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Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Master of Arts in Creative Writing

Degree Type

Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts

Department

Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, Publishing, Screenwriting – an advanced degree in any of our five areas of creative writing provides you the opportunity to hone your craft, elevate your art, and inspire the world. Join our welcoming and inclusive community and become the writer you are meant to be. To learn more about our program directly from our faculty and students, check out our program video.

Program Overview

Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Pursue your dream of becoming a published author.

If you’re looking to get serious about your writing and you’re eager to join a thriving and diverse community of writers, then you’ll find your niche in Western Colorado University’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing. Our five innovative areas of study—Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, Publishing, and Screenwriting—offer cutting-edge courses, and our dedicated faculty of award-winning writers will ensure that you achieve your full potential as a writer.

Our low-residency model makes a graduate education accessible. During the academic year, students work closely with faculty and fellow students through videoconferencing and online courses. Each summer, all students take intensive courses that culminate in a one-week residency on Western’s beautiful campus in late July. These residencies are packed full of exciting courses, inspirational workshops and lively social events.

Recognizing achievement

2021 graduate Teow Lim Goh reading from her MFA Thesis.

Spotlight

Steve Coughlin

Steve Coughlin, Ph.D.

Faculty

“There’s nothing more exciting than bringing books into the world, especially books written by emerging writers.”

Careers

Take the first steps toward your dream career.

Career preparation is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling role in hundreds of professional fields after graduation.

Ready to apply or learn more about Western today?

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News & Research

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CMarie Fuhrman presenting in front of audience

Western’s CMarie Fuhrman Releases New Anthology & Public Radio Podcast

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Western Screenwriting Concentration Announces New Faculty

Western Screenwriting Concentration Announces New Faculty

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Creative writing students working in classroom

Nature Writing and Western Press Books to Produce Inaugural Book

Read More about Nature Writing and Western Press Books to Produce Inaugural Book
Karen Auvinen

Renown Author Karen Auvinen to Join Western Faculty

Read More about Renown Author Karen Auvinen to Join Western Faculty
Fuhrman teaching at whiteboard

Western Instructor Named to Top Writer’s Honor

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Graduate Program Pushes Caps on Enrollment During Pandemic

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CO Hall of Fame: Kevin J. Anderson

Western Professor Named to Authors’ Hall of Fame

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CMarie Fuhrman talks with a student one on one during the Graduate Program in Creative Writing's summer residency session

CMarie Fuhrman Joins the Poetry and Nature Writing MFA Programs

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western anthology

Western Anthology Named Finalist in Colorado Book Awards

Read More about Western Anthology Named Finalist in Colorado Book Awards

Additional Resources

Admission Requirements & Application

Admission Requirements & Application Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing considers applications in four waves throughout the year: Early Admissions, from July 1 through November …

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Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees MFA Full-time enrollment in the MFA extends over 25 months, spanning four non-residency semesters and three Summer Residencies. Students may also attend half-time or take a leave of …

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships & Financial Aid Scholarships The GPCW is deeply committed to raising funds to support our students. Each year we offer substantial direct-funding scholarships. The GPCW is currently …

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Summer Residency

The highlight of our academic year is the Summer Residency, held each July on Western’s beautiful campus in Gunnison, Colorado.

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FAQs

How can a low-residency format create a sense of community among students and faculty?…

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Publications

Publications in the Creative Writing Graduate Program Explore the publications below to discover the depth and breadth of Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing: Think Journal Christine …

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GPCW Mission, Indigenous Commitment and DEIA+ Statements

The Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University seeks to create transformative learning experiences for our students, built from a strong foundation that honors our students’ unique voices and is supported within inclusive environments established both virtually and at yearly residency gatherings.

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Learn More about the GPCW

Interested in learning more about the Graduate Program in Creative Writing? There’s no better way to get to know our program than through the voices of our faculty and students. Tune in to watch this informational video about everything you’ll look forward to as a student in our program.

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Department Information

Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Director

Tyson Hausdoerffer, Ph.D.

Director, Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Program Support Coordinator

Rebecca Deluccia, M.A.

Program Coordinator

Contact Information

970.943.2014

gpcw@western.edu

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 117
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

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We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

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Graduate Program in Creative Writing

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