Is it possible to major in poetry?

Question

Im interested in studying poetry in college but i've never seen or heard of anyone major in it. Can you major in poetry?

Answer 1

Um, some of these peeps don't know what they are talking about. Of course it is possible to get a degree in poetry. Many schools offer an MFA in Poetry specifically; others offer an MFA in creative writing with poetry as the major/emphasis.

However, as someone said, such a degree probably won't pay the bills. Better to major in something more financially lucrative, then minor in poetry and/or do poetry on the side. That way you won't find yourself struggling in your later years to make ends meet.

Answer 2

Not poetry per se...you would most likely need to pursue an English degree with a concentration in Creative Writing. If your school does not offer different "tract" programs (e.g., Creative Writing, Professional Writing, Journalism, Traditional tracks) then your best bet is to take as many Creative Writing and/or Poetry classes as possible, and in the future (on applications and such) state that although you have a regular English degree, that your specific area of concentration was in Creative Writing/Poetry.

Answer 3

You can get an MFA in Poetry. There are plenty of universities that offer this.

HOWEVER, I would strongly advise against as it is too easy to become a lazy poet with regards to reading outside of poetry. I would suggest majoring in a Literature, if you must be a writer.

I also strongly suggest that you learn some kind of a trade or skill with good pay to help you through the lean years.

Answer 4

My poetry professor teaches English, so I would say no. No degree in poetry, but that does not mean you cannot study it and become good at it.

I took an introduction to poetry class...we all thought we would be writing poetry but we studied poetry styles. I bet English would take you to different periods in different cultures. The poets like Woodsworth, Langston Hughes, to Japanese Haiku.

Good luck...true poetry comes from life, and the more you feel it the better you write. My poetry professor said that poets live the shortest lives because they feel everything stronger.

Answer 5

Although it is more common to major in English Literature, where analysis of poetry is common, there is one program that I do know of with Columbia College Chicago. They offer an undergraduate (BA) in Poetry major (or minor) and also a graduate program. There could be other colleges that offer similar degree programs, but I've never heard of any. Here is a link to Columbia's degree program though: http://www.colum.edu/Academics/English_Department/poetry/Major.php

Good luck!

Answer 6

I have never heard of a poetry major, but you can major in English and take creative writing courses.

Answer 7

in the experience that your going to purely write poetry books, then it would not pay lots. sure you may significant in poetry in school. i admire poetry too yet i visit try this on the side and significant in psychology it actual relies upon on how a techniques you opt to pass and additionally you nonetheless have a great number of time in the previous you will possibly be able to desire to come again to a determination :)

Answer 8

English is the "major" and you can do an emphsis on poetry, or like american poetry..that sort of thing.

Answer 9

problematic aspect. lookup using the search engines. just that will help!