Publishing – Creative Writing

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.

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.