• The English department operates the state-of-the-art Avery Microcomputer Lab, equipped with Windows and Apple workstations for writing classes.
• Courses that emphasize small-group discussion and provide opportunities to work closely with professors.
• Enjoy the flexibility of focusing on particular areas of interest or pursuing second majors in other departments.
• Learn from professors who make important contributions to the fields of literary studies, linguistics, and writing.
• Develop high-level skills in critical thinking, analysis, and writing, all vital to academic success and effective leadership careers.

Creative writing program

The creative writing program is part of the English major, so you'll be studying writing and literature together. It's a flexible program, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to take classes in the areas that interest you most. 

Core courses

Introduction to English Studies
Intro to Creative Writing: Exploring Genres
Writing Poetry
Writing Prose (fiction or nonfiction)
Form and Theory in Creative Writing

One from the following:
   Topics in Magazine Editing and Creative Writing
   Multimedia Authoring: Exploring New Rhetorics
   Technical and Professional Writing
   Internship (editing or publishing)
   Independent Study in Creative Writing

English and creative writing electives

As an English major, you can choose from a huge variety of elective courses to shape and add to your creative writing emphasis.

Here are just a few examples:

Digital Storytelling
Film as Narrative
Documentary Film Theory and Production
Intro to Creative Writing Pedagogy

Shakespeare
British Literature (many different courses)
American Literature (many different courses)
Principles of Rhetoric
Intro to Literary Criticism
Intro to Linguistics

Asian/Pacific American Literature
African American Literature
Native American Literature
Chicano/Chicana Literature
Gay and Lesbian Literature
Young Adult Literature

You're also encouraged to seek out courses in American and world cultures, history, and society to round out the liberal arts education that prepares you for careers in creative writing, editing, publishing, and related fields.

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

For creative writing students

The Department of English offers undergraduate scholarships from four different endowed funds, most providing $1,000 tuition stipends annually. In addition, all English majors may apply for University-level scholarships and for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

• Strong reading and writing skills, or a willingness to develop such skills
• Interest in language, literature, and culture
• Interest in how language and literature can persuade, convey ideas, and define culture

An English degree and creative writing emphasis provide excellent preparation for careers that demand good professional or creative writing skills, or for teaching secondary school or pursuing graduate degrees.