M.F.A. in Creative Writing

We are not accepting MFA applicants for the Creative Non-Fiction track at this time.

Welcome to the virtual home of the MFA program in creative writing at Western Kentucky University. We know that there are a lot of choices for students who wish to study creative writing at the next level, but allow us just a moment to tell you about our program because we believe we’re building something special here at WKU.

And we’re pleased to announce that our MFA program is now three years long, giving our students even more time to hone their craft, develop as teachers and tutors, and gain valuable experience that will lead to increased opportunities on the job market. We also offer:

• Tracks in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and scriptwriting;
• Courses in creative writing pedagogy as well as readings courses dedicated to the history and the craft of creative writing;
• A required secondary area in literature, composition and rhetoric, or teaching English as a second language that will give students greater employment options after graduation;
• A low student to faculty ratio.

We have enough funding for five assistantships each year, which allow many of our MFA students to gain valuable experience tutoring and teaching. Our MFA faculty publishes widely, and they’re dedicated to their teaching. And all of this takes place on a beautiful campus in a town that is frequently cited as one of the most livable in the country.

Since the program's founding in 2015, our students have accomplished quite a bit:

• A poetry collection published by New Rivers Press
• Chapbooks published by dancing girl press and Slash Line Press
• Multiple acceptances into prestigious PhD programs around the country
• Post-graduation jobs in publishing and academia
• Internships at The Byrdcliffe Artists in Residence program in Woodstock, NY, Sarabande Books, and the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts.
• Numerous publications in literary journals and anthologies, including Prairie Schooner, Hayden’s Ferry Review, Black Warrior Review, and River Teeth

If you have any questions, feel free to let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Application Deadline

February 1, 2025 
 

All application materials should be submitted electronically to The Graduate School at WKU by February 1 , 2025. After completing The Graduate School’s online application, applicants will be directed to submit letters of application/statements of purpose and writing samples via email.

 

 For more information about the program, contact Dr. Nancy Dinan, nancy.dinan@wku.edu.

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  All Full Time English Faculty

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