Low Residency MFA Studies

Students in the low residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program work one-on-one with their advisors on a combination of creative writing and critical analysis of related readings. Over four semesters, students learn life-long writing skills and habits, complete a full-length creative manuscript of publishable quality, read more than 45 books and develop the ability to critically analyze through an individually-designed bibliography, and complete a teaching practicum in their own community. The teaching practicum can take place in a variety of settings, from high school or college to community-based organizations and adult learning settings.

Throughout each semester, low residency MFA in Creative Writing students engage in a written dialogue with their faculty advisor through the exchange of five packets and responses. Faculty advisors respond to the packet work with praise and challenge, posing questions, analyzing strengths and weaknesses in the student’s writing, discussing approaches to a particular genre or problem, and suggesting writing exercises, books, or other resources.