English at UB

Professor Cristanne Miller.

Students engage in small group discussion with Professor Cristanne Miller.

Read deeply. Write boldly. Tell stories that matter.

At the University at Buffalo, English is about more than literature. It is about understanding culture, communication and the power of language in everyday life. Through small classes, creative opportunities and close faculty mentorship, you will build the writing, research and critical thinking skills that prepare you for almost any future.

Whether you are passionate about poetry, film, journalism, creative writing or cultural analysis, UB gives you the flexibility to explore your interests while studying at one of the nation’s leading public research universities.

Why study English?

UB combines the personal attention of a small liberal arts experience with the resources of a major research university.

Here, you will:

  • Learn in small, discussion-driven classes
  • Work closely with award-winning faculty
  • Explore literature, film, journalism and creative writing
  • Develop strong writing, communication and analytical skills
  • Join a creative and intellectually curious community

The department’s small class sizes help students build meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates while gaining confidence as readers, writers and thinkers.

What can you do here?

English students at UB study language and storytelling across many forms, perspectives and media. The program is flexible enough to support students interested in traditional literary study, creative work, film, journalism and interdisciplinary research.

Opportunities include:

  • Certificate in creative writing
  • Certificate in journalism
  • Minor in global film
  • Faculty-guided undergraduate research
  • Literary readings and speaker series
  • Film screenings and seminars
  • Community and cultural events across Buffalo

Students can also engage with programs and events such as:

  • Exhibit X
  • Poetics Plus
  • Buffalo Film Seminars
  • The Creely Lectures
  • The BABEL Reading Series

You might explore topics such as:

  • American and British literature
  • World literature
  • Poetry and poetics
  • Popular culture
  • Film and media
  • Critical theory
  • Creative writing

Why UB?

UB is a place where you can challenge yourself, find your community and build a future. As New York’s flagship public research university, UB gives you the power of an R1 institution and the support of a campus that feels welcoming from day one.

What you’ll experience at UB

  • Affordable excellence: Earn a top-tier education at a cost that supports your goals.
  • Collaborative community: Learn from faculty and peers who care about your growth.
  • Built-in opportunity: Get experience through research, internships and student clubs.
  • A vibrant place to live: Buffalo offers friendly neighborhoods, a lively arts and food scene and easy access to Toronto and New York.

The UB difference
UB students get big-university advantages without losing the personal connections that make college meaningful. You’ll join a campus that encourages curiosity, celebrates different perspectives and gives you room to explore your path.

Take the next step

If you are curious about storytelling, culture, media and the ways language shapes the world, English at UB offers a flexible and supportive place to grow. You will develop skills that translate across industries while becoming part of a creative academic community that values original thinking and new perspectives.