Bachelor of Fine Arts/Bachelor of Arts in English + Creative Writing

At Stephens, writers and readers work together studying, critiquing, and writing in a wide range of literary genres.

Program Features

• Write for Harbinger, our award-winning literary journal, and become an editor or member of the production staff.
• Sharpen your skills as a fiction writer, poet, playwright, autobiographer, and/or non-fiction writer.
• Show off your works at public readings, including our annual Scriptwriters Showcase.
• Learn from professionals who visit campus regularly through our Writers on the Edge series.
• Join Alpha Epsilon Eta, an “Outstanding Chapter” of Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society.
• Join Stephens’ spoken word troop, Poets of Infinity.

Harbinger Literary Journal

har·bin·ger (här’bin-jer) n.

One that indicates or foreshadows

what is to come; a forerunner.

It’s a fitting name for the Stephens College literary journal. The publication is a forerunner on the national level, winning the Outstanding Literary Arts Journal Award from Sigma Tau Delta for seven of the last 10 years. Although it’s changed names and formats, our literary journal has allowed students from all disciplines to publish their works for nearly a century. In 1980, the publication became Harbinger, a name that signifies its dedication to publishing the works of writers and artists of the future.

A student-run publication, Harbinger is the starting point for many writers, giving them an opportunity to publicly showcase their talents for the first time. We maintain a high literary standard, closely examining each submission and accepting only those which have vivid detail, sharp language and innovative subject matters. We select pieces that speak to the common human experience and works that push readers to the edge.

As one of the top college literary magazines, it is our mission to publish the best literary and artistic works Stephens College students have to offer. The result is a collection of talented new voices showing our readers what the future holds.

Harbinger receives seventh first place award in 10 years

Harbinger's 2020 issue, "Outside the Lines," was awarded first place for Outstanding Literary Arts Journal by the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society. The issue features student-written and -edited short fiction, poetry, nonfiction, one-act plays, and interviews with people in the arts. The perfect-bound magazine is also student-designed and showcases a full-color art feature and illustrations.

Writers on the Edge

Be inspired by the stories of our time.

We invite you to these free public events sponsored by Stephens’ English + Creative Writing and Women’s Studies programs.

Writers on the Edge Authors Series

Fall and Spring

The Writers on the Edge Series brings to campus award-winning guest writers who are on the cutting edge of the industry.

The series continues a rich history of visiting writers at Stephens College. Past guests have included Toni Morrison, John Irving and Margaret Atwood, and poets Marilyn Hacker, Adrienne Rich, and Diane Wakoski, as well as Stephens alumna and poet Leslie Adrienne Miller.

New Script Showcase

Spring

Rehearsed, script-in-hand readings feature the works of the five winning student writers of the New Script Competition.

Harbinger Literary Magazine Launch Party

Spring

The internationally recognized award-winning magazine features student-written fiction, poetry, memoir, artwork, and interviews.

From Fashion to Flash Fiction

Spring

Inspired by the spring exhibit in the Historic Costume Gallery, creative writers conjure the lives within the clothes. Student writers read their own works.