The Creative Writing Program at Emporia State University offers friendly, student-focused instruction in small, workshop-based courses across a range of genres and literary activities. Classes are open to undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major, with courses ranging in skill level from introductory to advanced in a range of genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction prose. For more information about classes, check out the course descriptions.

The program also offers significant opportunities for involvement outside of class. The Short Play Festival is produced entirely by students, and features works written by students in the program. The Quivira literary club sponsors readings, dramatic productions, and other events. Each semester the Creative Writing Program presents a diverse program of visiting writers. Their performances and master classes mentor students and strengthen the literary community both on and off the ESU campus.

The Creative Writing Program offers significant mentoring for academic, professional, and personal success. Students who minor in Creative Writing have opportunities to pursue internships and field studies in writing, editing, publishing, and literary arts.

Through the Donald Reichardt Center for Publishing and Literary Arts, the program sponsors two journals; the Quivira student literary journal, and the national literary journal, Flint Hills Review. Quivira features student writing and allows students to work on the staff to gain editorial experience. Serving on the editorial staff of the Flint Hills Review, students learn about literary publishing. The Donald Reichardt Center for Publishing and Literary Arts also offers opportunities in literary citizenship on campus and in the community.