Bachelor of Arts in English, concentrations in Creative Writing, English Education, and Literary Studies
“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. 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.
Meet Our Students
Sydney Mlodnosky
Major: Creative Writing
I was nervous about meeting new people and seeing if I fit in the program, especially as a mother returning to school. To my happy surprise, though, I’ve met lots of kind people and exceptional teachers who have given me the confidence I needed to gain my degree. . . . Read More
Ryan Donoghue
Major: English
Class of 2016
During my time spend away from academia, I developed an insatiable appetite for literature and realized that our orientation to the world depends on the language we use to define it; studying literature fosters that growing and knowing. . . . Read More
See the GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS > page for specific major course requirements.