Creative Writing (Fiction), MFA
Program overview
The program’s 10-day residencies convene twice per year, January 2nd - 12th and July 5th - 15th. Residencies consist of intensive faculty workshops, lectures and daily publishing panels with top agents, editors, and publishers. During the 6 months in between residencies, students will regularly exchange writing online with their faculty mentors, continuing the work that began in residency. Students will take 4 online workshops and attend 5 residencies to earn the 36 credits for their MFA degree. The 5th and final residency will culminate in a creative thesis—a novel, a chapbook of poetry or a short story collection.
This structure reflects the realities of life as a working writer. Aspiring writers learn how to be productive in their everyday lives with editorial feedback and contact, without giving up their day jobs. Unlike traditional MFA programs that demand a full-time commitment, our low-residency model represents the working life of the overwhelming majority of professionals in the field.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Introductory Residency
Intro MFA Fiction Workshop & Practicum
Intermediate Residency 2
Interm MFA Fiction Workshop & Practicum
Intermediate Residency 3
Advanced MFA Fiction Wksp & Practicum
Master Residency
Thesis: MFA Fiction Wksp & Practicum
MFA Thesis Residency
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Revise and edit creative writing
PLO 2: Demonstrate their personal aesthetic
PLO 3: Generate a body of work worth performance or publication
PLO 4: Develop an understanding of structure as it relates to the short story, novella and novel.
PLO 5: Experiment with a variety of techniques and styles in the art of short and/or long form fiction writing.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The MFA Fiction curriculum is structured around a sequence of residencies and intensive workshop experiences that support the development of each student’s creative voice and professional writing practice. Beginning with the Introductory Residency and Intro MFA Fiction Workshop & Practicum, students engage in foundational study of fiction craft, narrative structure, and the workshop process. As students progress through Intermediate Residencies and corresponding Fiction Workshops, they deepen their skills in storytelling, character development, and revision while receiving constructive feedback from faculty and peers.
The Advanced MFA Fiction Workshop & Practicum and Master Residency emphasize refinement of craft, sustained creative practice, and preparation for the completion of a major work of fiction. The program culminates in the Thesis: MFA Fiction Workshop & Practicum and MFA Thesis Residency, where students develop, revise, and present their original thesis manuscript, demonstrating their mastery of creative writing and literary craft.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
✍️ Author and Novelist
Writing and publishing original works of fiction, including novels, short stories, and literary collections.
📚 Publishing and Editorial Work
Working with publishing houses, literary journals, and digital platforms as editors, manuscript reviewers, or literary agents.
🎬 Screenwriting and Story Development
Applying narrative skills to film, television, and digital media through scriptwriting and story development.
📰 Journalism and Creative Nonfiction Writing
Producing long-form storytelling, narrative journalism, and feature writing.
💻 Content Creation and Digital Media
Developing engaging stories and written content for websites, media companies, and digital platforms.
🎓 Teaching and Academic Careers
Teaching creative writing, literature, or composition at colleges, universities, and writing programs.
📖 Literary Arts and Cultural Organizations
Working with literary nonprofits, arts organizations, and writing centers that support writers and literary communities.