Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

At a Glance

• Degree Type: Master of Fine Arts
• Location: Bellingham, face to face
• Total Credits: 55

Program Information

Western Washington University's English Department offers a 2-year MFA program in Creative Writing within a community that values creative development and intellectual versatility. The program encourages a focus on multigenre or cross-genre writing, based on the view that creative writing graduates need to be versatile in their comprehension of genre conventions and conversant in the way diverse genres inform one another. A variety of courses are offered that stress either a multigenre focus or encourage experimental works that blur genre boundaries.

Creative writing practice and literary study are synergistic in the program. Students take seminars in creative writing and literature, as well as courses in rhetorical thinking and composition, digital and technical writing, film studies, and linguistics. Graduate Assistantships are offered that provide quality teacher training, as well as opportunities to gain editorial experience with the award-winning journal Bellingham Review.

Goals

The MFA program in English is designed for those who desire to prepare for:

• Life as a serious author, with an understanding of the literary marketplace and publication
• PhD programs, as well as other advanced degrees in fields such as law or teaching
• Teaching at both two- and four-year colleges and universities
• Public or private teaching (elementary, middle, secondary)
• Careers in technical writing and communication
• Careers in editing and publishing
• Careers in nonprofit and other business organizations

The Bellingham Review

A literary journal produced by Creative Writing and English graduate students, The Bellingham Review is known for innovative poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid works.

Application Requirements

• All applicants must complete the Graduate School's application and pay the application fee.
• Within the application, applicants will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, applicants will be asked to provide official transcripts.
• Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
• International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency, and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

• Three (3) Letters of Reference
• Statement of Purpose: This 1-2 page statement should explain intellectual and/or creative interests, and professional goals. Reviewers value statements that are intellectually mature, coherent, and well-organized. If interested in being considered for a funded Teaching Assistantship, please include relevant experience and information that will aid in making funding decisions.
• Two writing samples: 10-15 pages of prose (fiction or creative nonfiction); OR 10-15 pages of poetry; OR a combination of genres, 15 pages total; AND a critical writing sample of 7-12 pages of analytical work in literary study.

Assessment, Student Learning Outcomes

The program assesses student learning outcomes through various evaluations and assessments to ensure students meet the program's goals and objectives.