Department of English
The Department of English at Chapman University teaches the creation and critical study of texts in all forms.

Our Mission

...is to foster creative and intellectually rigorous thinking, clear and original written expression of ideas, in-depth knowledge of cultural and literary traditions and exploration of a variety of subject matter through reading and writing. The English Department offers students innovative and personalized instruction as the basis for lifelong learning and literary citizenship.

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»About the Department

Dean Quinn at the podium


The Department of English at Chapman University teaches the creation and critical study of texts in all forms.

Undergraduate students may pursue B.F.A. in Creative Writing or a B.A. in English with a concentration in either literature or journalism. Minors in English, journalism and special studies are also available to students of other departments.

Graduate students are offered programs to earn an M.A. in English, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, or a unique "dual-degree" program that combines the two.

Students are encouraged to take courses in and across specialized areas, including literary and critical courses in theory, creative writing, journalism, rhetoric and composition and linguistics.

DID YOU KNOW: The National Endowment for the Arts projects writer and author occupations to increase by 15 percent through 2018! Read More ...  

+-ANNOUNCING NEW MFA FELLOWSHIPS

Now offering two $18,000 fellowships for MFA students each fall, plus full tuition remission.

Chapman's English graduate faculty covers a wide range of genres and aesthetics. Whatever path you choose - M.A., M.F.A., dual M.A./M.F.A., our diverse faculty will align with your goals as a writer.

All MFA applicants for fall semester admission are considered for the fellowships. To be considered, the application must be received by February 1. To find out more about these fellowships and other scholarships, please contact us at 714.997.6750 or contact the chair at jlevin@chapman.edu.

  Find out more about our graduate degrees.

+-Student Opportunities

Throughout their time at Chapman, students are given ample opportunity to apply their ideas and critical thinking skills in real world situations.

Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society, has an critical role within the department through their activities and discussions.

Chapman sponsors several student news and creative writing publications, including The Elephant Tree, The Panther and Prowl Magazine. Students are encouraged to play an active role through submitting and editing their works for publication. 

The John Fowles Center for Creative Writing and Tabula Poetica: The Center for Poetry at Chapman University host annual reading series that allow students to interact and learn from writers in a variety of fields. Recent featured authors include Salman Rushdie, Rae Armantrout, Elizabeth George, Allison Joseph and Willis Barnstone.

The department also provides students with the opportunity to study abroad; travel courses bring literature and culture to life as students visit sites of significance throughout the world.

John Fowles Center
John Fowles Center
John Fowles Center
The John Fowles Center for Creative Writing promotes and advances the discipline of creative writing in all its aspects.
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Tabula Poetica
Tabula Poetica
Tabula Poetica
Celebrate and discuss the art of poetry with an annual lecture series, poet interviews, readings, and other events at Tabula Poetica: The Center for Poetry at Chapman University.
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Writing Center
Writing Center
Writing Center
Stop by the Writing Center for assistance with your essays, from figuring out a topic to finalizing your draft.
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Contact Us

Wilkinson Hall 217
Chapman University
1 University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6750
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