If you’d told me that I would write the screenplay for an award-winning documentary after graduation, I would not have believed you. Now I’m working on a picture book and have several other ideas for the future.
Bachelor of Arts
Writing and Publishing
Major | MINOR
Write well. publish for real.
Learn the craft of writing and the work of putting it into the world.
Writing and Publishing at Goshen College pairs the craft of writing fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction with the real work of publishing: editing, design, and the production of print, electronic and even letterpress publications. Not only will you learn how to write your best in your own distinct voice, you will also build skills that carry into any field — especially publishing, communications, teaching, law, writing, and graduate study.
This major is hands-on and portfolio-driven. You’ll develop a sophomore portfolio early, edit and produce a Pinchpenny Press book of your own writing, and finish with a senior seminar that transforms your best work into a professional portfolio, all in small classes with one-on-one faculty mentoring.
Learn to write for all readers
This major is for people who take language seriously, who want to hone their craft, edit with judgment, and use their voice to make something that lasts. Here, you’ll be pushed to create and polish your very best work in whatever from that looks like for you — a novel, literary memoir, or online writing for social change.
You won’t do it alone. With small classes and faculty mentoring, you’re known by name in a community of writers and editors who take both your questions and your voice seriously.
What You’ll Study
- Creative Writing: Build your craft in fiction, poetry, memoir, creative nonfiction and even comics and graphic novels, in workshop courses led by writing faculty.
- Editing & Publishing: Solicit, edit, design and produce on-campus publications and learn print, electronic and letterpress publishing in Editing and Publishing (ENGL 340), as well as on student-led publishing boards.
- Get Published: Put your work into the world through Pinchpenny Press, Broadside and The Record, plus public readings, internships and writing contests on campus and beyond.
View the complete program requirements in our catalog.
Cristina Jantz '20
Screenwriter, "Under the Peach Trees: The Story of the Hochstetler Family"
Library Science Certificate
As a Writing and Publishing Major, you can also turn your passion for books, research, history and community engagement into a professional credential with Goshen College’s Library Science Certificate.
This program meets Indiana Public Librarian Certification requirements, while building a strong foundation in library and information science and tailoring it to your interests.
Paying for Goshen
As a Writing and Publishing major, you may apply for the Horswell Publishing fellowship, and may qualify for merit-based scholarships. Nearly all Goshen College students receive financial aid.
To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator, or explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages.
Common questions about the Writing and Publishing major
The 42-credit major includes Introduction to Creative Writing, Expository Writing, Writing Workshop, English Grammar and Editing and Publishing, plus three upper-level writing courses (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, memoir or other genres), three literature electives, Digital Design, a media-production course and a senior writing practicum and seminar.
Graduates work as writers, editors, publishers, copywriters and content strategists, journalists, communications specialists and teachers. The professional writing, editing and design skills are highly transferable, and the degree is strong preparation for graduate study and law school.
Yes. The English department also offers an 18-credit Writing minor focused on creative and journalistic writing. It pairs well with almost any major, so you can learn how to write well in the field of your choice.
Start your application at the Goshen College apply page, or request information first if you’d like to talk through fit, the field placement, or careers in social work before committing. You can also schedule a visit to meet the faculty.
Jessica Baldanzi
Professor of English
Department ChairJoe Kreider
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
