» Prospective Students

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in EnglishUnder the guidance of faculty advisors, English majors complete a program in one of two areas of study: literature, rhetoric and cultural studies or journalism. Each student is required to take the 18-credit English core, in addition to a 24-28 credit area of study. Students earning a B.A. in English may not double major in the B.F.A. in Creative Writing.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative WritingWith its focus on the study of important works, this degree combines literature courses and writing workshops to explore students' talents as creative writers. Students earning a B.F.A. in Creative Writing may not double major in the B.A. in English.

Minor in English
A Minor in English requires a total of 18 credits in English at or above the 200-level. At least nine credits must be upper-division. Students who wish to design a minor in a particular area of interest should speak with an advisor in the Department of English.

Minor in Journalism
This minor requires a total of 25 credits in English courses above ENG 103, with at least 12 upper-division credits. It may be combined with any undergraduate major outside the Department of English. 

Minor in Rhetoric and Composition Studies
This minor requires a total of 21 credits in English, 15 of which must be upper division courses. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the field of rhetorical studies, and explore a variety of methodological approaches to the study of language and writing. 

Minor in Visual Journalism
A Minor in Visual Journalism is for liberal arts students seeking exposure to multimedia journalism, digital and print photography, layout, design, videography and online editing. The program allows students to explore the practice, history and theory of design, photography, videography, editing and journalism and gives them the opportunity to test their skills by working with campus and professional news organizations. All courses are taught by working professionals or faculty members with extensive professional media experience.

Editor-in-Residence

Through the Editor-in-Residence program, journalism students work with editors at Voice of OC, Orange County's awarding-winning nonprofit, nonpartisan digital daily, creating and posting coverage of civic news. Norberto Santana, veteran reporter and editor and winner of the prestigious Diversity News Leadership Award, is Chapman's Editor-in-Residence. Santana, a pioneer in the national nonprofit news movement, is consistently named one of Orange County's Top Influencer in annual rankings. Professor Santana has worked with students since 2018 when Wilkinson College's Journalism Program launched the Collegiate News Service and its nationally recognized Civic News Initiative, "one of the most innovative programs in the nation," according to University of Vermont Professor Richard Watts, director of the Knight­-funded Center for Community News. Scores of students have published hundreds of stories in Voice of OC, and many have used that work to win highly selective internships and jobs.

Wilkinson College currently offers three master’s-level degrees in English: an MFA in Creative Writing, an MA in English, and a Dual Degree in English and Creative Writing.

Master of Arts (MA) in English
The MA degree is designed for students seeking continuing education, a foundation for doctoral work (PhD, EdD, JD), and/or a credential qualifying them to teach literature and composition courses at junior and community colleges.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing
The MFA is a terminal degree in creative writing. Many MFA graduates teach at two- and four-year colleges, publish their work, or go on to professional careers in writing and editing. The MFA program at Chapman University fosters the growth of fiction writers, poets, creative nonfiction writers and even screenwriters through workshops, techniques courses, literature courses, The John Fowles Reading Series, Tabula Poetica, and the literary journal Calliope.

Dual MA/MFA Degree
The Dual Degree combines the MFA and the MA. This innovative program combines the practice and study of creative writing with literary and rhetorical scholarship. It allows students to spend three years building the foundation for their future as readers and writers on the job and well beyond.

Accelerated Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in English
Undergraduate English majors can earn a graduate degree with just ONE additional year of study! You’ll be able to complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years: four years of undergrad study and one year of graduate work. 

For more information about any of the Graduate Programs in Wilkinson College, please contact David Krausman.

Take a look at some of the publications some our students have written for.

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