisites:

  • Education Requirements:
    • Undergraduate programs generally require a minimum GPA of 2.5, with a writing portfolio submission for creative track applicants.
    • Graduate programs may ask for GRE scores (optional in some cases), letters of recommendation, and a series of writing samples.
  • Curriculum Requirements:
    • Core courses include creative writing workshops (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction) and professional writing courses such as editing and technical writing.
    • A senior thesis or final portfolio project is required to demonstrate competency in writing.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing Degree have diverse career prospects:

  • Target Industries: Writing and editing sectors, journalism, publishing houses, content creation, and digital media.
  • Potential Job Titles: Content Writer (with salaries typically ranging from $45,000 to $70,000 per year), Editor (earning between $50,000 and $80,000 per year), and freelance writer or self-published author.
  • Professional Opportunities: Engaging in freelance gigs and self-publishing can also be lucrative.
  • For detailed career outlook and labor statistics, visit the Writers and Authors job outlook page on bls.gov.

Get Started Today

Tampa, Florida offers a wealth of educational resources and creative opportunities to help you pursue a Creative Writing Degree. With established degree programs, comprehensive admission requirements, and strong industry support from local, county, state, and federal agencies, now is the time to explore your options. Prospective students are encouraged to contact schools directly through their inquiry forms to gain more information and take the next step toward launching a career in creative writing.

Additional educational and arts oversight details are available through local agencies such as the City of Tampa Department of Education and City of Tampa Arts and Cultural Affairs. For further regulatory and resource guidance, Hillsborough County Public Schools (hcps.org), the Florida Department of Education, and the Florida Arts Council are excellent points of reference. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Education continues to support and fund higher education initiatives, including those in the arts.