Creative Writing - Graphic Writing, MFA
Program overview:
The MFA in Creative Writing (Graphic Writing) is an immersive graduate program designed to support the artistic and professional development of writers and visual storytellers through a combination of intensive residencies, workshop-based collaboration, and independent creative practice. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop compelling narratives that integrate text and visual elements, while deepening their understanding of storytelling, character development, pacing, and graphic composition. Through creative workshops, peer critiques, and guided discussions, students refine their ability to craft original graphic narratives, comics, scripts, and illustrated works that engage diverse audiences. The curriculum encourages experimentation with narrative structure, visual language, and interdisciplinary approaches while fostering a collaborative and innovative creative community. As students progress through the program, they produce a substantial body of original work that culminates in a final thesis project combining literary and visual storytelling. Graduates emerge with advanced creative and critical-thinking skills, a strong understanding of contemporary graphic literature and visual culture, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to publishing, media, education, and the broader creative arts industry.
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: Students will diagram the formatting standards of writing graphic novels via direct instructions and selected textbooks.
PLO 5: Students will prepare for the rigorous practices of entering professional creative fields.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
WRI-7010 | Introductory Residency | 4 |
WRI-7310 | Intro to MFA Graphic Writing Workshop & Practicum | 4 |
WRI-7020 | Intermediate Residency 2 | 4 |
WRI-7320 | Intermediate MFA Graphic Writing Workshop & Practicum | 4 |
WRI-7030 | Intermediate Residency 3 | 4 |
WRI-7330 | Advanced MFA Workshop & Practicum | 4 |
WRI-7040 | Master Residency | 4 |
WRI-7240 | Thesis: MFA Graphic Writing Workshop & Practicum | 4 |
WRI-7900 | MFA Thesis Residency | 4 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The MFA in Creative Writing (Poetry) curriculum is designed to guide students through a progressive sequence of residencies and intensive poetry workshops that foster the development of a distinctive poetic voice. Beginning with the Introductory Residency and Intro MFA Poetry Workshop & Practicum, students explore foundational elements of poetic craft, including imagery, form, voice, and revision techniques. As students advance through Intermediate Residencies and Intermediate MFA Poetry Workshops, they deepen their engagement with poetic traditions while experimenting with diverse styles and forms of expression.
The Advanced MFA Poetry Workshop & Practicum provides opportunities for sustained creative practice, critical feedback, and refinement of a developing manuscript. During the Master Residency, students focus on shaping their work into a cohesive body of poetry while preparing for the thesis stage of the program. The curriculum culminates in the Thesis: MFA Poetry Workshop & Practicum and MFA Thesis Residency, where students develop, revise, and present an original poetry manuscript that demonstrates their mastery of poetic craft and creative expression.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
✍️ Poet and Author – Writing and publishing original poetry in books, literary journals, and digital platforms.
📚 Publishing and Editorial Work – Editing manuscripts, reviewing submissions, and working with literary magazines and publishing houses.
🎓 Teaching and Education – Teaching creative writing, literature, or composition in colleges, universities, and community writing programs.
📖 Literary Arts and Cultural Organizations – Working with literary nonprofits, arts organizations, and writing centers that promote literature and creative expression.
💻 Content Creation and Media Writing – Developing written content for digital media, cultural publications, and online platforms.
🎤 Public Programs and Literary Events – Organizing poetry readings, workshops, festivals, and community literary programs.