Compare two majors
Pick any two majors to see courses, skills, and typical career roles side by side. Useful if you're weighing two options that sound similar, like Computer Science vs. Data Science, or Biology vs. Biochemistry.
Humanities & Languages
Creative Writing
Crafting original fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to Creative Writing
- ✓Fiction Workshop
- ✓Poetry Workshop
- ✓Creative Nonfiction Workshop
- ✓Literature Survey Courses
- ✓Craft of [Genre] Seminar
Skills you'll build
Original creative writing across genresGiving and receiving structured critiqueRevision and self-editingClose reading for craft techniqueVoice and style developmentDiscipline around a regular writing practicePresenting and discussing work publicly
Good fit if you...
- ★Has a strong pull toward writing original work
- ★Open to critique and comfortable revising extensively
- ★Reads widely and thinks about craft, not just story
- ★Self-motivated with a consistent writing habit
Humanities & Languages
English Literature
Close reading, interpretation, and the craft of language.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to Literary Analysis
- ✓British Literature (survey)
- ✓American Literature (survey)
- ✓Literary Theory & Criticism
- ✓Shakespeare
- ✓World Literature
Skills you'll build
Close reading and textual analysisConstructing and defending written argumentsUnderstanding historical and cultural context of textsResearch and synthesis of secondary sourcesClear, precise writingCritical thinking about ambiguity and interpretationEditing and revision
Good fit if you...
- ★Loves reading and thinking deeply about texts
- ★Enjoys writing and refining arguments
- ★Comfortable with ambiguity and multiple interpretations
- ★Curious about language, culture, and history through literature
Roles this could lead to
This comparison covers what each field of study typically includes. It's not a ranking, and it isn't a guarantee of course availability or outcomes at any specific school. See our disclaimer.