Creative Writing (Non-Fiction Writing), MFA
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 REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
All applicants to the program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants will submit a creative writing sample consisting of 25 pages for dramatic writing or 20-25 pages of fiction. Poets will submit up to 20 pages of poetry. The application must also include a statement of purpose.
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: 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.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
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
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.