University of Nebraska, Omaha

What you'll study

Coursework emphasises sustained creative practice and critical reflection. Typical study components include:

• Genre workshops (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting) focused on drafting, critique, and revision.
• Craft seminars addressing form, voice, narrative technique, poetic technique, and research for creative work.
• Literary studies courses that situate students’ writing in contemporary and historical contexts and develop critical reading skills.
• Professional practice elements such as portfolio preparation, submission processes, editing, and small-press or digital publishing skills.
• Capstone/Final project — a sustained, supervised creative portfolio often accompanied by a reflective critical essay.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a high-school diploma or equivalent and fulfilment of university general admissions criteria. Programs often request a writing portfolio as part of the application to assess creative potential and fit; portfolios are evaluated for craft, originality, and promise. Transfer students should check how existing credits apply toward the BFA sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of paths where advanced writing, editing, and creative thinking are valued. Common outcomes include professional writing (fiction, poetry, nonfiction), editing and publishing roles, content creation, communications and marketing, education and community arts, freelance careers, and preparation for graduate study (MFA or MA) in creative writing or related fields. The degree develops transferable skills in critical analysis, project management, and persuasive communication.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should investigate institution-wide scholarships, departmental awards, and creative-writing specific prizes or assistantships. Funding routes include merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, small contest prizes and publication stipends, and external fellowships. Building a publication record and engaging in campus literary activities can strengthen applications for internal awards and external funding opportunities.