Part of: Graduate Program in Creative Writing, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Part of: Graduate Program in Creative Writing, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Your stories are the bridge to new worlds.

For writers seeking a graduate genre fiction program, Western Colorado University’s Genre Fiction concentration offers advanced study within the MA or MFA in Creative Writing, combining live online workshops, immersive summer residencies, and one-on-one mentorship from award-winning, currently publishing authors.

As one of five concentrations in Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing, the Genre Fiction concentration supports writers working in science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, and thriller. Built on the belief that popular storytelling is serious craft, the program prepares students to develop compelling narratives and sustainable writing careers.

Designed for working professionals and active writers, this low-residency genre fiction master’s pathway helps students strengthen craft, complete a polished manuscript, and understand the professional realities of the publishing industry.

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This program will jumpstart your writing career. The classes will transform you and help you become a stronger writer. The program creates a safe space for diverse voices and backgrounds. It is a supportive program for someone with a family, caretakers, for people who work full time. You will be treated with love and respect.

Tali Himmel Rothstein

Genre Fiction – MA or MFA in Creative Writing

In Western’s Genre Fiction concentration, storytelling is treated as both an artistic craft and a professional discipline. Students develop the structural and narrative skills needed for commercial fiction, including world-building, character development, pacing, plot construction, and reader engagement across genres such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, romance, and romantasy.

The concentration challenges students to think beyond a single manuscript and toward a sustainable writing career in the expanding genre fiction marketplace. Through focused coursework and mentorship, writers strengthen craft while gaining a deeper understanding of professional publishing standards, reader expectations, and long-term creative growth.

Students work closely with award-winning, currently publishing faculty who bring firsthand industry insight into the classroom. Mentors include Concentration Director Johanna Parkhurst (writing as J.E. Birk), along with Laura Resau, Rick Wilbur, Lindsay King-Miller, Nakeesha Seneb, Cindy Skaggs, Joe Fassler, and Tenea D. Johnson.

Through this close collaboration, students in Western’s Genre Fiction MFA and MA gain the creative discipline, industry knowledge, and community support needed to complete professional-quality manuscripts and build lasting careers in fiction.

For more than a decade, Western’s Genre Fiction concentration has been one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. dedicated to both the craft and business of commercial fiction. Students develop the storytelling skills needed to write compelling science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, romance, and romantasy, building the craft foundation for a sustainable writing career.

Western provides a supportive literary home where writers strengthen world-building, character development, pacing, plot construction, and reader engagement while learning how genre fiction operates within today’s publishing landscape.

A Professional Network: Beyond craft development, students connect with editors, literary agents, and publishing professionals who understand the modern commercial fiction market and help prepare manuscripts for publication.

Mentorship from Publishing Authors: Students work closely with internationally published faculty and guest writers, including Sarina Bowen, Erika T. Wurth, Megan Freeman, and Sheila Williams, gaining direct insight into both craft and industry expectations.

Built for Working Writers: Western’s low-residency format combines live online coursework during the academic year with immersive summer residencies in Gunnison, Colorado, allowing students to deepen their manuscript work while maintaining professional and personal commitments.

Creative Versatility: While students focus on a primary genre, elective opportunities across other creative writing concentrations encourage interdisciplinary growth and a stronger narrative voice.

In Western’s Genre Fiction concentration, the goal is clear: move from a promising idea to a polished, professional manuscript. Whether pursuing the one-year MA or the two-year MFA, students are treated as working writers within a professional creative community and supported through every stage of the writing process.

MFA Residency Track: MFA students attend three summer residencies designed to support each phase of manuscript development, from early world-building and plot architecture to advanced revision and final polish.

Personalized Manuscript Feedback: Students receive one-on-one mentorship from award-winning, currently publishing faculty who provide guidance on craft, audience expectations, and professional publishing standards.

Live Online Workshops: During the academic year, students participate in highly engaged online workshops that emphasize peer feedback, revision, and creative accountability.

Industry Insight: Through workshops with nationally recognized authors and publishing professionals, students gain practical knowledge about the modern fiction marketplace, industry trends, and long-term career development.

What genres can I study in the Genre Fiction concentration?

Students may focus on science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, romance, and romantasy, while developing transferable storytelling skills that apply across commercial and speculative fiction. The program supports both specialization and experimentation across genres.

Is genre fiction treated as serious craft in this program?

Yes. Western’s Genre Fiction concentration treats popular storytelling as serious literary and professional craft. Students study the structure, pacing, world-building, character development, and emotional stakes that define successful commercial fiction.

What is the difference between the Genre Fiction MA and Genre Fiction MFA?

The Genre Fiction MA is a 30-credit pathway focused on foundational craft development, mentorship, and manuscript progress. The Genre Fiction MFA is a 60-credit terminal degree that offers deeper specialization, advanced mentorship, additional residencies, and a larger body of polished creative work.

Is this a low-residency genre fiction program?

Yes. Western’s Genre Fiction concentration uses a low-residency model, combining live online workshops during the academic year with immersive summer residencies in Gunnison, Colorado.

Do I need to be published to apply?

No. Prior publication is not required. Applicants are evaluated based on the strength of their writing sample, creative potential, and commitment to developing their craft.

Will I work with currently publishing authors?

Yes. Students receive one-on-one mentorship from award-winning, actively publishing faculty who provide insight into both storytelling craft and the realities of today’s publishing industry.

Will this program help me finish a novel or manuscript?

Yes. Students work toward completing a polished, professional-quality manuscript through structured workshops, faculty mentorship, and ongoing revision. Many students use the program to develop novels, series foundations, or market-ready manuscripts.

Does the program help with publishing and pitching?

Yes. Faculty mentors provide industry insight related to publishing, pitching, professional standards, and long-term career strategy in the commercial fiction marketplace.

Can I write in more than one genre?

Yes. While many students focus on a primary genre, the program encourages exploration across genres and supports interdisciplinary storytelling through electives and mentorship.

Is this program suitable for working professionals?

Yes. The low-residency format is designed for working writers, allowing students to maintain their careers and personal responsibilities while pursuing graduate study in genre fiction.

Can I apply if my background is not in creative writing?

Yes. Students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The program values varied perspectives, strong storytelling instincts, and a commitment to creative growth.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Joining Our Community: MFA Admissions & Requirements

We welcome applications for the Master of Fine Arts on a rolling basis from August 1 through May 31. Because our cohorts are small and highly personalized, we recommend applying early to secure your spot for our June start date. You can expect a decision from us within four weeks of completing your application.

What You’ll Need to Apply

A Bachelor’s Degree: Official transcripts from an accredited college (a 3.0 GPA is recommended).
A Personal Statement: A 1,000-word reflection on your experience, your commitment to the writing life, and why Western is the right home for your goals.
Two Professional Recommendations: Letters from mentors or colleagues who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level craft.
A Writing Sample: This is your chance to share your voice with us. Requirements vary by concentration:
- Poetry: 10–15 pages.
- Nature Writing: 20–25 pages (any genre or mix).
- Genre Fiction: 20–25 pages.
- Screenwriting: 15–30 pages of a screenplay or short film script.

Our Approach to Admission

We believe in potential. If you don’t meet every requirement for full admission, you may be considered for Provisional Admission, giving you the space and time (up to one year) to complete any necessary prerequisites while beginning your journey with us.

Apply Now
Program Information

Departmental representatives determine if graduate classes completed at other accredited institutions can be transferred to the respective Western graduate studies programs. Transfer credits must be listed and approved by the major advisor on the degree plan. Transferred graduate credits must be:

Earned at a regionally-accredited institution.
Numbered at the graduate level and accepted as part of a graduate degree program at the sending institution.
Passed by the student with a grade of B or above (courses with grades such as pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are not acceptable).
Earned within the past five years unless a department specifies otherwise.
Account for no more than nine credits towards a Western degree.

Students must provide official transcripts, and request and receive permission in writing from Western to transfer coursework.

Joining Our Community: MA Admissions & Requirements

We welcome applications for the Master of Arts on a rolling basis from August 1 through May 31. Because we focus on small cohorts and high-level mentorship, we recommend applying early to secure your spot for our June start date. You will receive an admissions decision within four weeks of completing your application.

What You’ll Need to Apply

A Bachelor’s Degree: Official transcripts from an accredited college (a 3.0 GPA is recommended).
A Personal Statement: A 1,000-word reflection on your writing experience, your commitment to the craft, and how Western can help you reach your professional goals.
Two Professional Recommendations: Letters from individuals who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level work.
A Writing Sample: This is our first look at your voice. Please follow the guidelines for your chosen concentration:
- Poetry: 10–15 single-spaced pages.
- Nature Writing: 20–25 pages (any creative genre or a mix).
- Genre Fiction: 20–25 pages (ideally from a single work).
- Screenwriting: 15–30 pages of a screenplay.
- Publishing: A 3- to 5-page critical assessment of a provided story.

Our Approach to Admission

We look for potential and dedication. If you don’t meet every requirement for full admission, you may be considered for Provisional Admission. This path allows you up to one year to complete any necessary prerequisites as you begin your journey with our faculty and community.

Apply Now
Program Information

Earned at a regionally-accredited institution.
Numbered at the graduate level and accepted as part of a graduate degree program at the sending institution.
Passed by the student with a grade of B or above (courses with grades such as pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are not acceptable).
Earned within the past five years unless a department specifies otherwise.
Account for no more than nine credits towards a Western degree.

Students must provide official transcripts, and request and receive permission in writing from Western to transfer coursework.

Investing in Your Writing Life

We believe in transparency when it comes to the cost of your education. Our low-residency model is designed to be accessible, allowing you to maintain your professional life while you pursue your degree. Tuition is billed by the credit hour, allowing you to manage your investment as you progress through the program.

Tuition & Program Value

Tuition: $749.60 per credit hour.
Standard Graduate Fees: $73.40 per credit hour (includes administrative operations, library, and IT services).
One-Time Matriculation Fee: $50.00. Applies once to new students in their first fall semester.
Summer Residency Fee: $600.00 (charged only during the summers you attend the residency in Gunnison).

Program Totals at a Glance

Master of Arts (MA): A focused 15-month journey totaling 30 credits. The estimated total for tuition and fees is $25,940.00.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA): A deep 27-month immersion totaling 60 credits. The estimated total for tuition and fees is $51,230.00.

All tuition and fees are subject to change, and any updates will be announced prior to the summer term.

For both the MA and MFA programs, students have a maximum of five years for completion of a master’s degree from initial enrollment as a graduate degree seeking student. In order to maintain active status, graduate students must register in at least one graduate course per academic year.

A graduate degree is a transformative step that deepens your specialized knowledge and refines your artistic practice. At Western, your chosen concentration allows you to shape your expertise through high-level coursework, culminating in a final project or thesis that serves as a cornerstone for your long-term writing life.

Whether you seek the one-year MA for focused professional development or the two-year MFA terminal degree for university-level teaching and deep craft exploration, our program is built to support your unique journey.

Explore Your Program Path:

MA Program Requirements: A streamlined, one-year path to professional growth.
MA Degree Plan: View the course sequence tailored to your concentration.
MFA Program Requirements: The two-year terminal degree path for a deeper dive into craft and pedagogy.

MA Program Requirements MA Degree Plan MFA Program Requirements MFA Degree Plan

We’re excited about your interest in applying to the Graduate Program in Creative Writing with a concentration in Genre Fiction! Before starting your application, please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help.

Request More Information Apply Now

Scholarships & Financial Aid

We are committed to ensuring that our community remains diverse, inclusive, and accessible to writers from all walks of life. To support this mission, we offer:

GPCW Scholarships & Grants

Our Equitable Access Scholarships and Residency Grants work together to reduce financial barriers and ensure all students can fully participate in the program. These awards support students who bring diverse perspectives to our cohorts while also helping cover the costs of attending our annual summer residency in Gunnison, making our on-campus community accessible to everyone.

Learn More

Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students in the GPCW can offset the cost of their education through a range of financial support options, including federal financial aid, external grants and fellowships, and personal loans and funding sources.

Learn More

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