Department of English : University of Rochester

An overhead view of a student carrying a backpack walking up a marble staircase.

Considering a graduate degree in English?

We have some new and exciting offerings to provide you with the skills to fulfill your academic journey.

Learn more about our MA and PhD programs

Major & Minor

Pursue a degree or take courses in one of our four distinct program tracks.

Learn More

Graduate Studies

The National Research Council ranks our English PhD program among the best in the country.

Learn More

Research

Our faculty and students participate in numerous individual and collaborative research projects.

Learn More

Department News

Fairchild Award honors the founder of Rochester Fringe Festival

Award-winning producer Erica Fee is the recipient of the 2025 Lillian Fairchild Award, which recognizes artists for their contributions to the Rochester community.

PLUTZIK READING SERIES

Spring readers announced

Mark your calendars for our Spring 2026 Plutzik Reading Series events. Poet and author Robyn Schiff will join us on April 7, 2026, and fiction novelist Kirstin Valdez Quade will close out the series on April 22, 2026. Both readings are free and open to the public.

Headshots of Robyn Schiff and Kirstin Valdez Quade

CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST

Submit your work for prizes

Submissions are open for the 2026 creative writing awards! Cash prizes for the best entries in poetry, short fiction, drama and humor writing. The deadline is 3 p.m. on Monday, April 27th. AI-generated and AI-assisted work is not eligible. Full rules & guidelines linked below.

UPCOMING EVENT

Writer's Lounge returns for Spring semester

The Writer's Lounge runs every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the Humanities Center Lounge. It's a place for campus writers to meet each other, swap work, exchange ideas and relax. Plus there is free pizza & refreshments every week!