Student Outcomes

First and foremost, we are a program that emphasizes the development of an artistic craft.  Whether students are taking Studio courses or “Reading as Writers” courses students will be producing their own writing by practicing skills from the literary tradition under the guidance of outstanding faculty mentors.  Students will also learn to apply their creative writing skills to real world situations, using creative solutions, learning research and analytical techniques, and getting on-hands experience in publishing and advocacy.

RWU creative writing alumni have moved onto professional fields that include journalism, public relations, marketing, publishing, library science and political communication. Our alumni have also gone onto graduate schools that not only include creative writing and publishing, but also law school, business school, journalism school, library sciences and even veterinary school.

We emphasize outcomes that are both specific and general, but spread over four years in a way that leads from basic understanding of forms and strategies as freshmen, to sustained reflection in genres of the students’ choosing.  In their senior year, students will work with their portfolios to trace their progress and apply their improved skills to significant projects of their own.

In the 40 years of the program, numerous RWU graduates have gone on to publish novels, short stories and poetry. We have also had publications by current students in venues such as The Santa Clara Review, The Allegheny Review and other literary journals.

We believe the study of literary writing makes one a better human being, through the deep examination of the human condition and human nature.  We seek to instill a love of literature, empathy to others, a more evolved way of looking at the world, and an appreciation of aesthetic beauty of all kinds.

While our classes do not limit themselves to one genre, such as horror, fantasy, romance, or crime, student projects often focus on specific genres, incorporating the storytelling craft students are learning in all their coursework.