Creative Writing, BFA
In CBU’s creative writing bachelor's program, students develop their writing technique, hone their creative style and establish a voice that is uniquely and distinctly their own.
Program Intro
From copywriting to creating trade journals or novels, writers influence the world through words. In CBU's BFA in Creative Writing program, students will be part of a close-knit writing community that offers feedback, support and constructive criticism as they refine their craft, eventually working on a final writing project of publishable quality that expresses universal themes and their personal worldview.
Why Study Creative Writing at CBU?
Small workshops help improve writing
This is the first bachelor of fine arts degree offered at CBU, and one of only two BFA creative writing programs offered at a Christian college in the U.S. Writing workshops are kept small so that students can get frequent feedback on their writing from their professors and peers. The program culminates with a creative capstone project, which is usually a collection of poems or short stories or a novel/novella.
Use writing skills in any industry
The skills students acquire in this program will equip them for all types of careers where keen, lucid writing is expected, whether analytical, editorial or creative. This program also prepares students for graduate study in both creative writing (MFA) and English (MA).
Write for the campus literary journal
Students have the opportunity to work on the campus literary journal, The Dazed Starling. This literary journal is published every spring and features poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction by CBU students. Students select and edit submissions, then format and design the journal, which is usually about 125 pages. After the journal is published, the creative writing program hosts an event where students read aloud from the issue.
What You'll Learn
- Creative Writing and Revision – Evaluate how craft, style, and technique in creative writing influence the writing process and strategies for revision.
- Language and Voice – Create an approach to crafting poetry, fiction, nonfiction with a distinct voice, style, faith and/or worldview, and with effective use of grammar, syntax, and mechanics.
- Essay Writing and Research – Incorporate research from scholars in the appropriate literary and theoretical fields into well-organized and revised essays.
- Reading and Interpretation – Develop textually grounded interpretations of the content, form, aesthetics, genre, historical significance, themes, and relevant topics in literary texts.
- Writers’ Community (the classroom, the campus, the world) – Evaluate peer work and communication, constructive feedback writers give and receive, public readings of creative writing, and submissions to literary journals for publication.
Program Details
ENG 384: Writing Fiction
An intensive writing workshop designed to permit the student to study and practice fiction in various forms.
ENG 385: Writing Poetry
An intensive writing workshop designed to permit the student to study and practice fiction in various forms.
ENG 386: Writing Creative Nonfiction
An intensive writing workshop designed to permit the student to study and practice creative nonfiction in various forms.
- Digital Literary Studies Concentration
- Journalism and New Media Concentration
- Marketing Communications Concentration
Jennifer Tronti, M.A.
Assistant Professor of English
Director of First Year English Composition
Office Phone: 951-343-4290
E-mail: jtronti@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room #258
I chose my major because I wanted a creative outlet, to write to express the things I cannot say. My professors are all very compassionate and willing to serve. I have learned to trust the gifts and instincts God has given me, and in the future, I hope to heal others with my words.
Amber Jackson '21
Student Opportunities: Student Literary Journal
Founded in 2014, The Dazed Starling is a student-edited literary journal that features poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction submitted by California Baptist University students and recent graduates. Our mission is to demonstrate the diversity of human imagination and provide enjoyment for our readers. Submissions are accepted from every major, genre, and walk of life to open the doors to new experiences. It is published in the spring of each year.
Career Possibilities
Creative writing majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Author
- Editor
- Producer
- ESL / TESOL Teacher
- Copywriter
- Professional Blogger
- Technical Writer
- Creative Director
- Publishing Professional
- Journalist
- Library Scientist
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.