PhD in English- Creative Writing in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa

Pursuing creative writing in Hawaii offers an exhilarating and life-changing journey. Situated in the indigenous Hawaiian islands, we're immersed in a rich convergence of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), Pacific, Asian, American, and European literary traditions, languages, histories, and cultures. The varied landscapes—from sandy shores to lush rainforests, urban centers to open seas—combined with innovative local cuisine and the intersection of art and social change will spark your creativity.
Our programs include a B.A. in English with a Creative Writing focus, an M.A. in English featuring a creative thesis option, and a Ph.D. in English with a creative dissertation component. As part of our vibrant English Department, graduate students complete a two-year creative writing core while exploring literary studies, cultural studies, indigenous scholarship, life narratives, oral traditions, and composition.

The creative writing curriculum blends workshops, seminars, and craft classes to foster growth. Graduate students gain expertise in literary traditions, genres, theories, forms, and techniques while refining their editing and revision abilities. The program also provides chances to develop performance skills, professional competencies, and teaching approaches for creative writing.
Our distinguished creative writing faculty—recognized through publications and awards—bring diverse academic, artistic, cultural, and geographic perspectives. These dedicated educators actively engage with Hawaii's and the Pacific's crucial social, environmental, and political initiatives. Their specialties span poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and songwriting, covering Hawaiian, Pacific, Asian, American, Indian, and European literatures, along with multicultural, postmodern, multilingual, postcolonial, indigenous, and Pacific literary theories.
Each spring, we host a Distinguished Visiting Writer who teaches two courses, delivers a public reading, leads professional development sessions, and enriches our literary community throughout the semester.