Welcome to the Department of Writing

Knowing how to construct texts that appeal to different audiences is a critical skill for the 21st century. With the proliferation of online and accelerated communication, the ability to tell a story that engages and persuades an audience is more important than ever. A degree in writing can help you develop this ability.

As a writing major, you will have opportunities to develop storytelling skills in a wide variety of genres and media. Whether you are interested in connecting storytelling to traditional genres (academic, poetry, magazine, fiction, non-fiction) or to the latest writing technologies (document design software, content management systems), you can select courses that best prepare you for future professional careers.

Through a unique m­­odular curriculum that combines courses in professional, academic, and creative writing, you will learn how to create, shape, design, and share texts. These abilities will allow you to enter the world in a variety of careers. You can become a web writer, freelancer, document designer, magazine writer, editor, publisher, or technical writer, to name a few. The flexibility and the variety of courses offered lets you shape your educational experience and future professional identity.

Through our 42-credit B.A. or B.S. degree, our writing majors develop the skill set to:

  • Write fiction and non-fiction texts.
  • Develop and tailor content to both print and online media.
  • Work with the industry standard writing, design, and web software.
  • Collaborate with other writers, editors, subject matter experts, and designers to prepare content for publication.
  • Develop promotional materials to pitch and sell content.

You can find information about who we are, what we offer, and how to get involved using the links at the top of this page. Please contact us if we can assist in any way!

The Department of Writing is a unit of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

News and Events

fishladder Now Accepting Submissions Spotlight

fishladder Now Accepting Submissions

fishladder, GVSU's Student Journal of Art & Writing, is open for submissions through December 14.

Applications Now Open for Two Affiliate Faculty Positions Spotlight

Applications Now Open for Two Affiliate Faculty Positions

The Department of Writing is accepting applications for two Affiliate faculty positions to begin teaching first-year writing in Fall 2026.

Looking for classes for Winter 2026? Spotlight

Looking for classes for Winter 2026?

Consider taking a writing class to build your creative and professional storytelling skills. We still have seats available, so check out the brief course descriptions below and register for courses in Banner while you still can!

Submit to the 2025 AWP Intro Awards Spotlight

Submit to the 2025 AWP Intro Awards

Submit your unpublished fiction (1 story), creative nonfiction (1 essay), and poetry (up to 3 poems) to this years AWP Intro Awards.

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Alumni in Action

Alumni Spotlight: Emily Zerrenner Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Emily Zerrenner

WRT alum discusses career path and offers advice.

Alumni Spotlight: Annie Cunningham Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Annie Cunningham

WRT alum discusses career path and offers advice.

Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Crowley Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Crowley

WRT alum discusses career path and offers advice.

View More Alumni in Action


Events

Study Abroad Applications Due

February 1, 2026 All Day

GV Writers Series: Jane Zwart

February 17, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

MyScholarships Deadline

March 1, 2026 All Day

GV Writers Series: Donald Quist

April 7, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Writing Department Senior Celebration 2026

April 24, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

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Page last modified November 7, 2025