Stories connect people and shape cultures. Oswego’s intensive Creative Writing program allows you to explore and refine your writing skills in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, and graphic novel writing—while learning how words can inform, inspire, and influence the world around you.
Overview
In SUNY’s largest undergraduate Creative Writing program, you’ll study with accomplished writers and professors in a vibrant, supportive community. Each genre—fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, graphic novel writing, and screenwriting—offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses. You’ll learn the fundamentals, build complex projects, and progress to mastery through workshops and capstone experiences.
Professional development is at the heart of the Creative Writing experience. You’ll learn from accomplished faculty, build a professional writing portfolio, and gain real-world experience through publishing, internships, and creative collaborations on and off campus. The program’s supportive community and faculty mentorship prepare you to turn your passion for storytelling into a career that makes an impact.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts
Outcomes
Graduates of the Creative Writing program will be able to:
- Draft and present imaginative work in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, and/or playwriting that demonstrates experimentation and mastery of genre techniques.
- Evaluate and refine works-in-progress using contemporary publishing standards and peer critique.
- Practice the professional habits of writers—revision, oral critique, and public presentation.
Career Opportunities
- Writer
- Editor
- Publisher
- Teacher
- Librarian
- Journalist
- Web content creator or editor
- Lawyer
- Technical or grant writer
- Business executive
- Filmmaker and producer
The Creative Writing program offers students early exposure to real-world industry experiences, guided by the mentorship of faculty.
The English and Creative Writing Department was instrumental in becoming a published author. From the three-tier genre pathways to the staff constantly finding new ways to help me, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
The English and Creative Writing Department is lively and ambitious. The faculty have driven me to my limits, and have taught me more than I could imagine and have opened doors for me that I never knew were possible.
I did Literary London (faculty-led course) during the summer. I miss London every single day. It was a great opportunity to make new friends, learn new material, and explore a new city.
After reaching out to the Creative Writing Department, I had lunch with the heads of each genre and was completely captivated by their dedication and enthusiasm about the program here. It didn't compare to any other schools department I met.
Program Resources
The Oswego Guarantee
- Timely course offerings
- High touch connections to alumni
- Small student to faculty ratio
- Limited room & board increases each year
Living Writer's Series
Each fall, Pulitzer Prize winners, bestselling authors, and rising voices in contemporary literature visit Oswego to meet with students, discuss their creative process, and share their paths to success as writers.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad
Travel with Oswego faculty to explore writing and storytelling across cultures. Courses abroad combine creative practice with immersive global experiences, expanding your perspective as both a writer and a reader.
Professional Development
Start an internship at a local newspaper or business, join the board of one of our four creative writing clubs, or gain real-world experience through our biennial Publishing Festival. There are many ways to build leadership and professional skills in the Creative Writing program.
Subnivean
Oswego undergraduates staff the acclaimed global literary magazine Subnivean. Developed to give students hands-on publishing experience, the journal amplifies undergraduate voices in today’s literary dialogue.