Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
“We think because we have words, not the other way around.”
– Madeleine L’Engle
Be inspired by SNU Tahoe’s rich literary environment. The Writers in the Woods series brings renowned authors to campus monthly for intimate readings and workshops which are open to everyone, and each year brings a new full-time Distinguished Visiting Writer to teach and mentor students of all levels. The Poetry Center houses a comprehensive collection of American poetry, with a special focus on contemporary work.
A few of the many authors who have visited include Isabel Allende, Juan Felipe Herrera, Lola Haskins, Patricia Smith, Nick Flynn, Jane Hirschfeld, Tim O’Brien, Ellen Hopkins, Brian Turner, Luis Alberto Urrea, Saeed Jones, Gayle Brandeis, and Tobias Woolf.
Challenge your creativity in poetry slams, literary readings, the Associated Writing Programs Annual Conference, student writing groups, and journalism field trips. Report and write for The Eagle’s Eye, the college newspaper published both in print and online, or intern at the Tahoe regional newspaper. Edit for SNU Tahoe’s nationally distributed literary journal the Sierra Nevada Review, a recipient of both NEA and Nevada Arts Council awards. Tutor at the Boys and Girls club, or work with local businesses and non-profits on their marketing and communications initiatives.
Prepare for your career with coursework geared toward journalism, marketing, creative writing, publishing, teaching, freelance writing, literature, or public relations; advanced studies in English; or related fields such as law. SNU English graduates have gone on to publish poetry collections, travel guides, novels, and investigative journalism; teach in high schools and direct tutoring programs; and work in marketing and technology.
Recent graduates have continued on to graduate programs at Duquesne University, Kingston University in London, University of Essex in England, Chapman University, and University of Notre Dame. The list of publications from our students and graduates grows every semester.
“Next year’s words await another voice.”
― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets
BFA in Creative Writing
Writing is a way of defining our humanity. There are no shortcuts to becoming a skilled, thoughtful creative writer – the path to success is to write, and write some more. There are no bystanders in this program – you will be actively engaged in your writing practice from day one!
You will explore how to write with clarity, power, and nuance. In small classes, workshops, critiques, and discussions you will develop core competencies across genres, and refine your individual writing style and voice. For your senior thesis, you will assemble a book-length collection of original work of publishable quality in your chosen genre, accompanied by a portfolio of experiential field work.
The English Scholar Program
Fast-track your preparation for a professional future in your chosen English specialty. Co-author with a faculty member, intern with a local publisher or school, and be a teaching assistant in an SNU English course. Take full advantage of our creative opportunities under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor.
The English Scholar Program is limited to five incoming freshman each year. Apply early for priority consideration!
Meet Our Students >
Luke Isaac Hupp
Major: Creative Writing
Class of 2017
I love literature and writing, and I have had a dream of teaching and writing for a long time. I have lived in Hawaii, Tennessee, and Oregon, which have such different cultures and environments it was challenging to adapt. I have heard many stories, and met some very interesting people, and had many different experiences. I want to reimagine these tales and people and places in a new world. . . . Read More
Hayden Takahashi
Major: English
Class of 2018
I was drawn to SNC by the beauty of Tahoe, without knowing what I wanted out of college. I found my home in the English department. . . . Read More
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See the GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS > page for specific major course requirements.