Director, Iain Pollock and MFA students at Barak House, Manhattanville University

English and Writing Degree Programs

Prepare for Fulfilling and Creative Professions at Manhattanville

Welcome to Manhattanville University’s English Department, where our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing degree programs, and convenient accelerated dual degree formats are shaped to your talents, interests, and goals.

Choosing to pursue a degree program in English literature or creative writing at Manhattanville builds skills and experiences that translate to a vast range of disciplines and careers. Located in the greater New York City and Westchester County areas, our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs provide access to a wealth of field experiences and resources spanning the Tri-State Area and New England, where some of the country’s best writers have made their mark.

On campus, students hone their skills and receive individualized feedback from experienced faculty and mentors through the Bodenrader Writing Center. Whether you are interested in publishing or journalism careers; writing poetry, fiction, or nonfiction; or something else entirely, find your home in the creative spaces of Manhattanville’s English and writing programs.

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Our Events Bringing Writers Together

 
Students ina lecture.

 

 

 

As a dynamic and diverse community of writers located in New York City’s backyard and at the gateway to the Hudson Valley, our campus is a hub of literary activity. The Manhattanville MFA program hosts a wide array of events throughout the year, including author readings, writing workshops, seminars, and other special events.  

Events take place at Barat House, the central hive of activity for the MFA program, or in beautiful Reid Castle, the crown jewel of Manhattanville’s campus.   

 

Annual Events

Join us each year for our signature Manhattanville MFA events! Each semester, the Manhattanville University MFA Program develops a series of creative writing workshops, panel discussions, and readings that are open to local community members and program alumni as well as to current MFA students.  These events are designed to dig deeply into a specific element of the craft of writing and to help participants hone their skills. Come tell your story with us! 
Woman writing

The Writers’ Hub at Manhattanville University is a literary home for the local Westchester County and Hudson Valley community.
Students reading their scripts and laughing

A creative writing extravaganza featuring workshops, readings, craft talks, and good food.
Writers' Weekend

Fall Writers' Weekend

A Friday to Sunday workshop focused on critique of existing work and generation of new work. 
Authors at Fall Writers' Weekend

Fall Poetry Festival

A one-day autumnal celebration of verse, featuring panel discussions, craft talks, and a reading. 
Rowan Ricardo Phillips laughing

Meet the Writers Series

An annual visiting writers program that brings 6-8 writers per year to campus to read from their work and discuss literary craft with our students. 
Students in class.

Interested in joining our community of aspiring writers? 

Contact MFA Director, Iain Haley Pollock, at mfa@mville.edu or 914.323.7211, for more information about our MFA program. 

English and Creative Writing Programs

 
Two male BIPOC students in class

Manhattanville’s BA in English degree program is a chance to delve into literature, language, and communication. Discussion, critical analysis, and writing skills develop into a deep understanding of the power of language and how it shapes society.

From dissecting everything from contemporary fiction to the Romantic greats, students in our bachelor’s in English degree programs gain a valuable skill set that can be applied to careers ranging from publishing to education and beyond.

Student in class.

Manhattanville places a unique focus on academic writing skills, supported by the dedicated and experienced writers on the faculty. All first-year students enroll in an academic writing review course that connects critical thinking to revising, editing, and drafting on academic subjects. Students especially interested can enroll in further academic writing coursework to graduate with this in-demand skill.

MFA female student writing in class

Accelerated BA/MFA in Creative Writing Dual Degree Program

Manhattanville’s accelerated dual degree program allows students the opportunity to pursue both a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in just five years total.

Fast-track your career goals and hone your craft, seamlessly integrating graduate-level coursework as you complete your bachelor’s.

Black male writer speaking at event

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The rich literature and writing workshops of Manhattanville’s master's in writing degree program prepare students with various professional goals, from journalism, freelance writing, and teaching to graphic novels and screenwriting.

Flexible genre requirements allow writers to hone skills and develop a professional writing portfolio that doesn’t conform to a single category of writing. Each member of the faculty and your MFA cohort will enrich your writing tools and offer the support needed to succeed in any literary pursuit.

Learn More about the MFA Creative Writing Program

 

 


English and Writing Program Admissions and Aid

Graduate writing students may find paid opportunities to write, edit, and tutor, as well as take advantage of graduate assistantships. Undergraduates who apply to the English program will generally receive student aid packages when accepted.


Contact English and Writing Programs at Manhattanville

Grow your current skill set and professional interests with Manhattanville University’s BA in English and MFA in Creative Writing degree programs. Our supportive English and writing programs ensure the support necessary to succeed in your literary or authorial pursuits.

Take the first step toward studying and writing at Manhattanville’s tranquil New York campus and beyond.

Contact the English Department or Undergraduate Admissions anytime for guidance or to ask questions.

Request information today

Upcoming Writing Events

Jun
24

Summer Writers' Week Kick Off

8:00 AM
Center for Design Thinking

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