Capstone in Creative Writing
Updated October 2025
English majors/minors can study creative writing by enrolling in our introductory and advanced workshop courses. English majors also have the option to pursue a Capstone in Creative Writing, a small admissions-based program that supports the writing of a portfolio or long-form project carried out during senior year. (LSA has determined that English majors are not eligible to enroll in the Creative Writing Minor.)
Students in the Capstone in Creative Writing produce original works of imaginative writing, collaborating in the process in small peer groups organized by the genres of fiction and poetry. Students also meet with two members of the English faculty who are themselves professional writers, and who read works-in-progress and give feedback through both meetings and written comments. Students share work in courses and at reading events on campus and at a local bookstore, culminating in a final convocation to which friends and family are invited, typically held on the day of the English Department Commencement.
The Capstone in Creative Writing requires 3 courses to be completed before the thesis workshop (English 428) that meets in the winter semester of the final year:
- Introduction to Creative Writing (English 223)
- Intermediate Course sequences in either Fiction (English 323 + 423) or Poetry (English 324 + 424)
- Advanced Course sequences in either Fiction (English 323 + 423) or Poetry (English 324 + 424).
By the end of the program, students will have completed either portfolios or long-form writing projects that serve as the culmination of their undergraduate creative writing careers. These theses are evaluated by the two faculty members (the thesis section leader and a second reader) with whom the student has worked throughout the semester.
Enrollment
Students interested in the Creative Writing capstone can meet with an English adviser to make sure they enroll in appropriate courses. Pre-application discussions with the Capstone Director are also encouraged. Admissions to the small and selective program are based on completion/undertaking of required coursework and a writing sample, transcript, and application. Admissions will be based on an evaluation of the writing sample by a committee of several readers. Evidence of a mature and serious interest in creative writing is prioritized over grades or other credentials.
The application cycle for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open, and the deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025. Please see the application form for more information.
General Calendar
Admission to the Capstone in Creative Writing Program will occur during winter term and is limited to juniors who have taken or are enrolled in English 323/324 or 423/424. Contact Information & Calendar for Capstones.
Awards for Capstone Students
All students enrolled in either the Creative Writing or Research capstone programs in English and who have completed a thesis meeting program requirements will be eligible for several academic prizes awarded at the end of the academic year. Students who earn the award of Honors in the College with their thesis are additionally eligible for Honors College awards.
Creative Writing Honors
Students who have maintained a 3.5 English GPA may apply for honors in creative writing after they have been accepted into the Capstone Program.
Honors will be awarded based on the student maintaining a 3.5 English GPA, a 3.4 cumulative GPA, and earning a grade of A- or better on the thesis. The College of LSA will not award honors degrees if the student does not have the minimum cumulative GPA.
Contact Us
Cody Walker
Director, Undergraduate Program in Creative Writing
jcodyw@umich.edu
or
English Undergraduate Studies Office
3187 Angell Hall
(734) 764-6330
