Our Nature Writing concentration seeks to empower writers who care about the urgent and wonder-filled world of contemporary environmental literature. We are founded on the core belief that writing can be an agent of change, that creativity engenders solutions, and that students should be individually mentored to achieve their highest artistic goals. We welcome and mentor all genres.
Program Overview
Use your passion as a force for positive change
Western’s MFA and M.A. in Nature Writing offers an ethically-alert, cutting-edge program which explores essential topics in the field of contemporary ecological writing, including climate chaos and environmental justice. While students focus on their genre of choice, major subgenres are explored in both traditional and experimental forms.
Because the Nature Writing concentration offers both an MFA and an M.A., you’ll be able to choose a degree that best meets your personal and career goals, setting you up for professional success after graduation. To read about the MFA requirements, click here and to read about the M.A. program requirements click here.
A diverse and rigorous curriculum includes zoom classes and asynchronous discussions, making the program flexible and convenient. Faculty and guest speakers are widely published and are dedicated teachers and mentors.
Students come from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, and we encourage any writers engaged in the intersection of art, ecology, and stewardship.
Graduates leave the program with a book-length manuscript, short-form work, and a thorough understanding of the many approaches to writing about our place, our planet, and our people.
Inspired by our surroundings
Interested in combining your love of writing with your passion for nature? Western Colorado University’s Nature Writing students have the unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscape of the Gunnison Valley each summer.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
The Graduate Program in Creative Writing offers an MFA in Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, or Screenwriting. Western's curricula differs from other low-residency programs by emphasizing intense training in craft, building of a writing community, close study of historically underrepresented writers, and exposure to the business of being a writer.
All programs require a high degree of commitment and excellence from candidates, who must maintain at least a 3.00 course average to complete the program. A minimum grade of B- in each course is required.
In all three summer semesters, MFA candidates complete a 3-credit intensive course in their concentrations. In their first summer, they take a first-year intensive course and also complete two credits of CRWR 600, The Common Read & Writing Craft. In their second summer, they take a second-year intensive course and also earn two credits for starting their thesis project. In their third summer, they take a final intensive course, plus a 1-credit elective which allows them to explore other concentrations.
During the Fall and Spring semesters of their first year, full-time students take two 6-credit courses for a total of 12 credits per semester. Students may anticipate spending between 25 and 30 hours per week on assigned coursework. The coursework typically consists of readings and viewings, asynchronous discussions, and writing assignments for which instructors offer online feedback. Students also participate regularly in live virtual classes and one-on-one meetings with faculty.
In the Fall semester of their second year, full-time students take one 6-credit course, plus three credits of mentor-guided thesis work, for a total of 9-credits, so that they can focus on the thesis project. In the Spring semester, students return to taking two 6-credit courses in their concentration, plus one final credit of mentor-guided thesis work.
Program Information
Western's low-residency MFA in Creative Writing offers a rigorous, terminal degree in the field, involving intensive creative work, development of critical and pedagogical skills, and study of the business of being a writer. Students select one of four concentrations, Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, or Screenwriting, and are required to take a 1-credit elective during their final summer semester.
Full-time students require 25 months to finish the program, which comprises four academic semesters and three summer semesters. During the Fall and Spring semesters, students engage in courses using both live virtual classrooms and online learning tools. In each of the three summer semesters, students take courses online and attend an on-campus residency at the end of the summer term.
Total Credits for the MFA in Creative Writing
Requirements for Full Admission to the MFA in Creative Writing
Candidate must submit:
- An official transcript of the bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.
- An 800- to 1,000-word personal statement describing the applicant's experience and commitment to writing. This statement should include a self-assessment of qualifications for admission to Western's Graduate Program in Creative Writing for the chosen degree and concentration.
- A writing sample in the appropriate genre, double spaced and numbered, or properly formatted for the appropriate genre:
- The Genre Fiction concentration sample should include 20 to 25 pages, ideally from a single work.
- The Screenwriting concentration sample should include a screenplay of 15-30 pages.
- The Nature Writing concentration sample should include 20 to 25 pages, in any genre or a mix of genres.
- The Poetry concentration sample should include 10 to 15 pages of poetry.
- The Publishing concentration sample should consist of a 3- to 5-page critical assessment of a story’s suitability for publication (story to be provided to applicant during application process).
- Two letters of professional recommendation from those capable of assessing the applicant's preparation to succeed in graduate-level work. All letters must be originals submitted on letterhead, must be signed by the person giving the recommendation, and must be less than a year old.
- Payment of university application fee
Provisional Admission to the MFA in Creative Writing
An applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing may be considered for provisional admission upon the recommendation of the program director and approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. A provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any pre-requisite academic coursework. The program director or Dean of Graduate Studies may set additional timeline requirements.
Concentration in Genre Fiction
The Concentration in Genre Fiction includes instruction in writing for such forms as science fiction/fantasy, the mystery, romance, and other forms of mainstream commercial fiction. Study includes short and long written forms, as well as strategies and techniques for the effective teaching of creative writing.
The MFA Concentration in Genre Fiction requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 601 | Fundamentals of Writing Genre Fiction I | 3 |
| CRWR 602 | Fundamentals of Writing Fiction II | 3 |
| CRWR 604 | Career Planning for Genre Writers | 3 |
| CRWR 608 | Genre Writing I- Romance and Mystery Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 609 | Genre Studies I-Romance and Mystery | 6 |
| CRWR 618 | Genre Studies II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 619 | Genre Writing II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 620 | Short Forms Genre Fiction Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 621 | Business Fundamentals for Genre Writers | 6 |
| CRWR 626 | Pedagogy & Practicum | 6 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Genre Fiction as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this second MFA concentration must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 604 | Career Planning for Genre Writers | 3 |
| CRWR 608 | Genre Writing I- Romance and Mystery Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 609 | Genre Studies I-Romance and Mystery | 6 |
| CRWR 618 | Genre Studies II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 619 | Genre Writing II- Western, Speculative, and Young Adult Fiction | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Nature Writing
The Concentration in Nature Writing brings students into the contemporary and complex conversation of environmental writing, introducing them to a wide range of authors, literary techniques, and styles relevant to the field. The concentration provides readings and training in all major literary sub-genres including memoir and personal essay, fiction, nature writing, science and advocacy writing, and hybrid and experimental work. Courses include significant reading in primary and secondary sources, workshop, and writing extensive short- and long-format work. As the culmination of their work, MFA students complete a creative thesis, which consists of part of a book-length manuscript, and engage in professional development for future publication and career opportunities.
The MFA Concentration in Nature Writing requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 680 | Writing Place: New Forms and Techniques | 6 |
| CRWR 681 | Introduction to Nature Writing | 3 |
| CRWR 682 | Book-Length Considerations | 3 |
| CRWR 683 | Thesis Seminar in Nature Writing | 3 |
| CRWR 685 | Craft of Creative Nonfiction | 6 |
| CRWR 686 | Genres of Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 687 | Nature Writing Workshop | 6 |
| CRWR 688 | Writing about Nature and Society | 6 |
| CRWR 689 | Special Topics in Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 695 | Professional Development in Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Nature Writing as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this concentration as a second area of emphasis must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 680 | Writing Place: New Forms and Techniques | 6 |
| CRWR 682 | Book-Length Considerations | 3 |
| CRWR 685 | Craft of Creative Nonfiction | 6 |
| CRWR 686 | Genres of Nature Writing | 6 |
| CRWR 688 | Writing about Nature and Society | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Poetry
The MFA Concentration in Poetry requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 630 | Foundations of Poetry | 3 |
| CRWR 634 | Poetry Now | 6 |
| CRWR 635 | Poetry Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 640 | From Thesis to Book | 3 |
| CRWR 644 | Poetic Lineages | 6 |
| CRWR 645 | Poetry Workshop II | 6 |
| CRWR 648 | Poetry Craft and Technique | 6 |
| CRWR 649 | Special Topics in Poetry | 6 |
| CRWR 650 | Graduate Poetry Seminar | 3 |
| CRWR 653 | The Writing Life | 6 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Poetry as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this second MFA concentration must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 634 | Poetry Now | 6 |
| CRWR 635 | Poetry Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 640 | From Thesis to Book | 3 |
| CRWR 644 | Poetic Lineages | 6 |
| CRWR 648 | Poetry Craft and Technique | 6 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration in Screenwriting
The Concentration in Screenwriting teaches screenwriting for both film and television. Each semester pairs an intensive analytical course with an intensive generative writing course. The concentration emphasizes story and scene structure, visual storytelling, character development, development of concept and theme, genre, dialogue-never forgetting that a screenplay is a document that will ultimately be translated to the screen. Through regular mentorship, students refine and consolidate their own best writing practices.
The MFA Concentration in Screenwriting requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 660 | Scenes & Sequences | 3 |
| CRWR 664 | Adapting the Feature | 6 |
| CRWR 665 | Feature Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 667 | Writing the Television Screenplay | 6 |
| CRWR 669 | TV Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 670 | Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| CRWR 672 | Screenwriting Workshop I | 6 |
| CRWR 673 | The Concept & The Pitch | 6 |
| CRWR 674 | Screenwriting Workshop 2 | 6 |
| CRWR 679 | Screenwriting Thesis Production | 3 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Six credits of: | 6 | |
CRWR 694 | MFA Thesis (must be taken for a total of six credits) | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Screenwriting as a Second Concentration
Students pursuing this second MFA concentration must earn 30 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 664 | Adapting the Feature | 6 |
| CRWR 665 | Feature Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 667 | Writing the Television Screenplay | 6 |
| CRWR 669 | TV Structure & Genre | 6 |
| CRWR 670 | Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| CRWR 693 | Master's Capstone | 2 |
| CRWR 697 | Special Topics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Spotlight
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.
The data is automatically collected by Lightcast, a firm that sources job market data. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
The Program
Advance your career in our convenient, low-residency program.
Western’s graduate Creative Writing program follows a low-residency format. Faculty and students interact online through Zoom and Canvas during the academic year and gather in person on Western’s campus for one week in early August for intensive classes and to work closely with nationally recognized authors on their writing.
- Residency: MFA students attend three summer residencies. The first prepares students for the first academic year; the second residency focuses on coursework; and the third residency prepares graduates to present their work.
- Academic Year: During the academic year, full-time MFA students take two courses each semester. These six-credit courses make use of video conferencing and web platforms for online work.
- Additional Opportunities: Guests compliment course instruction throughout the year, and students are often invited to guest lectures outside their home concentration. Students also have the opportunity to explore other concentrations through 1-credit summer elective courses.
- Matriculation: To complete the MFA, students work on a culminating thesis project throughout their final year.
- Alternate Courses of Study: M.A. students pursue a similar curriculum to MFA students. They attend for one academic year, do not write a final portfolio, and attend two summer residencies.
Making an impact
Western’s innovative Nature Writing program encourages students to utilize creative writing in an effort to engage with environmental issues through an ethically alert curriculum
Opportunities, Careers, and Partnerships
- Write: Submit work while in the program and finish with a book-length manuscript.
- Collaborate:Join in collaborations with literary journals and newspapers.
- Teach: Leave the program with practice teaching, feedback on speaking skills, and a series of prepared craft talks.
- Publish: Be mentored in the writing of query letters, agent letters, and submission practices.
- Be involved: Students can propose other collaborations within their own local communities and/or other grassroots and/or policy-making groups.
- Career Development: Leave knowing about submission, agents, presses, journals, PR strategies and essential career documents.
- Expand Horizons: Take courses or even add a concentration in Western’s other low-residency Creative Writing concentrations: Poetry, Screenwriting for Film and Television, Publishing or Genre Fiction.
- Literary Citizenship: Meet and learn from guest speakers, including Camille Dungy, Sean Prentiss, Rick Bass, and a host of others.
Exploring at Summer Residency
Nature Writing students have the opportunity to explore the Gunnison Valley each summer at the residency.
News & Research
Additional Resources
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
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 117
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
