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Creative Writing - Nonfiction Writing, M.F.A.

Program overview:

The MFA in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) is an advanced graduate program designed to develop skilled writers of literary nonfiction through intensive workshops, residencies, and independent writing projects. The program focuses on the craft of nonfiction storytelling, including memoir, personal essays, narrative journalism, and creative nonfiction. Students refine their writing through close reading, critical discussion, and guided revision while exploring techniques such as voice, structure, research, and narrative development. The curriculum encourages both creative exploration and rigorous analytical thinking, culminating in the completion of a thesis manuscript that reflects the student’s distinctive voice and mastery of nonfiction craft. Graduates of the program are prepared to contribute to literary, cultural, and professional communities through compelling nonfiction writing and storytelling.

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: Diagram structure as it relates to the essay, memoir, article, op-ed, narrative podcase script, nonfiction video segment script, and all other forms of writing that involve reported fact.
PLO 5: Practice techniques of reporting and research

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

 

Code 

Title 

Credits 

WRI-7010 

Introductory Residency 

WRI-7310 

Intro to MFA Nonfiction Workshop & Practicum 

WRI-7020 

Intermediate Residency 2 

WRI-7320 

Intermediate MFA Nonfiction Workshop & Practicum 

WRI-7030 

Intermediate Residency 3 

WRI-7330 

Advanced MFA Workshop & Practicum 

WRI-7040 

Master Residency 

WRI-7240 

Thesis: MFA Nonfiction Workshop & Practicum 

WRI-7900 

MFA Thesis Residency 

 

Total Credits 

36 

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

The MFA in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) curriculum is designed to guide students through a progressive sequence of residencies and intensive nonfiction workshops that support the development of a distinctive narrative voice. Beginning with the Introductory Residency and Introductory MFA Nonfiction Workshop & Practicum, students explore the foundations of literary nonfiction, including narrative structure, voice, research techniques, and revision strategies. As students advance through Intermediate Residencies and corresponding Nonfiction Workshops, they deepen their engagement with memoir, personal essays, and narrative journalism while receiving critical feedback from faculty and peers.

The Advanced MFA Nonfiction Workshop & Practicum focuses on refining craft, strengthening narrative techniques, and developing longer works of nonfiction. During the Master Residency, students concentrate on shaping a cohesive body of work in preparation for their thesis manuscript. The program culminates in the Thesis: MFA Nonfiction Workshop & Practicum and MFA Thesis Residency, where students develop, revise, and present an original nonfiction manuscript that demonstrates their mastery of creative nonfiction writing.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

✍️ Author and Nonfiction Writer – Writing memoirs, essays, narrative journalism, and other forms of literary nonfiction for books and publications.
📰 Journalism and Media Writing – Producing feature stories, investigative pieces, and long-form journalism for newspapers, magazines, and digital media outlets.
📚 Publishing and Editorial Work – Working as editors, manuscript reviewers, or literary agents in publishing houses and literary journals.
🎓 Teaching and Academic Careers – Teaching creative writing, composition, or literature in colleges, universities, and community programs.
💻 Digital Content Creation – Writing essays, blogs, cultural commentary, and narrative content for online platforms and media organizations.
📖 Literary Arts and Cultural Organizations – Working with nonprofit literary organizations, arts institutions, and writing centers that support writers and storytelling initiatives.

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