creative writing degree programs in nj

Best Writing and Scriptwriting colleges in New Jersey

Best writing and scriptwriting colleges in new jersey for 2023.

New Jersey Institute of Technology offers 4 Writing and Scriptwriting degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2020, 12 Writing and Scriptwriting students graduated with students earning 8 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Master's degrees.

Kean University offers 1 Writing and Scriptwriting degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 5 Writing and Scriptwriting students graduated with students earning 5 Master's degrees.

Rowan University offers 1 Writing and Scriptwriting degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 1 Writing and Scriptwriting students graduated with students earning 1 Certificate.

List of all Writing and Scriptwriting colleges in New Jersey

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English—Creative Writing, B.A.

About this degree.

Completion of this concentration prepares one for a career as a creative writer, freelance magazine writer, corporate newsletter editor, public relations consultant, advertising copywriter, or speechwriter. Continued study may include a master’s degree in creative writing, library science, or business administration, or a master’s and doctorate in communications or law.

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2023-2024 edition, english—creative writing, b.a..

Students following the Creative Writing concentration engage at every level of the creative process, from the cultivation and drafting of an idea to its publication and performance. Sharing a core with the other concentrations in which the fundamental skills of critical reading are developed and some of the intellectual and cultural issues in the fields of British, American, and World literature are explored, these students take three creative writing workshops and three craft seminars in which they learn to write in a variety of genres (poetry, memoir, fiction, and creative nonfiction) and to read for craft and technique. In English 412, the Capstone Seminar, students explore the challenges of writing a creative manuscript in a genre of their choice.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Creative Writing BA program, students will be able to:

• Summarize texts written in a variety of modes, styles, and discourses.
• Paraphrase texts written in a variety of modes, styles, and discourses.
• Perform close reading of literary works with attention to their formal features.
• Construct explication of texts written in a variety of literary modes.
• Analyze, synthesize, and integrate secondary materials into original analysis, interpretation, or argument.

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Refer to the Undergraduate edition of the online catalog for most recent information.

Refer to the Graduate edition of the online catalog for most recent information.

Creative Writing Program

The creative writing program at montclair state university.

Got a poem in you? A short story? A memoir?

Montclair State’s creative writing program offers courses in fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, and memoir. Bring out the best in your writing!

Courses of Study

New! Now you can major in English with a creative writing concentration . Take any four creative writing workshops and have them count toward your degree in English. Try fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, memoir, and more! Screenwriting and playwriting workshops are cross­‑listed through the School of the Arts.

The English department also offers a creative writing minor open to all undergraduates: six courses for a total of eighteen semester hours. Students choose one of two main genres of focus, either fiction or poetry, and go up the levels of beginning, intermediate, and advanced workshops in that field, ending with a capstone project. In addition, students take two workshops in other genres, as well as a literature course in their chosen genre.

Please note that the Creative Writing concentration cannot be combined with dual degree programs or with other concentrations in English, but the Creative Writing minor can be combined with those programs.

View Catalog FAQs

Students may take an individual workshop, starting at the beginning 200-level. To add the minor, students must fill out a change of major/minor form , obtainable on the Registrar’s site , and bring the signed form to the English department office at 468 Dickson Hall. To add the concentration, students must complete a concentration form available from the English department office, 468 Dickson Hall. For further information, please contact:

David Galef Creative Writing Program Director [email protected]

7 Best colleges for Creative Writing in New Jersey

Updated: July 18, 2023

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in New Jersey ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 13.7M citations received by 406K academic papers made by 7 universities in New Jersey was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. Princeton University

For Creative Writing

2. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

3. Montclair State University

4. College of New Jersey

5. Seton Hall University

6. Rowan University

7. Princeton Theological Seminary

Closest to New Jersey states to learn Creative Writing

Art & design subfields in new jersey.

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Creative Writing

Creative writing degree and program.

The Creative Writing Program is part of the English Department and offers workshops in mixed genre, fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and screenwriting. Our instructors are accomplished authors, poets, and artists who enjoy working with students.

Creative Writing majors can earn the Humanities A.A. degree with a Creative Writing option. The program has articulation agreements with numerous schools inside and outside of New Jersey, such as Montclair University, Rutgers University, the New School in NYC, and Goddard College in Vermont.

In addition to classes, the program includes a monthly Visiting Writers Series, a student Creative Writing Club, and an award-winning student magazine called Collage. In the spring, students are invited to participate in a capstone student reading and celebration of their creative work.

Creative Writing Option, Humanities, A.A.

This option provides the writing skills and general studies to establish a foundation in creative writing across genres with some depth in specific genres and will prepare students for transfer to writing programs at the four year college level for further study. It will also prepare students for positions in writing and publishing such as writer, editor, proofreader, editorial staff positions in creative fields such as publishing, advertising, and public relations as well as a creativity worker such as author. Students interested in pursuing a BFA, MFA or PhD in Creative Writing will benefit the most from this Option, but general English majors may be interested as well.

Transfer Opportunities

Transfer Agreements by Academic Program:  Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between Brookdale and other colleges and universities. These agreements define how the courses you complete at Brookdale will apply to your future bachelor’s degree when you transfer into a baccalaureate program.

Brookdale Community College is an Equal Opportunity educational institution. In order to promote this goal, the College makes positive efforts to ensure equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Diversity Statement: As an academic institution, Brookdale facilitates the free exchange of ideas, upholds the virtues of civil discourse, and honors diverse perspectives informed by credible sources. Our College values all students and strives for inclusion and safety regardless of a student’s disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, religious affiliation, political orientation, socioeconomic standing, and veteran status.

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2024 Best Writing Studies Schools in New Jersey

College Factual looked at 8 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Writing Studies Schools in New Jersey ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 135 degrees in writing studies to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

• Best Overall Writing Studies Schools List

Choosing a Great Writing Studies School

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Writing Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings , including this Best Writing Studies Schools in New Jersey list, to help you choose the best school for you. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location .

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat . Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology .

Featured Writing Studies Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Creative Writing & English

Develop your creativity and gain practical skills with a creative writing degree program –featuring 100% online classes – through a bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Best Schools for Writing Studies in New Jersey

The schools below may not offer all types of writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer.

Top New Jersey Schools in Writing

Seton Hall University is a good choice for students interested in a degree in writing studies. Seton Hall is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of South Orange. A Best Colleges rank of #404 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Seton Hall is a great university overall.

There were roughly 8 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Seton Hall in the most recent data year.

Monmouth University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in writing studies. Located in the large suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #627 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Monmouth is a great university overall.

There were about 2 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Monmouth in the most recent data year.

Rutgers University - Newark is a good choice for students pursuing a degree in writing studies. Located in the city of Newark, Rutgers Newark is a public university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #263 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Rutgers Newark is a great university overall.

There were approximately 16 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers Newark in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, writing degree recipients generally make an average of $40,710 in their early careers.

Rutgers University - Camden is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in writing studies. Rutgers Camden is a medium-sized public university located in the city of Camden. This university ranks 15th out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 19 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers Camden in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, writing degree recipients typically earn about $40,710 at the beginning of their careers.

Located in the large suburb of Union, Kean is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 22nd out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 12 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Kean in the most recent data year.

Montclair State is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Montclair. A Best Colleges rank of #346 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Montclair State is a great university overall.

There were about 6 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Montclair State in the most recent data year.

William Paterson University is a medium-sized public university located in the suburb of Wayne. This university ranks 16th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 12 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at William Paterson University in the most recent data year.

FDU is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Madison. This university ranks 44th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 45 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at FDU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the writing studies program at Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus get $4,418 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

Drew is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Madison. This university ranks 29th out of 44 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 2 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Drew in the most recent data year.

Best Writing Studies Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region

Explore all the Best Writing Studies Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Area or other specific states within that region.

Other Rankings

Bachelor's degrees in writing, best value in writing studies, best for non-traditional students in writing studies, best online in writing studies, most popular online in writing studies, master's degrees in writing, highest paid grads in writing studies, best for veterans in writing studies, most popular in writing studies, most focused in writing studies.

View All Rankings >

Writing Studies Related Rankings by Major

One of 9 majors within the English Language & Literature area of study, Writing Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Writing Focus Areas

View All Writing Concentrations >

Majors Similar to Writing

View All Writing Related Majors >

Notes and References

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO .

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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How to Become a Writer in New Jersey with a BFA, MFA or Similar Creative Writing Degree

Created by CreativeWritingEDU.org Contributor

For New Jersey’s creative writers, tapping the keys is like scratching an itch. When the words come together to tell a story, all feel rights in the world. It’s a cathartic, liberating, often emotional journey that nourishes the soul and quiets the riot of the mind.

How the creative process unfolds, of course, is always up for debate.

Maybe it’s the salty air and memories of childhood summers spent at the Jersey shore. Maybe it’s the state’s storied history playing out in in the lively arts and culture centers of cities like Newark and Montclair. Or perhaps it’s the many charming towns where wistful nostalgia is as guaranteed as the warm summer breezes during blueberry season. Cape May, Lambertville, Hammonton, Princeton… the list goes on.

Whatever the source of inspiration, one thing’s certain – the Garden State is where you’ll find great novelists, authors, and poets who have made (and continue to make) their mark on American literature.

Walt Whitman spent the later part of his life in Camden, where he refined his free verse style and earned a reputation as one of America’s greatest poets. Joyce Carol Oates has spent the bulk her career in Princeton, teaching at the world-class university and writing short stories and novels that address social issues, challenging stereotypical ideals, and solidifying her position as one of America’s preeminent and prolific contemporary fiction writers. And it was in Elizabeth where Judy Blume carved out a spot in young adult literature and gained great critical acclaim (along with a legion of devoted fans) with novels like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing .

With generations of authors and poets paving the way and no shortage of inspiration at your disposal, now may be the time start flexing those creative muscles and getting involved in community organizations and events. And if you’re ready to take your love of the written word to the next level and turn it into a lifelong professional pursuit, it’s time to start thinking about getting the education that will position you for success. From bachelor’s degrees in English with a creative writing concentration to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in creative writing, you’re sure to find a program in New Jersey that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals.

The Enduring Legacy of Beloved Literary Figure Toni Morrison

Though her catalog of work is extensive and includes everything from plays to children’s books, it is, perhaps, her award-winning novels detailing – often painfully, devastatingly – the African American experience that garnered her the most acclaim. She deftly, delicately sought to examine topics like discrimination and racial relations with a lyricism that was both sensitive and powerful. Her dreamy prose was raw and fearless in its detail as she explored topics of prejudice, inequality, culture, identity, and the legacy of slavery.

In her debut novel, The Bluest Eye , she wrote of Pecola, a poor black girl whose hopeless views of race and class led her to believe that being accepted meant having blue eyes and blond hair: “It had occurred to Pecola some time ago that if her eyes, those eyes that held the pictures, and knew the sights – if those eyes of hers were different, that is to say, beautiful, she herself would be different.”

Morrison joined Princeton University faculty in 1989 as a member of the creative writing program and also taught courses in the humanities and African American studies. She transferred to emeritus status in 2006. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 88.

Creative Writing Classes, Courses, and Workshops in New Jersey Can Prepare You for a Creative Writing Degree

Becoming a creative writer in New Jersey means looking beyond your pages of your journal and getting comfortable with the creative writing scene. Sharing your work, reading and studying others, and becoming part of a community of writers is one of the best ways to explore your craft and take your writing to the next level.

Lucky you – New Jersey has no shortage of opportunities to kickstart your writing journey.

With a goal of bringing together a community of people who love writing, The Writer’s Circle hosts weekly creative writing workshops and special events where you can meet with authors and other industry professionals and get inspired. Best of all, they plan events and workshops in Summit, South Orange, Maplewood, Montclair, and Morristown and offer online workshops for those limited by time or geography.

Madison’s Women Who Write is a regional women’s writing group with groups that meet throughout the state. The organization, which hosts critique groups, workshops, and discussion groups with women across all genres of literature, offers a sense of community, whether you’re a professional writer or simply write as a creative outlet.

Jersey City Writers is a nonprofit in Hudson County that’s dedicated to building a community of writers who inspire and support one another. Poets, novelists, writers of short stories, memoirs, and more are welcome to attend the organization’s workshops, writing marathons, and special events throughout the year.

When you’re not about town participating in writing events and workshops, you can stay inspired through literary journals. Black Fox , an independent literary magazine, was created by three students who completed the same MFA program at Farleigh Dickinson University. They publish the work of both established and new writers and are always keen on submissions from writers representing new and hybrid genres and styles.

The Paterson Literary Review is a big name in poetry, not just in New Jersey but throughout the country. They’ve been up and running since 1979, featuring works of poetry, along with fiction, essays, and memoirs. Get a subscription for frequent inspiration and then join in on the fun and start submitting your own work for a chance to get it published.

The literary magazine, StoryQuarterly , has been the voice of new and emerging writers for more than 30 years, and it’s been at Rutgers University – Camden since 2008. Edited by the director of their MFA program, this well-known literary publication encourages submissions of previously unpublished literary fiction and creative nonfiction.

Writing Colleges in New Jersey Offering Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Creative Writing Provide a Path to Becoming a Writer

Once you’ve been bitten by the writing bug, you’ll likely consider taking your love of the craft to the next level. While there are no set-in-stone rules or prescriptive paths when it comes to embarking on a career in creative writing, arts and fine arts degrees have become the gold standards in the field. Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, creative writing programs provide emerging writers with the tools, knowledge, and know how needed to turn a hobby into a successful career.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Other Bachelor’s Degrees in Creative Writing in New Jersey

Bloomfield college.

HUMANITIES DIVISION

Accreditation: MSCHE

Degree: Bachelor – BA

Private School

• Creative Writing

Centenary University

EDUCATION AND HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

• English-Creative Writing

Drew University

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

• English-Creative Writing emphasis

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

MAXWELL BECTON COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Monmouth University

THE WAYNE D. MCMURRAY SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Seton Hall University

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

William Paterson University of New Jersey

COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Public School

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Other Master’s Degrees in Creative Writing in New Jersey

Degree: Master – MFA, MA

• MFA - Creative Writing ( Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Young Adult and Children’s Literature, Literary Translation)
• MA - Creative Writing and Literature for Educators

Degree:  Master – MA, MFA

• Creative Writing Dual Degree

Rutgers University-Camden

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Degree:  Master – MFA

Rutgers University-Newark

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES-NEWARK

• Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry)

Degree:  Master – MA

• Creative and Professional Writing (Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Cross-Genre)

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Masters in Creative Writing Programs in New Jersey

1-5 of 5 results

Rutgers University Graduate School - Newark

Newark, NJ •

Rutgers University - Newark •

• • Rating 4.29 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: This is a tough program but a great recommended step if you want to go to Med/Dental school and are looking to make your application stronger. Much better than a post bacc because you actually come out with a masters degree which is worth something. Looks very good when your trying to match for residency as well. They help you with volunteer hours and community service as well. The pre dental society and pre med society are a great resource too. School has a non toxic and healthy environment not everyone is out for your neck so I love it so far. As a student who had her under grad covered with scholarships I feel the program is a little on the pricier end. ... Read 7 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Rutgers University - Newark ,

Graduate School ,

NEWARK, NJ ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says This is a tough program but a great recommended step if you want to go to Med/Dental school and are looking to make your application stronger. Much better than a post bacc because you actually come... .

Read 7 reviews.

Drew University

Madison, NJ •

• • Rating 4.21 out of 5   24 reviews

Master's Student: The faculty of the Drew Theological Seminary is mainly exceptional. They are engaging because it is not only about imparting knowledge but also about helping their students hone their skills so that they become better leaders in their chosen vocations. At MDiv or most Master's programs, it feels their responsibility is to help us be responsible leaders who will effect change with care and minimal harm. Drew feels like a breeding centre for leaders with an urgency of relating with those previously excluded, making for a better relational living, irrespective of where we are learning from - in person or online. The diversity of students also adds to the learning environment because it allows for expanding minds, and the limits of what is possible are boundless when the students leave the grounds connected as colleagues. ... Read 24 reviews

MADISON, NJ ,

24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The faculty of the Drew Theological Seminary is mainly exceptional. They are engaging because it is not only about imparting knowledge but also about helping their students hone their skills so that... .

Read 24 reviews.

The Graduate School - Rutgers University - Camden

Camden, NJ •

Rutgers University - Camden •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: Rutgers University is a prestigious university with an excellent graduate program and affordable tuition rates. I highly recommend Rutgers University for their undergraduate and master's degree programs. The highlight of my experience as an undergrad was taking part in the Learning Abroad Program to Germany in the Spring of 2019. ... Read 4 reviews

Rutgers University - Camden ,

CAMDEN, NJ ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Rutgers University is a prestigious university with an excellent graduate program and affordable tuition rates. I highly recommend Rutgers University for their undergraduate and master's degree... .

Read 4 reviews.

Chatham University

Graduate School •

PITTSBURGH, PA

• • Rating 4.26 out of 5   19

Arcadia University

GLENSIDE, PA

• • Rating 4.47 out of 5   30

Rowan University Graduate

GLASSBORO, NJ

• • Rating 4.36 out of 5   28

College of Arts and Communication - William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ •

William Paterson University of New Jersey •

William Paterson University of New Jersey ,

WAYNE, NJ ,

School of Arts - Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus •

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus ,

College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Rowan University

Rowan University Graduate •

San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• • Rating 4.16 out of 5   50

The New School

NEW YORK, NY

• • Rating 4.46 out of 5   35

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