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Creative Writing Minor

Minor

With a creative writing minor, you’ll gain essential writing skills that can be applied to almost any career.

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By adding a minor in creative writing, you'll hone your skills in writing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. You’ll begin with a general course that will help you forge a strong base exploring all of these genres. And you’ll end with an immersive experience with intense, dedicated time to work on a longer project or time in the field completing an internship. By diversifying and expanding your writing talents, you'll open yourself up to a greater variety of career opportunities.

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Why should I study creative writing at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of English and Journalism where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Your rich interaction with literature and writing, taught by Christian professors and approached through the eyes of faith, will guide you on your unique journey as you ask questions and consider what it means to be a Christian.   
  • Flexibility
    The English degree course requirements are flexible, allowing you the opportunity to add other disciplines as second majors or minors.
  • A community where you belong
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

As you explore creative writing, you’ll hone your creative talents while strengthening critical communication skills.

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Writing mastery

You’ll come to understand writing as a process and learn how to invent, revise, critique, and publish.

Confidence in your creativity

You’ll gain the tools to more uniquely and creatively express yourself while developing and editing longer writing projects and preparing them for publication.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong.

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Study abroad

You’ll have the chance to study abroad over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. The January Textura trip and the Travel Writing trip are favorites among English and journalism students at Bethel. You may also explore off-campus programs in New York City and Los Angeles.

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Internships

Write for area newspapers like the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Or learn the ropes at publishing houses like Redleaf Press, Believers Press, Bethany House Publishers, Coffee House Press, and more.

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Build your portfolio

Hone your writing skills through Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper, literary journal, award-winning Textura magazine project, the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication, and by attending off-campus national conferences and engaging with the vibrant Twin Cities literary culture. 

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Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

With a creative writing minor, you’ll gain writing and communication skills that are in high demand with organizations and employers. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

Storytelling roles

With improved writing skills, you’ll be equipped to present information in a compelling way in diverse roles in publishing, journalism, marketing, and beyond.

Stand out to employers

You’ll gain the essential skills valued in careers in education, business, counseling, communication and marketing, graphic design and more.

Experience

You’ll enter the workforce with a strong portfolio of creative writing content through Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper, literary journal, Textura magazine project, and poetry competition.

Apply your faith to your career

As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to use words to glorify God wherever your career takes you.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of English and Journalism


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 370, 372

Contact

April Vinding

Scott Winter

April Vinding

April Vinding

Professor of English

Bio >

Marion Larson

Marion Larson

Professor of English

Bio >

Angela Preston

Angela Preston

Associate Professor of English

Bio >

Scott Winter

Scott Winter

Professor of Journalism

Bio >

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William Lawrenz

Adjunct Instructor of English and Journalism

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Phyllis Alsdurf

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

Thomas Becknell

Thomas Becknell

Professor of English Emeritus

Bio >

Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

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Lorraine Eitel

Associate Professor of English Emerita

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Daniel Ritchie

Daniel Ritchie

Professor of English Emeritus

Bio >

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Daniel Taylor

Professor of English Emeritus

Bio >

20

scholarly pieces published by faculty since 2013

20

England Term trips drawing over 400 students since 1979

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements