Department of English

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Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or somewhere in between, Seattle University’s English Department has a place for you.

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Welcome to our Department

Seattle is an unparalleled setting to pursue our degrees in Literature, Creative Writing, and Writing Studies. We are one of the most literate, smartest, greenest, most caffeinated, and all-around best cities for young people, near the heart of downtown, within walking distance of jobs, and a stone's throw from cinemas, theaters, cafes, and restaurants. There are readings, literary events, and film events or festivals somewhere in Seattle every week.

We offer courses in literature, creative writing, and film that deepen your world view, your understanding of complex questions about yourself and the world we live in, and your capacity to think critically and creatively in order to make a difference. Our professors are committed to your intellectual and creative development.  In the Jesuit tradition, we are committed to your personal and professional formation as well.

Our Degrees

Join our diverse community of readers, creative writers, literary scholars, filmmakers, and cultural critics.

Student reading outside

English with Specialization in Literature

The art of language and the tools of literacy are necessary not only for self-understanding, self-expression, and self-realization, but for full participation in social, cultural, and political life. Dive into cultural and literary inquiry as you grapple with the complex questions of justice and value that arise from a range of texts spanning various historical periods and the globe.

Students read by the fountain

English with Specialization in Creative Writing

Great writers are strong readers: become both — with a curriculum that blends the skills of literary study with the craft of creative writing. The program offers creative writing classes across genres including fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and script writing as well as in special topics such as the graphic novel, science fiction, literary fiction, screenplay writing and others.

Photo of students writing in class

Writing Studies

Strengthen your rhetorical awareness and practical skills with this minor, as you study different genres of writing, forms of argumentation, and traditions of persuasion. The Writing Studies minor complements nearly any major, positioning you for success in your future career.

Meet Our Alumni

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David Strand

Double majoring in Creative Writing and Visual Art. David plunged into his career immediately following his degree, as he started working full time at Seattle’s Frye Art Museum, during finals week of his senior year. Initially hired as a Curatorial Assistant, he was tasked with project managing the museum’s largest exhibition to date, Genius / 21 Century / Seattle, a celebration of exceptional multidisciplinary and collaborative artistic practice in Seattle, which featured over 65 artists.

BA, English/Creative Writing and Visual Art

More about our alumni
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Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal (SUURJ)

Developed to highlight undergraduate research, SUURJ publishes peer-reviewed student work, offering editorial apprenticeships in a credit-bearing program.

Learn More
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Visiting Writers

You have the opportunity to study with visiting professors from the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant artistic community. Recent visiting writers have included Ramón Isao, Kristen Millares Young, Daemond Arrindell, Anastacia Renee and Theo Nestor


Meet Our Visiting Writers
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Internships and Careers

English majors are prepared to be successful in a wide variety of fields. With your finely honed writing skills and demonstrated ability to communicate exceptionally well you are prepared for success in advertising, marketing, law, entertainment and arts, teaching and more.

Your faculty and staff in the Department of English are committed to supporting your professional formation. We are here to help you find internships that allow you to explore potential careers and help build the skills and experience that jumpstart your future upon graduation.

More About Our Internships

As an inclusive Department, we affirm our commitment to the holistic development of all students and we value their diverse identities, orientations, backgrounds, and traditions.  Rooted in the Jesuit values of care for all human beings and the concern for social justice, our teaching emphasizes discussion and dialogue, historical awareness, critical argument, and reflective creativity in an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and equality.  Because the study of literature, creative writing, and film puts us into contact with a wide range of human experiences and cultural expressions, we value paying attention to all voices and perspectives, especially those which are under threat or marginalized.

Contact Us

Meet Our Faculty and Staff