Suggested Timeline for Creative Writing Majors

Below is a timeline of recommendations for Creative Writing majors with special regard to courses, internships, international programs, graduate school, and employment.

First Year:

• We strongly recommend the Great Books sequence. It's best to begin this sequence during the Fall of your first year.
• Take CRWR 203: Introduction to Creative Writing.
• Consider taking CRWR 303: Intermediate Creative Writing during the Spring semester.
• If you wish to attend an International Program (which we strongly encourage), it's best to look into the application process and deadlines early your first year; the sophomore year is the best year to study abroad for most students.
• Consider getting involved with Expressionists Student Magazine.
• Applications for the Douglas Scholarship and editorship of Expressionists are due early in the Spring semester. During winter break, check the appropriate links on this Web site for up-to-date information on the application processes and deadlines.

Second Year:

• If you want to attend an International Program, this is the best year to do so. Applications will have been due the previous year.
• Spend most of your time completing General Education courses.
• In the Fall, consider taking ENG 301: Spiritual Writing.
• In either Fall or Spring semester, try to take CRWR 303, ENG 315, and then choose one from ENG 325, ENG 326, and ENG 370.
• In the Fall, begin looking into internships for the Spring or Summer.
• Consider getting involved with Expressionists Student Magazine.
• Applications for the Douglas Scholarship and editorship of Expressionists Student Magazine are due early in the Spring semester. During winter break, check the appropriate links on this Web site for up-to-date information on the application processes and deadlines.

Third Year:

• Focus on the remaining core courses for the major.
• Check the Course Rotation schedule (see link in upper right corner of this page) to determine when the advanced CRWR courses will be offered. Plan your final two years accordingly.
• If you haven't already, begin taking courses for your Outside Emphasis (Literature, Film, or Journalism - see Major requirements).
• This is a critical year for internships. Consider internships for Fall, Spring, or Summer. You'll need to plan for each of these in advance.
• If you have not yet worked with Expressionists Student Magazine, then do so this year. This will provide you with valuable magazine editing and production experience.
• Applications for the Douglas Scholarship and editorship of Expressionists are due early in the Spring semester. During winter break, check the appropriate links on this Web site for up-to-date information on the application processes and deadlines.

Fourth Year:

• During the summer prior to the beginning of this school year, double-check your planned schedule to make sure you have not missed required courses.
• Also during the summer prior to the beginning of this school year, determine which graduate program, fellowship program, or type of employment you plan to pursue next. Check for deadlines; many will be in the Fall.
• This year you should finish all requirements for the Major, the Outside Emphasis, and the General Education program.
• This is also a critical year for internships. Consider internships for Fall, Spring, or Summer. You'll need to plan for each of these in advance.
• If you have not yet worked with Expressionists Student Magazine, then do so this year. This will provide you with valuable magazine editing and production experience.
• Applications for graduate programs and fellowship programs are usually due during November, December, or January. Many of these applications will be time-consuming, so begin preparing for them at least several months in advance. Feel free to contact the Director of Creative Writing for guidance.
• If you need letters of reference, plan to ask for these letters 2-3 months in advance of any deadline.
• Enjoy your senior year at Pepperdine!