Creative Writing Programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Saint Paul, Minnesota

A Creative Writing Degree opens numerous pathways in literature, teaching, publishing, and beyond. Prospective students can pursue various programs—from a Certificate in Creative Writing to a BA in English with a creative writing emphasis and an MFA in Creative Writing. These degrees emphasize workshops, portfolio development, and thesis projects to refine skills in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and media writing. Educational oversight and quality assurance are maintained by state and federal agencies such as the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (contact: (651) 642-0590) and the U.S. Department of Education.

About Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a dynamic urban center known for its rich history and flourishing arts culture. The City of Saint Paul actively supports its residents through the Department of Education (phone: (651) 266-6000) and Arts & Culture departments. Landmarks and neighborhoods, such as Downtown Saint Paul and the Summit Hill area, are at the heart of a lively literary scene that continues to attract creative professionals and learners.

Creative Writing Programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota

A range of educational institutions in and near Saint Paul offers Creative Writing programs that cater to diverse academic interests and career ambitions. Below are three prominent options:

  1. Concordia University – Saint Paul

    • Program: Online MFA in Creative Writing
    • Unique Features: This fully online, thesis-based program encourages students to complete a book-length manuscript. Workshops are an integral part of the curriculum, emphasizing peer critique and revision.
    • Address: 311 South Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (located in the Downtown neighborhood)
    • More Info: Visit the Concordia University – Saint Paul website.

  2. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

    • Programs: BA in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis and an MFA in Creative Writing
    • Unique Features: The programs combine creative coursework with intensive research, including a senior portfolio for the BA and a research-intensive approach for the MFA.
    • Address: 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus spans both Minneapolis and Saint Paul neighborhoods; Minneapolis is approximately 10 miles from central Saint Paul)
    • More Info: Visit the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities website.

  3. Century College

    • Program: Certificate in Creative Writing, including the innovative “Write Like Us” equity initiative focused on poetry, fiction, and nonfiction through workshop-based learning.
    • Unique Features: The program is open enrollment with no specific GPA or portfolio requirement.
    • Address: 1300 Monument Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (approximately 13 miles from Saint Paul, in the White Bear Lake area)
    • More Info: Visit the Century College website.

In addition to these local options, students may explore regulatory and oversight resources provided by educational bodies at the city, county, state, and federal levels to ensure quality and accreditation standards. For example, the Ramsey County Department of Education oversees county-wide educational activities, while accreditation can be verified through the CHEA Accreditation Database.

Literary Opportunities in Saint Paul

Saint Paul’s literary community is supported by several organizations that offer resources, workshops, and networking opportunities:

  • Write Like Us (Century College Initiative):
    Focused on uplifting underrepresented voices in creative writing, this initiative supports BIPOC writers through specialized workshops. Learn more on the Write Like Us page.
  • Ramsey County Library:
    The library hosts regular writing workshops, author events, and critique groups, providing a collaborative environment for emerging writers. More information is available on the Ramsey County Library website.

Additionally, professional organizations such as the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) and PEN America offer national networks and resources that further support the creative writing field.

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Applicants to Creative Writing programs should be prepared to meet various prerequisites:

  • Educational Requirements:
    • For the Certificate at Century College, open enrollment means no specific GPA or portfolio is required.
    • The BA program at the University of Minnesota requires a creative writing portfolio and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
    • The MFA program at Concordia University – Saint Paul mandates a writing portfolio of 20–30 pages, a personal statement, and academic transcripts.
  • Curricular Components:
    • Workshops are essential in all programs, offering structured peer feedback and revision strategies.
    • The MFA program requires the development of a thesis—a book-length manuscript—while BA programs may culminate in a senior portfolio project.
  • Accreditation and Regulatory Oversight:
    • Century College and Concordia University – Saint Paul are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
    • Prospective students may verify accreditation through the CHEA Accreditation Database.

For broader regulatory guidelines and funding information, students can consult state bodies like the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota State Arts Board, as well as federal resources such as the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing degree have a variety of career pathways available:

  • Common Career Roles:
    • Editor, content writer, teacher, publisher, and freelance writer.
  • Salary Insights:
    • Content Writers can expect salaries between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, while Editors typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year.
  • Professional Development:
    • The Twin Cities Writing Community offers numerous workshops and critique groups.
    • Annual events such as the Minnesota Book Awards recognize local literary talent.
  • Job Outlook:
    For detailed industry trends and employment projections for writers and authors, visit the Writers and Authors job outlook page on bls.gov.

Get Started Today

The journey toward a Creative Writing degree in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is rich with opportunities—from accredited programs to supportive local literary organizations. With accessible programs, a robust network of professional organizations, and numerous career paths, now is the time to advance your creative career. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their chosen schools using the forms available on each institution’s website and begin their path to literary excellence.