Program Overview
The creative writing program at Binghamton University is designed to foster in its students a powerful, disciplined and skilled creativity cultivated in a supportive environment. Through its dedicated faculty, students are introduced to all facets of their art — its traditions and masters, its pleasures and responsibilities, its materials and practices.
The areas of study include poetry, fiction, non-fiction, memoir and children's literature. The program relies on writing workshops and the study of literature to encourage the development of the students as writers.
The program cultivates an active community of writers. Throughout the year, graduate students sponsor their own student readers' series, typically held off campus at venues that attract a community audience.
Degrees Offered
At the graduate level our program offers:
- A MA in English with a concentration in creative writing
- A PhD with a concentration in creative writing and a creative dissertation option.
Graduate Student Conference
The Writing by Degrees Creative Writing Conference, organized by the graduate students, attracts participants from across the nation.
Graduate Student Publishing
Harpur Palate, a student-edited literary journal, is produced on campus and attracts submissions from both well-established and emerging voices. A Reader's Series brings writers to campus to expose students to a wide range of literary voices while the Writing Life series has brought dozens of editors to campus to meet with students and faculty, including editors from David Godine, Inc.; Graywolf Press, BOA Editions, Four Way Books, Tupelo Press, Red Hen Press, BkMk Press, Georgia Review, Crazyhorse, Green Mountains Review, Connecticut Review, Prairie Schooner, Barrow St., NY Quarterly, Rattle and New Letters.
Visiting writers supplement the program offerings by teaching classes, offering workshops, and giving readings. Past visiting writers have included Jan Beatty, Marvin Bell, Marilyn Chin, Mark Doty, Stephen Dobyns, Denise Duhamel, Marie Howe, Mary Gaitskill, Ted Kooser, Li Young Lee, Carole Maso, Bobbie Ann Mason, Heather McHugh, Molly Peacock, Robert Pinsky, Patricia Smith, Henry Taylor, Helena Maria Viramontes, Tobias Wolff and Afaa Michael Weaver. In combination with course offerings, these activities all lead to a vibrant and challenging atmosphere.
Please visit the Graduate English pages for more information on admissions specific to the English Department.
