Creative Writing Programs in Overland Park, Kansas

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Overland Park, Kansas

A Creative Writing Degree opens doors to advanced study in literature, storytelling, and interdisciplinary artistic practices. Prospective students may choose from degrees such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English with a Creative Writing Concentration. These programs often emphasize practical workshops, literature courses, and culminating capstone projects. In addition to classroom instruction, many programs integrate hands-on experiences like internships and study-abroad opportunities.

For guidance and regulatory oversight, consider these official educational and arts bodies:

  • City of Overland Park Arts & Culture Division – Promotes arts initiatives and cultural programs. Visit their website at https://www.opkansas.org/ or call (913) 895-6000.
  • Johnson County Government Arts & Heritage Center – Manages county-wide arts programs and grants. Learn more at https://www.jcprd.com/ or call (913) 826-3000.
  • Kansas Board of Regents – Oversees higher education institutions and degree program approvals. Their website is https://www.kansasregents.org/ or call (785) 296-3421.
  • U.S. Department of Education – Ensures accreditation standards and federal financial aid compliance. More information is available at https://www.ed.gov/.

About Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park is a thriving city in Johnson County, known for its commitment to education and the arts. The city supports numerous cultural initiatives, including public art installations and literary workshops. Local residents and visitors can explore community events through the city’s Arts & Culture Division. For more details about Overland Park, visit the official city website at https://www.opkansas.org/.

Creative Writing Programs in Overland Park, Kansas

Local and nearby institutions offer a range of creative writing courses and degree programs.

  • Johnson County Community College (JCCC) – Continuing Education

    • Program Offerings: Non-credit courses in writing, grammar, editing, and creative genres.
    • Address: 21911 W. 83rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66223 (Main Campus)
    • Neighborhood: Located in the heart of Overland Park.
    • Website: https://www.jccc.edu/

  • University of Kansas (KU) – BA in English with Creative Writing Concentration

    • Program Offerings: Requires completion of workshops in two genres (fiction, poetry, or playwriting) along with a capstone thesis or portfolio project.
    • Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, Core 34 requirements, and completion of prerequisite courses (ENGL 300+).
    • Curriculum: Includes four workshops, five literature courses, and a comprehensive capstone.
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
    • Location: Lawrence, KS (approximately 25 miles from Overland Park)
    • Website: https://catalog.ku.edu/

  • Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) – BFA in Creative Writing

    • Program Offerings: Focuses on interdisciplinary studio practice integrated with literary studies in fiction, poetry, and screenwriting.
    • Admission Requirements: Includes a portfolio review, writing samples, and demonstrations of studio practice integration.
    • Curriculum: Comprises over 50 courses including literature classes and studio minors, and offers international internships such as the Paris Study Abroad Program.
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
    • Location: Kansas City, MO (approximately 20 miles from Overland Park, located in downtown Kansas City)
    • Website: https://kcai.edu/

Literary Opportunities in Overland Park, Kansas

The area offers a wealth of literary opportunities for creative writers to grow their skills and network with established professionals.

  • Overland Park Public Library Writing Workshops

    • These workshops provide avenues for writers to refine their craft through structured sessions and community events.
    • Website: https://www.opkansas.org/

  • Johnson County Library Writers’ Group

    • Offers regular meet-ups and discussion sessions, fostering a supportive environment for writers at different stages of their careers.
    • Website: https://www.jocolibrary.org/

  • New Letters on the Air (UMKC Initiative)

    • This organization produces radio interviews with established writers and hosts internships that benefit KCAI students. Although an official website link is not provided here, the program is affiliated with the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

  • Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)

    • A national professional organization that advocates for creative writing programs and holds annual conferences.
    • Website: https://www.awpwriter.org/

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Before enrolling in a Creative Writing program, applicants should be prepared to meet several prerequisites:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is generally required, with some programs expecting college-level coursework in writing.
  • Age Requirements: Students must meet the minimum age set by the institution.
  • Writing Samples/Portfolios:
    • For the KCAI BFA, a portfolio review along with writing samples is essential.
    • For the KU BA, applicants should have a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA) and submit evidence of prerequisite coursework (e.g., ENGL 300+).
  • Curriculum Overview:
    • KCAI: Offers more than 50 courses, blending literature classes with studio minors and professional internships such as BkMk Press Internships.
    • KU: Requires four creative writing workshops, five literature courses, and a comprehensive capstone thesis or portfolio.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

A degree in Creative Writing can lead to diverse career paths in both traditional and emerging fields. Graduates may pursue roles as:

  • Authors and novelists
  • Journalists and content creators
  • Editors and social media specialists
  • Freelance writers and self-publishers

In addition to traditional employment, many creatives independently develop their careers through freelance opportunities and self-publishing projects. To explore current job prospects, visit the Writers and Authors Job Outlook page on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Professional development opportunities, such as BkMk Press Internships and KCAI’s Paris Study Abroad Program, further enhance career readiness.

Get Started Today

The journey toward a Creative Writing Degree in Overland Park, Kansas, is filled with rich academic, cultural, and professional opportunities. With local institutions offering tailored programs and abundant community resources, prospective students are encouraged to research their options and contact their chosen school through the provided forms. Taking the first step today paves the way for a fulfilling creative career.