Creative Writing Program Overview

The University of Oklahoma offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Creative Writing, allowing students to concentrate on creative writing within the broader areas of Rhetoric and Writing Studies (RWS) or Literature and Cultural Studies (LCS). The program provides areas of concentration in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry.

Program Structure

At the graduate level, students may choose to concentrate on creative writing within the broader areas of Rhetoric and Writing Studies (RWS) or Literature and Cultural Studies (LCS). Students choose their seminar courses from Advanced Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Poetry. Additionally, Special Topics in Creative Writing offer in-depth concentrations in a variety of forms. Over the course of two years, students work one-on-one with nationally-recognized creative writing faculty to produce a creative writing thesis comprised of publishable work in their chosen genre(s).

Faculty and Research Areas

The creative writing faculty includes National Book Critics Circle Award-winner Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, American Book Award-winner Rilla Askew, and National Poetry Series Award-winner Jake Skeets. These faculty members provide guidance and support to students as they develop their thesis projects.

Funding Opportunities

Students in the program are supported financially by teaching and learning in the award-winning First-Year Composition program and/or working in the world-renowned Writing Center. Many students also take advantage of unique funding opportunities, including research assistantships and working in the composition office.

Thesis Projects

Graduate students work closely with their faculty advisors to develop a thesis showcasing their work as creative writers. The M.A. creative writing thesis may be a novel excerpt; a collection of short stories, creative nonfiction, or poetry; or a combination of genres. Examples of thesis projects include:

• Bailey Brooks (M.A. 2022) “The Milwaukee Tavern”: An excerpt from an historical novel set in the late 1960s, grounded in little-known historical events in Tulsa and Norman.
• Lauren Skaggs (M.A. 2022) “The Voice of a Girl Becoming”: A collection of creative nonfiction in which the author reckons with her personal history, the complexities of family and heritage, the shaping forces of environment and place, and her own disabilities and feminist worldview.
• Seth A. Oliveras (M.A. 2023) “These Were the Nights”: A creative non-fiction exploration focused on overcoming trauma and managing mental illness from the perspective of a Black, multiracial man.
• Aaron Whitestar (M.A. 2023) “Prayers of the Dark-hearted”: A collection of linked stories focusing on themes such as family/broken family, Indigenous displacement, addiction, loss, and healing.

Application Requirements

To apply for the M.A. with creative writing emphasis, applicants should submit:

• A sample of critical or scholarly writing, no more than 25 pages long.
• A 1-2 page personal statement about what you’ve done in English or in related fields, why you want to study English, and, particularly, why you think the University of Oklahoma is an appropriate place for you to do it.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
• Official transcripts from every prior institution.
• A 20-page sample of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry with their application materials.

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.