Creative Writing at Bowling Green State University

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program offers comprehensive and rigorous training in the art of writing, and develops students' skills in preparation for numerous post-graduate careers. (Current BFA students: You can check out career opportunities by following the link below).

BFA Students at 2003 AWP Meeting. From Left: Michael Benning,
Chelsea Keefer, Chris Bloomfield, Karen Craigo (associate faculty),
John Lanning, Michelle Schmidt, and Carl Wilhoyte.

Publishing, Internships, Jobs, Writers' Colonies, and Graduate Studies

BFA Graduation Reading, 4/22/04.
Chelsea Van der Gaag and Josh
Maier read dialogue.

To provide rich cultural and historical contexts for students' original work in the BFA program, students take studio-oriented fiction and poetry writing workshops; foundational courses in modern and contemporary American and English literature and world literature from ancient times to the present; and a course in linguistics and the history of languages. Students complete general education courses in foreign languages, the natural and social sciences, and the humanities to obtain a well-rounded education. Candidates for graduation must complete a BFA thesis, which they present at BFA graduation readings. Click here to view photos from BFA graduation readings. Follow the links below to see detailed requirements for the degree.

Major and Minor Requirements for the BFA in Creative Writing (2007-2008 Catalog).
Major and Minor Requirements for the BFA in Creative Writing (2008-2009 Catalog).
Other University Requirements for the BFA in Creative Writing.
How to Prepare Your Senior BFA Thesis (you can save as a WORD file).
How to Prepare Your Portfolio to Continue on to 300- and 400-level classes (you can save as a WORD file).
Want to Graduate with Honors? Here's how (you can save as a WORD file).

Standards for admission to the BFA are high. Among other requirements, students must complete introductory writing classes, which focus on intensive reading, critical essay, and basic craft knowledge of creative writing. To continue on into upper-division classes (300 and 400 levels), students are required to successfully complete Eng 205, 206, 208, and 209. Additionally, a portfolio and interview are required. Click here to view or download guidelines in MS Word. These upper-division classes focus on extensive writing and revision, refinement of craft, and definition of artistic goals.

Arts Village--Dance, art, theatre, music, creative writing—if those pursuits interest you as a profession or an avocation, the Arts Village will be an extraordinary learning community for you. Open to students in any major, the Arts Village involves exploring all aspects of the arts and sharing views with one another and faculty of various disciplines. The community offers on-site classes specifically geared toward art students, collaborative projects, activities and social events. The Arts Village is located in Darrow Hall in Kreisher Quadrangle. Contact Gordon Ricketts, Director. Click here for more details.

Prairie Margins, the annual undergraduate literary publication, accepts submissions of high quality from students. Students also have the opportunity to serve on the editorial and publication staff of the magazine.

Undergrowth
Undergrowth is the undergraduate creative writing club, composed primarily of students working towards the BFA, although membership is open to anyone on campus with an interest in creative writing. Undergrowth meets on a weekly basis during fall and spring semesters, and is run exclusively by the members. Meetings can consist of anything from an informal workshop to guest speakers to experimental exercises in guided writing. Other club activities include organizing out-of-town trips to readings, public readings by members, and poetry slams, among others.

High School Preparation
A solid background in English composition, mathematics and foreign language is essential for the successful completion of the program in creative writing. While students who lack adequate preparation in one or more of these areas may be admitted to BGSU, such a student's admission to, and completion of the major may be delayed by the requirement that deficiencies be corrected.

Click here for a detailed information sheet about the BFA Program (uses Adobe Reader)!
Please contact Michele Nagel with any additional questions.