Creative Writing Programs in Spokane, Washington

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Spokane, Washington

A Creative Writing Degree opens doors to careers in literature, journalism, and content creation. Prospective students can choose from various educational paths—including a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA)—each designed to hone creative skills through intensive workshops, writing seminars, and portfolio development. This guide provides an overview of the process, essential degree requirements, and the diverse options available through local Creative Writing programs.

About Spokane

Spokane, Washington, is a culturally rich city known for its dynamic arts scene and thriving literary community. The city hosts several historical neighborhoods, such as Browne’s Addition and the University District, which nurture local literary events and public arts initiatives. For more details about the city’s offerings, visit the official Spokane website.

Creative Writing Programs in Spokane, Washington

Below are three key programs in Washington that offer Creative Writing courses. While not all are located directly in Spokane, each option is easily accessible from the city.

  1. Eastern Washington University (EWU) – Creative Writing BA and MFA

    • Address: 1000 E University Ave, Cheney, WA 99004
    • Neighborhood/Location: Cheney (approximately 25 miles from Spokane)
    • Program Details: EWU offers both a BA and an MFA in Creative Writing. The BA program includes core courses like Introduction to Creative Writing and creative theory workshops, while the MFA demands an extensive writing sample (20–30 pages), letters of recommendation, and active participation in local literary events such as the GetLit! Festival. For more information, visit the EWU website.

  2. Central Washington University (CWU) – MA in Professional and Creative Writing

    • Address: 1 University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926
    • Neighborhood/Location: Ellensburg (approximately 80 miles from Spokane)
    • Program Details: CWU’s MA program emphasizes a hybrid learning model, combining online courses with on-campus seminars. Applicants should be prepared to submit GRE scores if required, along with a final portfolio that showcases genre-specific writing excellence. Learn more at the CWU website.

  3. Washington State University (WSU) – BA in Creative Writing

    • Address: Pullman, WA 99163
    • Neighborhood/Location: Pullman (approximately 275 miles from Spokane)
    • Program Details: WSU’s BA program in Creative Writing offers a curriculum that includes courses in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The program is noted for its unique writers-of-color course requirements and internship opportunities, complete with a rigorous portfolio submission process. Additional details can be found on the WSU website.

Literary Opportunities in Spokane

Spokane is home to robust literary organizations and community resources that support aspiring writers:

  • Spokane Arts

    • Purpose: This organization promotes arts and culture in Spokane with a focus on literary initiatives, including grants and writing workshops.
    • Contact: (509) 625-6600
    • Website: Spokane Arts
    • Neighborhood: Located in downtown Spokane, fostering connections with local creative communities.

  • Spokane County Library District – Writing Workshops

    • Purpose: The library district provides free community writing sessions and literary resources.
    • Contact: (509) 893-8400
    • Website: Spokane County Library District
    • Neighborhood: Serving multiple neighborhoods across Spokane County, these workshops are central to local literary development.

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Enrollment in Creative Writing programs typically requires:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs.
  • A minimum GPA (for example, 2.75 for certain BA programs at EWU).
  • Submission of writing samples or a portfolio, especially for upper-division or graduate courses.
  • For MFA applicants, a 20–30 page writing sample and letters of recommendation are standard.
  • Additional requirements such as GRE scores may be necessary for MA programs, as seen with CWU.

These prerequisites ensure that students are prepared for the rigorous coursework and creative challenges of the program.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing Degree can pursue diverse professions. Common career paths include roles such as editor, content writer, teacher, and freelance writer with self-publishing options. In addition to traditional publishing houses, many creative writing graduates work in digital media and corporate communications. To explore current job prospects and salary data for writers and authors, review the Writers and Authors Job Outlook on bls.gov.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a Creative Writing Degree can transform your passion for storytelling into a fulfilling career. With a variety of programs, workshops, and literary organizations available in and around Spokane, aspiring writers have ample opportunities to develop their craft. Contact a school today through the provided forms on their respective pages and take the first step toward a creative future.

For further guidance or to learn more about local educational and arts resources in Spokane, consider contacting the following official bodies:

Additionally, industry professionals and students can benefit from the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), which advocates for creative writing programs and organizes key conferences in the field.