Cultivating a Creative Spirit on the Palouse: WSU’s Expansive Writing Programs
- For The Writers | Official
- Dec 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
A Creative Haven on the Palouse
Not far from the University of Idaho, nestled in the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse, Washington State University (WSU) stands as a hub of creative possibility. Located in the charming town of Pullman, Washington—just a short walk from Idaho’s border—WSU’s English and Creative Writing Programs thrive in a breathtaking natural setting that inspires literary exploration and artistic growth.
Writers here draw inspiration not only from the serene landscapes but also from Pullman’s dynamic arts community. The town pulses with creative energy: coffee shops buzz with literary discussions, bookstores showcase beloved classics alongside emerging voices, and arts festivals celebrate storytelling in all its forms. Just eight miles away, the University of Idaho in Moscow further enriches this cultural nexus, fostering cross-campus collaboration and creative exchange.
Within this vibrant environment, WSU’s Creative Writing Program cultivates a supportive and ambitious community where emerging writers refine their craft, challenge narrative boundaries, and share their unique voices. At WSU, creativity is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a way of life, woven into the cultural fabric of both Pullman and Moscow, creating a shared artistic and literary spirit that defines the Palouse.
WSU's Expansive Department of English
The Department of English at Washington State University (WSU) is one of the largest teaching units within the College of Arts and Sciences, with more than 230 undergraduate majors and 43 M.A. and Ph.D. students. Each year, over 8,000 undergraduates enroll in English courses, ranging from first-year writing to advanced seminars. Internship opportunities are a central priority, enabling students to gain valuable real-world experience and expand their career prospects.
At the graduate level, WSU’s English program boasts a Ph.D. placement rate of over 90%, nearly double the national average. All admitted M.A. and Ph.D. students receive full funding, including tuition waivers and assistantships, and studies must take place on-campus. Graduate students study with internationally recognized faculty and enhance their teaching skills through a robust professional development program.
As part of a public land-grant university, the Department of English is dedicated to using its academic, professional, and creative expertise to serve the public good. Faculty and students actively contribute through research, community engagement, and professional consultation. The department’s Visiting Writers Series further enriches the literary culture by bringing renowned contemporary writers and editors to the Palouse each year.
A recent national survey ranked WSU’s English department faculty as more productive than those at several prestigious institutions, including UCLA, Cornell, the University of Texas, and the University of Washington. Faculty members are committed to innovative, hands-on, and collaborative teaching methods that foster student success and intellectual growth.
Undergraduate Studies
An undergraduate degree from the Department of English at WSU offers a versatile and expansive education designed to prepare students for success in today’s dynamic world. Through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, students gain valuable skills applicable across a wide range of careers.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis
The creative writing community at Washington State University is an integral part of the English Department, the broader campus, and the surrounding public arts scene. The Creative Writing Undergraduate Major unites students through the study of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting, while also preparing them for careers in editing and publishing.
WSU’s accomplished faculty—published writers and scholars—mentor students from introductory craft classes through advanced workshops, fostering artistic development at every stage. The program’s curriculum emphasizes both creative practice and literary analysis, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of the literary arts.
The program’s dynamic literary culture extends beyond the classroom. Students, faculty, and community members gather regularly for monthly Open Mics, sharing and celebrating new creative works. Additional opportunities include a certificate in editing and publishing, internships, and extracurricular programs designed to provide real-world literary and publishing experience.
Signature programs include Blood Orange Review, an online journal of literature and art; EcoArts on the Palouse, a multimedia web project exploring ecological art; LandEscapes, a student-run fine arts journal; and the English Club. The WSU Visiting Writer Series further enriches the creative landscape by bringing renowned literary figures to campus for readings, workshops, and discussions, connecting students with the professional literary world.
Curriculum: The undergraduate curriculum focuses on building foundational writing skills through workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students explore literary analysis, craft-based seminars, and emerging genres while completing a capstone project that includes a polished portfolio of original work.
Faculty: Undergraduate students learn from accomplished writers and scholars who provide personalized mentorship and professional insights. Faculty publications and achievements reflect a deep commitment to the literary arts. Visit WSU's Undergraduate English Faculty Directory for more information.
Literary Community: Students can contribute to LandEscapes, WSU’s literary journal, gaining experience in editing and publishing. Regular readings, workshops, and author events further enrich the undergraduate experience.
Graduate Studies
The graduate program in English at Washington State University offers MA and PhD degrees and endless opportunities for professional experience.
The graduate program in English at WSU offers advanced degrees at both the MA and PhD levels, with concentrations in Literary Studies or Rhetoric and Composition. Students also have access to graduate certificates in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), Digital Humanities and Culture, and can participate in WSU’s interdisciplinary American Studies Program. In addition to English courses, students may take specialized seminars in related fields such as History, Women’s Studies, Philosophy, and Political Science, fostering a truly interdisciplinary academic experience.
WSU’s English graduate program is among the few in the nation that fully funds nearly all of its MA and PhD students. With a selective admissions process, the program maintains a small, focused cohort of 40 to 50 students at any given time, typically admitting around ten MA students and five to six PhD students annually. Almost all students receive Teaching Assistantships, which include full tuition waivers and nine-month stipends to cover living expenses. Assistantships are guaranteed for two years for MA students and five years for PhD students.
Students also benefit from annual conference travel funding, as well as internships within the department’s journals, ESQ and Blood Orange Review, and its state-of-the-art computer lab. This blend of academic, pedagogical, and professional development ensures that graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths.
WSU’s time-to-degree for doctoral students is notably lower than the national average, while its job placement rate consistently exceeds national benchmarks. The program’s success stems from rigorous academic and pedagogical preparation, comprehensive mentoring, and pre-professional training designed to help students excel in both academic and professional careers. For more details, visit our Alumni & Job Placement page.
Master of Arts (MA) in English with a Creative Writing Focus
Degrees Offered: It’s important to clarify that WSU’s graduate studies in creative writing are offered through a Master of Arts (MA) in English with a focus on creative writing, rather than a standalone Creative Writing MFA program. Additionally, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English is available for students pursuing advanced literary and scholarly work.
Genres: Rhetoric and Composition, Literary Studies (British, American, and Postcolonial Anglophone Literature)
Curriculum: The graduate program emphasizes advanced creative writing workshops, literary analysis, and professional development. Students engage deeply with their chosen genres through seminars, research projects, and a creative thesis developed under faculty mentorship.
Faculty: Graduate students work closely with award-winning faculty who publish widely and contribute actively to national literary conversations. Faculty members offer valuable industry knowledge and individualized support. Visit WSU's Graduate English Faculty Directory for more information.
Literary Community: Graduate students participate in annual events like the Palouse Review and the Visiting Writers Series, connecting with established authors, poets, and publishing professionals.
Admissions: Admission to WSU’s Graduate Writing Program is selective, requiring a portfolio of creative work, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. For complete application guidelines, deadlines, and financial aid opportunities, visit the WSU Admissions website.
Washington State University’s English and Creative Writing Programs offers an inspiring environment where creativity flourishes, stories come to life, and literary careers begin. With its dedicated faculty, immersive curriculum, and supportive artistic community, WSU provides students with the skills, mentorship, and experiences necessary to thrive in today’s evolving literary world.
Adding to its unique appeal is WSU’s close proximity to the University of Idaho, located just eight miles away in Moscow, Idaho. The two universities share a rare and dynamic relationship, creating a rich, interwoven cultural and academic community. Students from both institutions benefit from joint literary events, collaborative readings, and cross-campus initiatives that enhance creative development and broaden professional networks.
Together, Pullman and Moscow form a vibrant artistic hub where ideas flow across state lines, uniting two campuses in a shared commitment to the arts. This collaborative spirit elevates the creative writing experience at WSU, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a diverse and supportive literary community grounded in the breathtaking landscape of the Palouse.
Washington State University, College of Arts and Sciences
Director of Graduate Studies: Donna Campbell
Address: Pullman, WA 99164
Phone: 509-335-2581
Email: english@wsu.edu
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Rhetoric and Composition, Literary Studies (British, American, and Postcolonial Anglophone Literature)
Top Authors: Linda Russo, Trevor Dodge, Cameron McGill
Average Cost of Attendance: $12,701 (in-state), $27,113 (out-of-state) per year
Funding Opportunities: Full Tuition Waivers, Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships, Conference Travel Grants
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)
Request More Information: For more details about Washington State University’s Writing Programs, contact the Department of English directly.
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