DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

Three authors, alumni of the English Department’s undergraduate creative writing program, returned to Northwestern for the 17th Annual Writers’ Fest. Poet Tracy Fuad, fiction writer Mary South, and nonfiction writer Eric Dean Wilson gave craft talks and readings, reflecting on how their years at NU influenced their journeys as authors.

JK Anowe, a second-year poet in the Litowitz program, has been awarded a 2025 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, a program now in its 27th year. The Fellowship's recipients represent remarkable contributions across fields like medicine, law, engineering, the arts, public service, and science.

Professor Lauren Jackson is the recipient of the 2024 Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing, recognizing two of her reviews. Balakian committee chair Colette Bancroft described them as a “fresh and elegant exploration” of James and a “rollicking and whip-smart look” at Tits Up that “offer a dazzling demonstration of her depth and range.”

Columbia University has announced the election of three new members to the 19-person Pulitzer Prize Board, a group that includes Natasha Trethewey, herself a 2007 Pulitzer Prize recipient.

Litowitz MFA+MA in English and Creative Writing

This program offers intimate classes, the opportunity to pursue both creative and critical writing, and close mentorship by renowned faculty in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Our three-year curriculum gives students time to deepen both their creative writing and their study of literature. Students complete two degrees concurrently --an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in English.

• About the MFA+MA degree program
• Writing Faculty publications

MA in English Literature

Designed to be completed in one year and flexible in its requirements, our Master's in Literature allows students considerable freedom in choosing courses in English and in related disciplines. Most are planning to move on to Doctoral study elsewhere, improve their credentials as teachers in secondary schools and community colleges, or to take their experience into the business and publishing sectors.

• About the Master's degree program

PhD in English Literature

Our PhD program offers advanced study and research in literary history, criticism, and theory, with excellent opportunities for study between both disciplines and departments. Courses within the department cover major genres, periods, authors, and a broad range of methodological and theoretical approaches. Significant support in professional development and on the job market are cornerstones of the program.

• About the Doctoral program