utah phd creative writing

Department of English

College of humanities, main navigation, how to apply.

How to Apply to the Graduate Program

Eligibility

MA, MFA, and PhD Applicants

Students applying to the MA, MFA, or PhD degree programs   must hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university . Successful applicants generally have a cumulative   grade-point average of 3.3 or higher . Applicants holding an MA or MFA in English (or, in some cases, another appropriate discipline) are eligible for admission into the PhD program.

BA-to-PhD Track

The BA-to-PhD track is available to applicants to any program who do not hold a MA or MFA degree in the field.   Applicants to the BA-to-PhD track must submit application materials at the same time as other candidates (December 15th). Applicants accepted into the BA-to-PhD track will receive a teaching assistantship for the first year.   Applicants who are   denied admission into the BA-to-PhD track might instead be offered admission into the MA or MFA program.

Instructions for Application Submission

Complete applications are due by   December 15   for admission following fall semester.   Applications submitted after the December 15 deadline will not be considered .

Please include your name on all application materials. All applications will be considered for funding during the admissions process; no separate application for funding is required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The English Department no longer requires the GRE test to apply.

All applications, writing samples, and recommendations must be submitted via the University of Utah Graduate online application system  Slate . The English Department will not accept applications that are submitted by mail.

Please be sure to indicate in the appropriate places on the application your name, address, and the specific program to which you are applying.  If you are applying for admission to our doctoral program but will not have a master's degree in the field of English upon entering our program, please choose “English-PHD,” and in the section labeled “Additional Information” indicate that you are applying to the BA-to-PHD track. Applicants to the BA-to-PhD track will automatically be considered for admission to the appropriate master's program if they are not admitted to the doctoral program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The online application system permits applicants to apply to only ONE of the department’s MA, MFA, or PhD programs. Please apply to the program you are most interested in pursuing. (You can, however, apply to both the MA and MFA programs.)

All applications must include:

• A statement of purpose   describing your professional interests and goals.
• A substantial critical writing sample   of at least six pages.   The critical sample should demonstrate your ability to frame a critical argument and to conduct a sustained reading of a text or texts.
• Three (3) academic letters of recommendation from faculty who know your work and can assess your ability to do graduate work in English. Please submit the email addresses of your three recommenders via Slate .

Applications for Creative Writing must include:

• In addition to the critical sample (detailed above) , a creative writing sample, either poetry, fiction, or non-fiction (approximately 10 pages) . For the poetry sample, a small collection of poems is acceptable. For fiction or non-fiction samples, a short story or a chapter or selection from a novel, a memoir, or an essay is acceptable. If your fiction or non-fiction samples are short, you can submit more than one piece. Please submit creative samples only in the genre to which you are applying.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The application software allows applicants to submit two files. Creative writing applicants must upload one critical and one creative sample. If your creative sample consists of several short pieces, you must incorporate them into one file before uploading. 

International Applicants:

International applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency in English before they are eligible for  teaching fellowships. Proficiency is partly demonstrated by a TSE or SPEAK score (40 on the TSE, 180 on the SPEAK). International students who will hold teaching fellowships are normally also required to obtain certification through the University’s International Teaching Assistant Program. For more information on the ITA program, see:   International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Program . 

International applicants must upload the appropriate fee, one unofficial set of transcripts, and official TOEFL results to  Slate .

Applicants will be notified of application decisions by March 15.

Application System

The forms for application to the University of Utah Graduate Admissions and the Department of English can now be accessed via the online application system   Slate .

Click Here To access Graduate Application Forms

Application Deadline

Complete applications are due by   December 15   for admission following fall semester.  In order to be considered for admission, your application must be complete by this date.  Please include your name on all application materials. All applications will be considered for funding during the admissions process; no separate application for funding is required.

Applications submitted after the December 15 deadline will not be considered .*

All applications, writing samples, and recommendations must be submitted via the University of Utah Graduate online application system Slate . The English Department will not accept applications that are submitted by mail.

There is no longer an April 15th deadline for admission to the MA or MFA programs.

Applicants who apply for admission by the December 15th deadline will be notified of their admission status by March 15. Applicants cannot be advised of their admission status over the telephone, but they can check the status of their processed application through the online application system:  Slate .

*If a deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, applications will be accepted through the following business day.

Application Materials Checklist

To be considered complete, all items listed below must be submitted via the online application system by   December 15th :  Slate .

• Application A completed University of Utah Common Online Graduate Admissions Application, including an affidavit of support for International Students.
• Application Fee Payment of application fee ($55 for domestic applicants; $65 for international applicants) via the online application system.
• Transcripts Transcripts must be uploaded via the online application system. To facilitate this process you may request your unofficial transcripts, print them out, and upload them into the online application system in accordance with the directions  here . If you are accepted into the program and choose to attend, you must then supply official transcripts mailed from your schools directly to the University of Utah Admissions Office.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ADMISSIONS OFFICE 201 S 1460 E RM 250S SALT LAKE CITY UT 84112-9057

• Statement of Purpose (see "Instructions for Application Submission" above)
• Writing Sample Include a writing sample, or, for creative writing applicants, samples. (see "Instructions for Application Submission" above)
• Three Academic Letters of Reference (see "Instructions for Application Submission" above)

Note: The English Department no longer requires the GRE to apply.

Notice of Completed Application

The University of Utah seeks to provide to people with disabilities equal access to its programs, services, and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GRE Required?

What is the deadline for applying to the graduate program.

The application deadline is December 15 to enroll the following fall semester.

Do you accept spring semester admission?

Do you offer any of your graduate courses online, is it feasible to complete a graduate degree while also working full-time.

At this point, it would be difficult, as the vast majority of our classes are scheduled during the standard workday. Please contact the   graduate advisor   for further information.

What is the maximum length for critical and creative writing samples?

How long does it take to complete a master’s or doctorate degree in your program, when and how will applicants be informed of acceptance status, how many students do you accept into the program every year, can i apply to multiple programs at once.

You may apply to only ONE track within the MA and PhD programs. You can, however, apply to both the MA and MFA programs.

Don't see your question covered here? Call the English office at (801) 581-6168 or   contact the graduate advisor .

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University of Utah

Utah, united states.

The University of Utah offers a vibrant and highly successful program exploring creative writing, committed on all levels to developing well-rounded practitioners with substantial backgrounds in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, digital writing practices, hybrid and other experimental forms, book arts, and literary history and theory.

Our program hosts a dynamic reading series and opportunities for interaction with visiting authors and scholars. Undergraduates are introduced to a variety of writing lives through small workshops and intensive focus on their work, while studying the larger ecology of contemporary publishing. In our graduate program, home to Quarterly West and Western Humanities Review, students intensify and deepen their investigation. We offer a modular MFA in Environmental Humanities, the American West, or Book Arts. Many graduates in our PhD Program, which Atlantic Monthly rated as among the top five in the country, publish widely in literary journals, place books before or soon after completing the program, win national and international awards, oversee and participate in a graduate reading series, and go on to find good academic positions.

Our renowned and aesthetically diverse faculty, whose honors include Guggenheim and NEA fellowships, Pushcart Prizes, the Berlin Prize, and other prestigious recognition of their creative work, scholarship, and teaching, includes Katharine Coles, Michael Mejia, Lance Olsen, Jacqueline Osherow, Paisley Rekdal, and Lindsey Drager.

Our students have published in national literary magazines and journals, and recent work has won the AWP Award in Poetry, the Yale Younger Poets Prize, National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, the PEN/Joyce Osterweil Award, the Flannery O'Connor Award, the Walt Whitman Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award among many other prizes and achievements.

All PhD students, and many of our MFA students, receive a comprehensive support package, and gain valuable teaching training and experience over the course of their degree. For more information about the program, faculty, past and present reading series, and available graduate student funding and fellowships, please visit our website.

Contact Information

255 S. Central Campus Dr. Room 3500 LNCO, English Salt Lake City Utah, United States 84112-0494 Email: [email protected] https://english.utah.edu

Bachelor of Arts in English/Literature +

Minor / concentration in creative writing +, master of fine arts in creative writing +, graduate program director.

Recently written up by the ATLANTIC MONTHLY as "one of the top five PhD in Creative Writing programs in the country," the University of Utah Creative Writing Program offers MFA and PhD degrees in a lively and vibrant intellectual atmosphere. By contrast with many similar departments, students in our graduate program are not segregated by field or degree and can take the same courses together. Students also benefit from a diverse and intellectually rigorous course of study. Students at all levels can participate in editing two national literary magazines, QUARTERLY WEST and WESTERN HUMANITIES REVIEW, as well as work on the internationally renowned independent press FC2. The Program's Guest Writers Series brings in nationally renowned poets and writers, such as Robert Hass, Michael Cunningham, Percival Everett, Cole Swenson, A. Van Jordan, Ben Marcus and JoAnn Beard, while the graduate students run their own popular reading series, The Working Dog.

PhD in Creative Writing +

Katharine coles.

Wayward (poetry, Red Hen Press), Look Both Ways (memoir, Turtle Point Press), Flight (poetry, Red Hen Press), The Earth Is Not Flat (poetry, Red Hen Press)

https://faculty.utah.edu/u0032934-KATHARINE_A_COLES/hm/index.hml

Lindsey Drager

The Archive of Alternate Endings (Dzanc, 2019), The Lost Daughter Collective (Dzanc, 2017), The Sorrow Proper (Dzanc, 2015)

Michael Mejia

TOKYO (Fiction Collective 2, 2018), Forgetfulness (Fiction Collective 2, 2005

https://michaelmejiawriter.com/

Ronald Shavers

Silverfish (Clash Books, 2020)

https://roneshavers.com/bio

Jacqueline Osherow

Dead Man's Praise, Looking for Angels in New York, Conversations with Survivors

https://english.utah.edu/people/jacqueline_osherow.php

Paisley Rekdal

The Night My Mother Met Bruce Lee, The Invention Of The Kaleidoscope

https://faculty.utah.edu/u0398961-PAISLEY_REKDAL/hm/index.hml

Publications & Presses +

Quarterly West

Western Humanities Review

Visiting Writers Program +

Rick Barot, Spring 2024

Reading Series +

Guest Writer Series ( https://english.utah.edu/news-and-events/events.php )

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College of Architecture + Planning

School of architecture, architectural studies ms.

Master of Science

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Program HANDBOOK

Architecture MAR

Master of Architecture

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City & metro planning mcp.

Master of City and Metropolitan Planning

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Metropolitan Planning, Policy & Design PHD

Doctor of Philosophy

David Eccles School of Business

Department of accounting, accounting mac.

Master of Accounting

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Master of Business Administration

Director of Graduate Studies icon   BRADLEY VIERIG

Contact icon CRYSTALYN NILSON icon 801-581-5577 icon Bldg: GARFF | Rm: 4400

Business Administration MBA

Contact icon CHRIS CONARD icon 801-585-6291 icon Bldg: GARFF | Rm: 2250

icon Available online Business Administration On MBA

Contact icon XANI HAYNIE icon 801-587-8870 icon Bldg: GARFF | Rm: 2400

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Director of Graduate Studies icon   STEVE STUBBEN

Contact icon LARI FRANDSEN icon 801-581-8625 icon Bldg: BU C | Rm: 4100

Business Administration Pr MBA

Business analytics ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MARK PARKER

Contact icon CATHY BROWN icon 801-585-3557

icon Available online Healthcare Administration MHA

Master of Healthcare Administration

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RAND KERR

Contact icon JACKIE REES icon 801-581-5218

Real Estate Development MRD

Master of Real Estate Development

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DANNY WALL

Contact icon ALICIA BROOKS icon 801-587-8533 icon Bldg: GARFF | Rm: 2359

Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy

Business creation mbc.

Master of Business Creation

Director of Graduate Studies icon   PAUL BROWN

Contact icon SONYA ERICKSON icon 801-585-1621 icon Bldg: SFEBB

Department of Finance

Icon available online finance ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   BRIAN JOHNSON

Contact icon LAUREN LANCE icon 801-581-5588 icon Bldg: SFEBB | Rm: 8159

Department of Operations and Information Systems

Cybersecurity management ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   CHRIS DANSIE

Contact icon CATHY BROWN icon 801-587-8333

icon Available online Information Systems MS

Contact icon CATHY BROWN icon 801-585-3557 icon Bldg: SFEBB | Rm: 7130

School of Dentistry

Dentistry dds.

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ALEX STEELE

Contact icon ALEX STEELE icon 801-646-4654 icon Bldg: UUSODG

College of Education

Department of education, culture and society, education, culture and society med.

Master of Education

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LETICIA ALVAREZ

Contact icon JASON NEWNUM icon 801-587-1223 icon Bldg: SAEC | Rm: 328

Education, Culture and Society PHD

Contact icon JASON NEWNUM icon 801-587-1223 icon Bldg: SAEC | Rm: 3280

Educational Leadership & Policy

Educational leadership and policy edd.

Doctor of Education

Director of Graduate Studies icon   PAULA SMITH

Contact icon MARILYNN HOWARD icon 801-581-6714 icon Bldg: SAEC | Rm: 2220

Educational Leadership and Policy MED

Educational leadership and policy phd, department of educational psychology, educational psychology med.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ZAC IMEL

Contact icon JOLYNN YATES icon 801-581-7148 icon Bldg: SAEC | Rm: 3220

Educational Psychology MS

Educational psychology mst.

Master of Statistics

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RICHARD FOWLES

Contact icon

Educational Psychology PHD

Department of special education, special education med.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SUSAN JOHNSTON

Contact icon KAITLIN LINDSEY icon 801-581-4764 icon Bldg: SAEC | Rm: 2280

Special Education MS

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MATT JAMESON

Contact icon KAITLIN LINDSEY icon 801-581-8121 icon Bldg: SAEC | Rm: 2280

Special Education PHD

College of engineering, department of biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ALAN DORVAL

Contact icon LAURA OLSEN icon 801-581-8559 icon Bldg: SMBB | Rm: 3223

Biomedical Engineering PHD

Department of chemical engineering, chemical engineering ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KERRY KELLY

Contact icon WANDA BROWN icon 801-585-1181 icon Bldg: MEB | Rm: 3290

Chemical Engineering PHD

Department of civil and environmental engineering, civil and environmental engineering ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RAMESH GOEL

Contact icon COURTNEY PHILLIPS icon 801-581-6678 icon Bldg: MCE | Rm: 2008

Civil and Environmental Engineering PHD

Nuclear engineering ms.

Contact icon COURTNEY PHILLIPS icon 801-581-6678 icon Bldg: MCE | Rm: 2012

Nuclear Engineering PHD

School of computing, computer science ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ALEXANDER LEX

Contact icon [email protected] icon 801-581-8224 icon Bldg: MEB | Rm: 3190

Computer Science PHD

Computing ms, computing phd, software development msd.

Master of Software Development

Director of Graduate Studies icon   GANESH GOPALAKRISHNAN

Contact icon LESLIE WALLWORK icon 801-581-7631

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Icon available online electrical and computer engineering ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MIKE SCARPULLA

Contact icon LIZ ROWBERRY icon 801-587-9710 icon Bldg: MEB | Rm: 2110

Electrical and Computer Engineering PHD

Contact icon JOHN BOLKE icon 801-581-4941 icon Bldg: MEB | Rm: 2110

The John and Marcia Price College of Engineering

Entertain arts & engineering mae.

Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MICHAEL YOUNG

Contact icon DYLAN ZOLLINGER icon 801-581-7110 icon Bldg: BLDG 72 | Rm: SECOND FLR

Petroleum Engineering MS

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JOHN MCLENNAN

Contact icon WANDA BROWN icon 801-581-6864 icon Bldg: MEB | Rm: 3290

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science and engineering ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   HONG YONG SOHN

Contact icon SARA WILSON icon 801-581-4449 icon Bldg: CME | Rm: 304

Materials Science and Engineering PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DMITRO BEDROV

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MARK FEHLBERG

Contact icon MARK FEHLBERG icon 801-585-9293 icon Bldg: MEK | Rm: 1568

Mechanical Engineering PHD

Robotics ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   STEPHEN MASCARO

Contact icon KELLY PEARSON icon 801-581-6441 icon Bldg: MEK

Robotics PHD

College of fine arts, department of art & art history, art history ma.

Master of Arts

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JESSEN KELLY

Contact icon SANDIE CROOK icon 801-581-8677 icon Bldg: ART | Rm: 161

Master of Fine Arts

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LEWIS CRAWFORD

School of Dance

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ERIC HANDMAN

Contact icon NICK HARDING icon 801-587-9457 icon Bldg: MCD | Rm: 124

Modern Dance MFA

Film and media arts, film and media arts mfa.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SARAH SINWELL

Contact icon PAULA LEE icon 801-581-5127 icon Bldg: ART | Rm: 270

icon Available online Fine Arts MAT

Master of Arts in Teaching

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KELBY MCINTYRE-MARTINEZ

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School of Music

Master of Music

Director of Graduate Studies icon   HASSE BORUP

Contact icon DAVID FOX icon 801-585-6972 icon Bldg: DGH | Rm: 204

Musical Arts DMA

Doctor of Musical Arts

Musicology MA

College of health, department of communication sciences and disorders, audiology aud.

Doctor of Audiology

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SARAH FERGUSON

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Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SKYLER JENNINGS

Speech-Language Pathology MA

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ROBERT KRAEMER

Speech-Language Pathology MS

Department of health and kinesiology, health and kinesiology ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JULIE LUCERO

Contact icon ANDREA MOSS icon 801-585-9783 icon Bldg: HPR N

Health and Kinesiology PHD

Contact icon ANDREA MOSS icon 801-581-7558 icon Bldg: HPR N

Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology

Icon available online nutrition and integrative physiology ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   THUNDER JALILI

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Nutrition and Integrative Physiology PHD

Dept of occupational and recreational therapies, occupational therapy mot.

Master of Occupational Therapy

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LORIE RICHARDS

Contact icon KELLY BROWN icon 801-585-0555

Recreational Therapy MS

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RHONDA NELSON

Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Parks, recreation and tourism ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ROBERT SIBTHORP

Contact icon ANDREA MOSS icon 801-585-9783

Parks, Recreation and Tourism PHD

Dept of physical therapy and athletic training, athletic training mtr.

Master of Athletic Training

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JUSTIN RIGBY

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Physical Therapy DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MICAH DRUMMOND

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Rehabilitation Science PHD

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College of Humanities

Department of communication, communication ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   CHRIS INGRAHAM

Contact icon TRAVIS CIARAMELLA icon 801-585-6337 icon Bldg: LNCO | Rm: 2400

Communication MPL

Master of Philosophy

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MICHAEL MIDDLETON

Contact icon TRAVIS CIARAMELLA icon 801-631-4773 icon Bldg: LNCO | Rm: 2400

Communication MS

Communication phd, department of english, creative writing mfa.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ELIZABETH SWANSTROM

Contact icon KARLI SAM icon 801-581-7131 icon Bldg: LNCO | Rm: 3500

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ANNE JAMISON

English PHD

Department of history.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ELIZABETH CLEMENT

Contact icon AMARILYS SCOTT icon 801-581-6121 icon Bldg: CTIHB | Rm: 310

History PHD

Asian studies ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   CINDI TEXTOR

Contact icon ROXANNA LEE icon 801-581-6101 icon Bldg: CTIHB | Rm: 210

Environmental Humanities MA

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DANIELLE ENDRES

Contact icon CORY PIKE icon 801-587-6156 icon Bldg: FD 618

Environmental Humanities MS

Latin american studies ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ALEJANDRO QUIN

Linguistics

Linguistics ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MARYANN CHRISTISON

Contact icon KACEY CAMPBELL icon 801-581-3929 icon Bldg: LNCO | Rm: 2300

Linguistics PHD

Department of philosophy, philosophy ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   CHRISOULA ANDREOU

Contact icon CONNIE CORBETT icon 801-581-8162 icon Bldg: CTIHB | Rm: 402 C

Philosophy MS

Philosophy phd.

Contact icon CONNIE CORBETT icon 801-581-8162 icon Bldg: CTIHB | Rm: 402C

World Languages and Cultures

Language pedagogy ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   NATHAN DEVIR

Contact icon BROOKE WALRATH icon 801-587-3451 icon Bldg: LNCO | Rm: 1400

World Languages and Cultures MA

World languages and cultures phd, department of writing and rhetoric studies, writing and rhetoric studies ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MAUREEN MATHISON

Contact icon KARLI SAM icon 801-581-7131 icon Bldg: LNCO | Rm: 3700

Writing and Rhetoric Studies MS

Writing and rhetoric studies phd, s.j. quinney college of law, environmental and resource law llm.

Master of Laws

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ROBERT KEITER

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Juris Doctor

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LOUISA HEINY

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icon Available online Legal Studies MLS

Master of Legal Studies

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JACKIE MORRISON

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School of Medicine

Department of biochemistry, biochemistry phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ADAM HUGHES

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Department of Biomedical Informatics

Icon available online biomedical informatics ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   CAROLYN SCHEESE

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Biomedical Informatics PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KATHERINE SWARD

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Department of Family and Preventive Medicine

Biostatistics mst.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LISA GREN

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Occupational and Environmental Health PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JOE ALLEN

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Occupational Health MOH

Master of Occupational Health

Contact icon KATHERINE MCCOLL icon Bldg: 375 CH | Rm: STE A

Occupational Health MS

Physician assistnt studies mps.

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JENNIE COOMBS

Contact icon MAYUMI KASAI icon 801-587-1662

Public Health MPH

Master of Public Health

Contact icon JOSUE MARTINEZ icon 801-587-7896 icon Bldg: 375 CH

Public Health MS

Public health phd.

Contact icon DALLAS NELSON icon 801-581-6385 icon Bldg: 375 CH | Rm: STE A

Department of Human Genetics

Human genetics ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MARK METZSTEIN

Human Genetics PHD

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Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine

Cardiovascular perfusion ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KIRK BINGHAM

Contact icon SHAWNDA GILLESPIE icon 801-300-7719

Clinical Investigation MS

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JULIE SHAKIB

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Genetic Counseling MS

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KARIN DENT

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Health Professions MED

Director of Graduate Studies icon   REBECCA WILSON

Medicine MD

Doctor of Medicine

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JESSICA HURTADO

Neuroscience PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MEGAN WILLIAMS

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Department of Neurobiology

Neurobiology and anatomy phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   NIKKI LINK

Contact icon EMILY HARRIS icon 801-581-3653 icon Bldg: BPRB | Rm: 320

Department of Oncological Sciences

Oncological sciences phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RODNEY STEWART

Contact icon WHITNEY REID icon 801-213-6225

Department of Pathology

Laboratory medicine and biomedical science ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DIANA WILKINS

Contact icon CHRISTINE BRATTON icon 801-581-7913 icon Bldg: BD 379 | Rm: 160

Microbiology and Immunology PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   TRACEY LAMB

Contact icon KIM SPRINGER icon 801-213-3717 icon Bldg: EEJMRB | Rm: 1100

Department of Pediatrics

Clinical pharmacology phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ELENA ENIOUTINA

Department of Population Health Sciences

Population health sciences phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MAUREEN MURTAUGH

Contact icon MARCIE LEEK icon 801-587-1606

College of Mines and Earth Sciences

Department of atmospheric sciences, atmospheric sciences ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   COURT STRONG

Contact icon ALEX MUNOZ icon 801-581-6136 icon Bldg: WBB | Rm: 819

Atmospheric Sciences PHD

Department of geology and geophysics, geological engineering men.

Master of Engineering

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LAUREN BIRGENHEIER

Contact icon SHANNA FUTRAL icon 801-581-7162 icon Bldg: FASB | Rm: 383

Geological Engineering MS

Geological engineering phd.

Contact icon SAM LEE icon 801-581-7162 icon Bldg: FASB | Rm: 383

Geology PHD

Geophysics ms, geophysics phd, department of metallurgical engineering, metallurgical engineering men.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SIVARAMAN GURUSWAMY

Contact icon SARA WILSON icon 801-581-6386 icon Bldg: WBB | Rm: 412

Metallurgical Engineering MS

Metallurgical engineering phd, earth sciences (teaching) ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ALLYSON ROCKS

Department of Mining Engineering

Mining engineering men.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   BRIJES MISHRA

Contact icon BRENDA WICKS icon 801-581-7198 icon Bldg: WBB | Rm: 313

Mining Engineering MS

Mining engineering phd, interdisciplinary, environmental science psm.

Master of Science & Technology

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MEGHAN DOVICK

Contact icon MICHELLE MOOY icon 801-585-3650 icon Bldg: 44 | Rm: 224

College of Nursing

Icon available online gerontology ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KATARINA FRIBERG FELSTED

Contact icon KRISTEN MAHONEY icon 801-581-8198 icon Bldg: CNB | Rm: 2220

Director of Graduate Studies icon   GILLIAN TUFTS

Contact icon KRISTEN MAHONEY icon 801-581-7046 icon Bldg: CNB | Rm: 2220

Nursing PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   PAULA MEEK

Contact icon CARRIE RADMALL icon 801-581-8798

Nursing Practice DNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Contact icon SHELLEY KERN icon 801-585-0878 icon Bldg: CNB | Rm: 2200

College of Pharmacy

Department of medicinal chemistry, medicinal chemistry phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RAPHAEL FRANZINI

Contact icon TERRI ELDER-HALE icon 801-581-5581 icon Bldg: SK H | Rm: 307

Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics

Molecular pharmaceutics phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JAMES HERRON

Contact icon HALLIE MCCARTHY icon 801-585-0070 icon Bldg: SK H | Rm: 301

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Pharmacology and toxicology phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   PHILIP MOOS

Contact icon MEGAN MITTLEMAN icon 801-581-6287 icon Bldg: SK H | Rm: 112

Department of Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy outcomes research and health policy phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   NANCY NICKMAN

Contact icon LINDA O'CONNOR icon 352-442-5030 icon Bldg: SK H | Rm: 254

Pharmacy DPH

Doctor of Pharmacy

Contact icon SHAWNA WEBSTER icon 801-585-1848 icon Bldg: SK H | Rm: 105

College of Science

School of biological sciences, biology (teaching) ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   KENT GOLIC

Contact icon SHANNON NIELSEN icon 801-581-5636 icon Bldg: BIOL | Rm: 223

Biology PHD

Department of chemistry, chemistry (teaching) ms, chemistry phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   RYAN STEELE

Contact icon JO VALLEJO icon 801-581-4393 icon Bldg: TBBC | Rm: 4404

Department of Mathematics

Mathematics ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SRIKANTH IYENGAR

Contact icon PAULA TOOMAN icon 801-581-6841 icon Bldg: JWB | Rm: 233

Mathematics MPL

Contact icon PAULA TOOMAN icon 801-581-6841 icon Bldg: JWB

Mathematics MS

Mathematics mst, mathematics phd, mathematics teaching ms, department of physics and astronomy, physics (teaching) ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   PEARL SANDICK

Contact icon KELSEY KRAUSE icon 801-581-7578 icon Bldg: JFB | Rm: 201

Physics PHD

Biotechnology psm, computational and data science psm, college of social & behavioral science, department of anthropology, anthropology ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ADRIAN BELL

Contact icon BRITTANY KISER icon 801-213-1399 icon Bldg: GC

Anthropology MS

Contact icon BRITTANY KISER icon 801-213-1399

Anthropology PHD

Department of economics, econometrics mst.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   ELLIS SCHARFENAKER

Economics MA

Director of Graduate Studies icon   MINQI LI

Contact icon KAYLA SUHRIE icon 801-581-3939

Economics MS

Economics phd, school of environment, society, and sustainability, geographic information science ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   NENG WAN

Contact icon PAMELA MITCHELL icon 801-581-8218

Geography MS

Director of Graduate Studies icon   SUMMER RUPPER

Contact icon PAMELA MITCHELL icon 801-581-8218 icon Bldg: GC | Rm: 4625

Geography PHD

Department of family and consumer studies, human development and social policy ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DAN CARLSON

Contact icon ASHLEY JOHNSON icon 801-585-3047 icon Bldg: AEB | Rm: 228

Human Development and Social Policy PHD

Department of political science, political science ma.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   BAODONG LIU

Contact icon KARI PORTER icon 801-581-8608 icon Bldg: GC | Rm: 3345

Political Science MS

Political science phd, public administration ex mpa.

Master of Public Administration

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DAVID CARTER

Contact icon JATARA GREENIDGE icon 801-585-7985

Public Administration MPA

Department of psychology, psychology phd.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   PAULA WILLIAMS

Contact icon NANCY SEEGMILLER icon 801-585-3997 icon Bldg: BEH S | Rm: 502

College of Social and Behavioral Science

International affairs and global enterprise ms.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   STEPHEN BANNISTER

Contact icon GABRIELLA BLANCHARD icon 801-585-7834 icon Bldg: GC | Rm: 3050

Public Policy MPP

Master of Public Policy

Department of Sociology

Sociology mst.

Director of Graduate Studies icon   DANIEL ADKINS

Sociology PHD

Contact icon ALANA ROBISON icon 801-581-6153 icon Bldg: BEH S | Rm: 307

College of Social Work

Social work msw.

Master of Social Work

Director of Graduate Studies icon   LINDSAY GEZINSKI

Contact icon NIKKI KUCULYN icon 801-581-3026 icon Bldg: SW | Rm: 331

Social Work PHD

Director of Graduate Studies icon   JEREMIAH JAGGERS

Contact icon MIRELA RANKOVIC icon 801-585-5979 icon Bldg: SW | Rm: 111

Global Health Innovation and Technology

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MFA Program

Poetry: Katharine Coles, Jacqueline Osherow, Paisley Rekdal Fiction: Lindsey Drager, Michael Mejia, Rone Shavers Creative Nonfiction: Katharine Coles, Michael Mejia Paisley Rekdal, Rone Shavers

The program offers partial funding. Funding opportunities are offered on a competitive basis.

Quarterly West , Western Humanities Review

The program offers a multidisciplinary MFA which students can pursue by combining writing coursework with classes in book arts, environmental humanities, and the history of the American West. The program hosts the Guest Writer Series , the Utah Symposium in Science and Literature, and the  Working Dog  graduate student reading series. Other features include internships and paid editorial positions at the press Fiction Collective Two, the student-run literary journals Quarterly West and Western Humanities Review , and the online archives Eclipse and Mapping Salt Lake City.

Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies

College of humanities, main navigation,  the writing & rhetoric in korea program is open to majors and minors.

Spend a semester studying Writing and Rhetoric at the Utah Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea with us. Scholarships available.

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AI Writing Tools

The introduction of new communication technologies often generates and increases anxiety. When composing on computers was introduced, people continued to worry about the new tools of writing. Spell check, Grammarly, email, and computers in the classroom, for example, were criticized for taking away people’s ability to spell, remember grammar lessons, or focus in class. Now we consider not just writing, but all of these tools to be helpful if not necessary ways of interacting with language and each other. When people learn to use writing and its tools effectively, writing becomes a powerful instrument for composition and for learning. Consistently focusing on invention strategies, drafting, and revision will complicate students' interactions with such tools as ChatGPT and help them learn how and when to use them. We understand the campus community’s concerns about the misuse and abuse of AI tools, and we pledge to work with our colleagues to address them. However, we recognize the opportunity that these new tools offer in terms of teaching and learning. 

Goals and Values

The Department of Writing and Rhetoric Studies reaffirms that teaching writing in all its modalities means engaging students in the writing process by helping them see writing as invention, as intervention, as transformation—in a word, as learning. We teach students not just how to write, but when to write, for what audience, with what purpose, and yes, with which tools. We teach students to consider genre, audience, and purpose and to respect the social and linguistic diversity embedded and circulated in our own department and across the curriculum. We see writing as an integral part of student success in all university contexts and classes that teach and require written texts. Learning to write requires the development of critical tools that help students problematize the structures and the force of writing itself. We teach students how to critically engage with the tools of writing, such as ChatGPT, and their social and pragmatic implications. The Department of Writing and Rhetoric Studies at the University of Utah creates a space for students to gain facility with writing technologies while they learn to understand the implications, promise, power, and responsibility of using such tools.

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What are you looking for?

Suggested search, phd in creative writing & literature, at home in usc’s department of english,.

the Ph.D. in CREATIVE WRITING & LITERATURE PROGRAM is one of the few dual Ph.D. programs in the country that weaves the disciplines of literature and creative work into a single educational experience. Students complete coursework in both creative writing and literature. The dissertation project is comprised of creative and critical manuscripts, both of which are essential for completion of the degree.

USC CREATIVE WRITING FACULTY include recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, Guggenheim Fellowships, the National Book Award, National Endowment for the Arts grants, Pushcart Prizes and other prestigious recognitions for their exemplary writing and dedication to their creative and scholarly work. As professors, the faculty are committed to developing innovative seminars and guiding students in the cultivation of their abilities as writers and scholars. Each incoming student is assigned a faculty mentor, with whom the student will work closely during their years at USC. While Creative Writing faculty teach critical courses from time to time, most of these literature and theory-based seminars are led by the faculty in the Department of English, all of whom are impressively accomplished scholars who are devoted to the scholarly growth of their graduate students.

Our program prizes INTERDISCIPLINARY SCHOLARSHIP, so students are encouraged to cultivate their diverse interests with courses outside of the English Department. Many students choose to pursue a complimentary graduate certificate concurrent with the Ph.D. degree. The Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers graduate certificate programs in Gender Studies, Visual Studies, East Asian Studies and Visual Anthropology, among others.

IN ADDITION TO COURSEWORK, students have the opportunity to participate in Ph.D. student-run projects such as The Loudest Voice, a reading series, and Gold Line Press , a publisher of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry chapbooks.

Though known for its competitive sports teams, USC also organizes an array of stimulating events throughout the year, including the English Department’s Boudreaux Visiting Writers Series and Frank N. Magill Poetry Series, as well as the University-wide Visions & Voices series, which features diverse and dynamic performances, lectures, and discussions that extend the arts and humanities beyond the classroom.

USC also hosts the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books — one of the largest literary events in the nation. USC itself is located in the heart of beautiful Los Angeles, an international city with a vibrant arts scene, just miles from the beach or hiking trails; students will never be at a loss for something to do.

ADMISSION is extremely competitive: the program accepts 2 or 3 writers per genre every year from hundreds of applicants. All incoming students receive five years of guaranteed funding — three years of fellowship and two of teaching assistantship. Fellowship years are granted during the first, second, and fourth years of study. Funding packages also cover full tuition remission and health insurance.

OUR STUDENTS and ALUMNI have published book-length works and collections with Alice James Books, Anhinga Press, Black Lawrence Press, Copper Canyon Press, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Hogarth, Northwestern University Press, Other Press, Penguin, Red Hen Press, Saturnalia, Siglio Press, Slope Editions, Tebot Bach, Ugly Duckling Presse, University of Iowa Press, and White Pine Press, among others. Their books, poems, stories, and essays have garnered an impressive array of accolades.

For information concerning admission, please visit our Application page.

Many questions concerning the Creative Writing & Literature Program are answered on our FAQ page.

If you do not find the information you are looking for on our website, please feel free to contact us.

Ph.D. in Creative Writing & Literature

3501 Trousdale Parkway

Taper Hall of Humanities 431

Los Angeles, CA  90089-0354

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Application procedures.

Creative Writing Graduate Specialization

How to Apply

Master's students must apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. There is a $55 fee required with the application. The application deadline is January 15th.

The following are the steps in the application process (Instructions for steps 1-4 can be found on the   School of Graduate Studies' Apply page ).

• Fill out the online application.
• Pay the application fee.
• Provide a copy of your transcript(s).
• Provide 3 letters of recommendation from people who can address your readiness for graduate studies.

All supplemental items (steps 5-7 below) will be submitted online through the Graduate School's application system. Once you have created an account, filled out the online application, and paid the application fee, the Graduate School will email you with instructions for uploading the supplementary items (writing samples, statement of purpose, and curriculum vitae).

This statement should briefly describe their previous academic/creative work, identifying central themes, areas of interest, and skills acquired. Applicants should explain how these prior artistic/academic experiences have prepared and/or motivated them to enter a graduate program specializing in creative writing. The statement of purpose may also address any relevant professional experiences and explain how such experiences have prepared and/or motivated them to enter this graduate program. Within this statement, applicants should identify some of the specific topics or genres they would like to focus on for their graduate work. Applicants should also make an effort to show that they are familiar with the specific requirements and features of the Graduate Specialization in Creative Writing at USU.

All applicants will be considered for a Graduate Instructorship (GI-ship). To be most competitive for this opportunity, please include a paragraph that describes your interest in teaching as well as past experiences that might enhance your effectiveness in the classroom. All MA/MS applicants are considered for a Graduate Instructorship, which comes with a tuition waiver, benefits, and a salary of $15,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year, in exchange for teaching 1-2 sections of Introduction to Writing (ENGL 1010) or Intermediate Writing (ENGL 2010) and performing other teaching-related responsibilities.  USU provides excellent teacher training to students awarded Graduate Instructorships.

• Writing Sample: Your 10-page writing sample should exhibit your best writing in the genre you intend to develop in graduate school.
• Upload a current CV (curriculum vitae). This CV should include your academic and professional writing experience.

International Students

International students must complete additional requirements found on the the "International Student Requirements" tab on the   School of Graduate Studies' Apply page .

Lynne S McNeill

Associate Professor; Director of Graduate Studies (she/her/hers)

(435) 797-0264 Logan (RWST 301B) [email protected]

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Obtaining a doctorate degree in creative writing provides an education specializing in fiction writing techniques and literary analysis. Upon receiving a PhD in Creative Writing, graduates can use the degree to further develop their own creative writing career or teach others the skills and techniques used to write and analyze literature at the high school, college, or university level.

Requirements

Most PhD programs are very selective in choosing which few students will be admitted to study in their program. Candidates should have an excellent mastery of the written word, literary analysis, and familiarity with the liberal arts. Many schools require or prefer that a masterís degree in English or a related subject area be held by the applicant in order to be considered for their degree program.

Multiple letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and writing samples are required by most programs to help determine whether you are right for the rigorous demands of earning a doctorate degree. Academic writing samples are often required in addition to creative writing samples; this gives the office of admissions an idea of both your creative talent and your ability to analyze and critique literary works.

Expectations

Students accepted into a doctoral creative writing program can expect to study for approximately three to five years depending on the program. Students can also expect to have to write a variety of essays, teach classes on writing techniques and literature, complete a comprehensive examination, and compose a dissertation. Courses required often include a combination of literature, writing, and teaching classes.

Online Programs

Online programs exist for the bachelorís degree and masterís degree level of English, literature, and creative writing education. However, those wishing to pursue a PhD in Creative Writing must obtain their degree in person rather than online.

Offline Programs

If you want to obtain your doctorate degree in creative writing, there are numerous universities across the country with creative writing programs to consider. Some programs put a higher emphasis on teaching others how to write, while other programs focus more on your own writing abilities. Here are some of the programs available to those interested in creative writing.

University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a PhD in Creative Writing geared towards those students who wish to eventually pursue a career in teaching. The program teaches writing skills as well as teaching skills to prepare graduates for work in the academic world. Students will be required to write a creative dissertation, as well as teach creative writing to become educated and prepared for teaching after receiving their degree.

Department of English University of Illinois at Chicago 2027 University Hall 601 S. Morgan St. (M/C 162) Chicago, IL 60607-7120 Phone: 312-413-2200 www.uic.edu

Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University offers a PhD in English with an emphasis in creative writing. Students are required to take two teaching courses and prove their competency in a foreign language, in addition to their literature classes. Students will also take workshops to prepare for their dissertation in their selected area of specialization.

Creative writing students must also participate in doctoral reading programs before taking their doctoral reading exam. Upon passing the doctoral reading examination, students will then be required to write a dissertation. For questions regarding admission to their graduate school, contact the university at the following address or website.

2240 Seibert Administration Building 1903 W Michigan Ave Western Michigan University Kalamazoo MI 49008-5211 Phone: 269-387-2000 www.wmich.edu

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a PhD in English and Comparative Literature with a focus in creative writing. All doctoral students participate in the departmentís teaching training program which lasts approximately seven months. During the program students will have the opportunity to teach college writing courses. Students may also take courses that specialize in how to teach creative writing. Creative writing students will complete a creative dissertation and analytical essay in order to finish their degree. More information regarding the graduate program can be found by contacting the Department of English or visiting their website.

Department of English College of Arts & Sciences University of Cincinnati PO Box 210069 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0069 Phone: 513-556-3906 www.artsci.uc.edu

University of Utah

The University of Utah offers a PhD in Literature with a creative writing emphasis. Students will learn better creative writing techniques while also learning how to analyze literary works. The PhD is generally for those students wishing to teach at a college or university upon completion.

Students will graduate with the skills to teach not only creative writing, but literature courses as well. Students will learn literary history, attend writing workshops, and complete a prospectus and dissertation. Contact the English Department regarding admission and program requirements.

Department of English Languages & Communication Bldg 255 S Central Campus Drive, Room 3500 Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Phone: 801-581-6168 www.hum.utah.edu

University of Denver

A PhD in Creative Writing is offered by the University of Denver. Students better their writing through constant practice and by reading literary works. Four workshops will be completed over the course of the studentís program. Students will not only read works from their genre, but also works dealing with anthropology, philosophy, art history, and other subject areas. Contact the university with any questions regarding their program.

English Department 2000 E. Asbury Denver, CO 80208 Phone: 303-871-2266 www.du.edu

Georgia State University

The PhD in Creative Writing offered by Georgia State University allows students to practice and better their writing abilities while also critiquing and analyzing literature. Unless completed at the MA or MFA level, students must take courses in literary theory, form, and contemporary poetry or fiction craft. All students are also required to complete a dissertation. Questions regarding admission requirements or their program of study can be directed to the Department of English.

Department of English P.O. Box 3970 Atlanta, GA 30302-3970 Phone: 404-413-5800 workshop.gsu.edu

Employment Opportunities

Many graduates immediately begin teaching at the university level and start working towards a tenured position. Work at community colleges and high schools teaching English and creative writing is also a choice for many upon receiving their degree.

Teaching is not the only option for post-grads. Working for magazines, newspapers, and other print or online media is available for creative writers, especially after developing a strong creative writing portfolio. Choosing to be an author or writer can also be composed of freelance work and self-employment. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 70% of writers and authors were self-employed in 2008.

Salary Ranges

The salary range for those who obtain a PhD in creative writing varies greatly depending on the position obtained after graduation and the location of the school. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, teaching at the high school level on average earns $52,200 a year, with those having a doctoral degree potentially earning more. Post-secondary educators earn on average $108,749 as a professor, $76,147 as an associate professor, and $63,827 as an assistant professor.

Writers and Authors

Salaried writers and authors earned on average $57,070 in 2008. Freelance writers’ annual earnings vary greatly depending on the type of freelance work and number of projects completed each year. Many freelance writers have to find income from working another part-time or full-time job.

Employment Outlook

High school teachers.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, teaching at the high school level is expected to grow by 13% between 2008 and 2018. An even higher demand for teachers will be seen for high schools in poor and inner-city school districts, since many teachers leave to teach elsewhere after a short period of time in these areas.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects the demand of post-secondary educators to grow by 15% between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average growth rate for most positions. This is due to the increased number of students attending community colleges and universities around the country. Tenured positions are still expected to be quite competitive to earn, but part-time and non-tenured positions are expected to grow even faster.

The writing industry is very competitive, and many writers and authors will continue to stay self-employed. However, there is an expected increase of salaried writers and authors by 8% between 2008 and 2018. Companies online are seeing an increased need for writers as more material is needed for websites, so many writers are expected to start writing for online publications.

Top Ranked Doctoral Programs

Search for other great programs, 5 responses to “creative writing”.

Of course it is very interesting that one now can obtain a phd degree from one’s workplace without hampreing the job.But it could have been better if one had had the opportunity of doing an online phd degree.

Will it be possible in future to do an online degree in liberal arts specially in english?It would be very good if one got the chance to do a phd degree the same way.

I am interested in pursuing a ph.d in creative writing and literature—–looking for an accredited online program

I’m interested in pursuing a doctorate degree in Creative Writing. I’m searching for programs on the west coast of the United States.

I have been looking for an online PhD program in Creative Writing and have not found any accredited ones. I don’t understand why this is a area of study with such limited accessibility for online classes. The bulk of the work is reading and documenting and writing which seems to be a perfect fit for an online course. I did find one that sounded perfect AIU…however they are NOT accredited.

I currently have three Masters Degrees and two of them are MFA’s. One in Non-fiction and one in fiction. My fourth Masters degree will be completed in January 2022. It is an MFA in poetry. I have a memoir published and five esssys published. I have another book to be published this November 2021. Lipstick Lesbian.. book of poems (LGBTQ) Could I get any classes waived in a PhD. Creative Writing program?

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• Student Success Advisor(s)
• Sample Degree Plan
• Program Learning Outcomes    
• CIP Code: 23.0101

Program Summary

The Creative Writing B.A. offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced classes in the genres of Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction. The B.A. prepares students for application to M.F.A. programs as well as for professional writing and editing careers.

Program Information

• All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the major.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)

See General Education    for course options.

• Core Course Requirements ( 12-15 Credits)
• Knowledge Area Requirements ( 16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Knowledge Area requirements.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Requirement (16 Credits**)

• Bachelor of Arts Degree - Foreign Language requirement 16 Credits

** Note: One semester of a foreign language may also fulfill the General Education    Humanities requirement. The 16 credits may be fulfilled by taking four semesters of a foreign language or by testing out of a language and purchasing the credits. These credits are typically counted in the degree total at the bottom of the page. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details.  

English - Creative Writing Curriculum (51 Credits)

Core required courses (6 credits).

• ENGL 2400 - Introduction to Literary Studies 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 2700 - Introduction to Critical Theory 3 Credit(s)

ENGL 2400 is required for English majors and minors as a prerequisite to 3000- and 4000-level classes, and with ENGL 2700 for 4000-level classes.

Creative Writing Core (21 Credits)

• ENGL 2320 - Creative Writing in the Genres 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3010 - Intermediate Poetry Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3030 - Intermediate Fiction Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3040 - Intermediate Creative Nonfiction Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3290 - Contemporary Literature 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4140 - Topics in Creative Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4810 - Creative Writing Senior Capstone 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Creative Writing Workshops (6 Credits)

Select 6 credits from the following:

• ENGL 4010 - Advanced Poetry Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4020 - Advanced Fiction Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4030 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing 3 Credit(s)

Literature Options (9 Credits)

Select one of the following 3000-level surveys.

• ENGL 3210 - American Literature I 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3215 - American Literature II 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3230 - British Literature I 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3235 - British Literature II 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3220 - American Literature III 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3240 - British Literature III 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3260 - Continental European Literature 3 Credit(s)

Select One of the Following 4000-Level Literature Courses

• ENGL 4110 - Literary Genres 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4210 - Literary History 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4310 - Major Authors 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4320 - Shakespeare: [TOPIC] 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4510 - Topics in Literature 3 Credit(s)

Department Electives (9 Credits)

Complete one of the following tracks:

Administration of Literary Arts

• AA 3010 - Survey of Arts Administration 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3120 - Grant and Technical Writing 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4960 - Administration of Literary Arts I 1 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4965 - Administration of Literary Arts II 2 Credit(s)

Creative Arts and Entrepreneurship

This track can help prepare students for careers in entrepreneurship, editing, grant writing, and development.

• ENGL 4970 - Literary Journal Editing 1-2 Credit(s)

Select One of the Following

• COMM 2030 - Social Media Branding 3 Credit(s)
• ENTR 3100 - Basic Entrepreneurship Skills 3 Credit(s)

Editing and Publishing

This track can help prepare students for careers in editing and publishing.

• COMM 3080 - Digital Copy Layout and Design 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 4890 - Internship 1-9 Credit(s) (with a literary journal)

Environmental Writing

This track can help prepare students for careers in nature, science, and environmental writing.

• ENGL 4140 - Topics in Creative Writing 3 Credit(s) (TOPIC: Eco-Poetry and the Essay)
• ENGL 4890 - Internship 1-9 Credit(s)
• BIOL 2500 - Environmental Biology 3 Credit(s)
• ORPT 4020 - Interpretation 3 Credit(s)
• PSY 3500 - Environmental Psychology 3 Credit(s)

Graduate School

• ENGL 4530 - Creative Writing and Pedagogy 3 Credit(s)

Students must complete a different course than the one used to fulfill the Literature Options requirement, unless the course is repeatable for credit under a different topic.

International Studies

This track can help prepare students for careers in travel writing.

• LANG 3250 - World Cinema 3 Credit(s)
• One English study abroad course 3 Credit(s)
• ENGL 3260 - Continental European Literature 3 Credit(s) (if not previously taken for 3000 survey requirement)
• ENGL 3270 - World Literature: Non-Western 3 Credit(s)

Writing about the Arts

This track can help prepare students for careers in writing about the arts and hybrid arts.

• ENGL 3110 - Literature and Film 3 Credit(s)
• Any upper-division MUSC/THEA/DANC/ART course 3 Credit(s)

English Electives

Select 9 credits from the following:

• ENGL 1410 - Introduction to Grammar 3 Credit(s)
• Any 4000-level literature course   3   Credit(s)

Free Electives (18-26 Credits)

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.A. Degree: 120