Students in the program may concentrate on creative writing (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, literary journalism, and other forms) or professional writing and publishing (editing and publication design, technical communication, visual design, and writing for digital media).

Students have publishing and editing opportunities with several student publications: Neon, the student literary and arts magazine; The Minaret, the University of Tampa’s student newspaper; The Moroccan, the student yearbook; Q, an undergraduate research journal; Royal Road, a student-produced research journal; and others. Students may earn academic credit or serve as interns while gaining practical, real-world experience working for these publications.

The major offers students unique opportunities to meet and interact with acclaimed literary figures during Writers at the University events and the Scholars’ Symposia. Renowned writers, professors, editors and publishers visit campus for readings, lectures and question-and-answer sessions. Held throughout the year, these events enrich the perspective of students. Past guests have included Kinitra Brooks, Peter Coviello, Cord Whitaker, Michael Connelly, Arthur Flowers, Nick Flynn, Colson Whitehead, Francine Prose, Amy Hill Hearth, Terrance Hayes, Miranda July, Tracy K. Smith, George Saunders, Margaret Atwood, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, and Li-Young Lee.