In times of crisis and change, the poet reimagines the possible and lights a way forward. Our program is inclusive, innovative, and offers an ethically-alert curriculum and community. Our faculty of working poets is committed to your success because they know your unique voice can make a difference.
Program Overview
Rise to the challenge to write for today’s world.
Western’s Poetry program gives aspiring poets the knowledge, skills and vision they need to become confident members of the poetic community. Students with diverse poetic styles come together in a welcoming program that encourages freedom of thought and expression while providing the necessary grounding to help students uncover and develop their talents. You’ll learn to write in the freer modes characteristic of most contemporary poetry and to make creative use of more traditional poetic forms.
Because the Poetry 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.
Through innovative coursework and close mentoring from faculty, you’ll hone your techniques, elevate your art and reimagine the possible.
Cultivating poets
2022 Poetry graduate Maira Rodriguez reading at the GPCW Open-Mic Night at I-Bar Ranch.
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 creative writing 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. As the culmination of their work, MFA students complete a book-length manuscript or collection of short stories with the support of a professional mentor.
The MFA Concentration in Genre Fiction requires the following 60 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRWR 600 | The Common Read & Writing Craft | 2 |
| CRWR 601 | FUNDMT WRITING GENRE FICTION I | 3 |
| CRWR 602 | FUNDM WRITING GENRE FICTION II | 3 |
| CRWR 604 | CAREER PLANNG FOR GENRE WRITER | 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 PLANNG FOR GENRE WRITER | 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 sub-genres including memoir, personal essay, fiction, poetry, 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 NATR WRITNG | 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 | |
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development 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 and enriched life after graduation.
The Program
Advance your poetic career in our flexible 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 success in the program; the second focuses on the creation of poetry chapbooks and collections; and the third prepares graduates to present their work in the form of readings and craft talks. M.A. students only attend the first two of these residencies.
- Academic Year: During the academic year, full-time students take two courses each semester. These six-credit courses make use of video conferencing and web platforms for online work. MFA students complete four such semesters, and M.A. students complete two.
- Additional Opportunities: Guests throughout the year compliment course instruction. MFA students also take one class in another creative writing concentration (Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Publishing or Screenwriting). All students are given guidance on how to enter contests and submit work for publication.
- Matriculation: To complete the MFA, students work on a culminating, book-length poetry manuscript throughout their final year, under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. M.A. students simply complete the coursework of their two academic semesters and two residencies.
Writing for Today
Poetry Faculty Byron Aspaas gives the 2022 Commencement Keynote Speech
Opportunities and Partnerships
- Study with award-winning, working writers who are publishing in the fields of poetry, translation, and criticism.
- Get detailed guidance on how to submit work to contest, anthologies, and journals.
- Work one-on-one with a faculty mentor and finish your MFA with a professional-quality, book-length manuscript.
- Learn book reviewing, write cover letters and residency submissions, learn from agents and publishers, and leave with essential career documents, such as a CV and bio.
- Practice teaching, leading workshops, and delivering craft talks.
- Get training from a professional voice and performance coach on how to read your poetry for an audience.
- Meet and learn from guest speakers and visiting artists such as Dan Beachy-Quick, Linda Hogan, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Jeffrey Levine, and a host of others.
- Gain experience in the world of publishing through internships with journals such as Terrain.org and Cutthroat: A Journal of the Arts.
- Take one-credit summer electives to explore the program’s other concentrations: Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Publishing , and Screenwriting for Film and Television.
Poetry that speaks to our times
Poetry MFA Student Starr Paul performs a poem in class at the 2022 Summer Residency
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Director
Tyson Hausdoerffer, Ph.D.Director, Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Associate Director
CMarie Fuhrman, MFAAssociate Director; Director, Poetry Concentration; Faculty, Nature Writing Concentration
Executive Assistant
Anna Stileski, M.A.Executive Assistant
Program Coordinator
Sarah GoettschGraduate Program in Creative Writing Coordinator
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 117
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
