Q: What does low residency mean? What is the modality of this program?
A: A low-residency MFA combines the flexibility of online study with immersive in-person experiences. During the fall and spring, you’ll work one-on-one with a faculty mentor through distance mentorships tailored to your needs.
Each July, students and faculty gather for a two-week residency in one of our three European host cities, featuring workshops, craft seminars, tutorials, readings, excursions, and cultural experiences that foster creative growth and community.
Q: How long is the program?
A: Program length varies by start term. A summer start is the fastest path to graduation, allowing you to complete the program in just over two years. A spring start takes approximately two and a half years, while a fall start takes about three years.
All students complete the same number of credits; the curriculum is simply sequenced differently based on your start date.
Q: Where do the residencies take place?
A: The program rotates annually among three European cities: Dublin, Barcelona, and Vienna. Because you’ll attend three residencies during the program, every student has the opportunity to experience all three locations.
Q: What happens during a residency?
A: Residencies combine creative study, cultural exploration, and community. Through our place-based approach, students immerse themselves in each host city’s literature, history, and culture while participating in craft seminars, workshops, faculty tutorials, literary excursions, readings, and conversations with local writers and artists. Shared meals and social events foster lasting friendships and a vibrant international writing community.
Q: Can I work full-time while completing the program?
A: Yes. Most of our students balance the program with full-time careers, family responsibilities, and other life commitments. Outside of the three annual residencies, all coursework is completed online, giving you the flexibility to study from wherever you live. While the program is academically rigorous, its structure is designed to fit the realities of busy adult lives.
Q: Do I need an undergraduate degree in creative writing or English?
A: No. We welcome applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds. Our students come from a wide range of fields, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the learning community.
Q: Which genres are available to study?
A: Students may specialize in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, or screenwriting.
Q: Can I study more than one genre?
A: Yes. Cross-genre study is a core feature of the program. You may apply for dual-genre study, allowing you to pursue two genres (or a hybrid approach). To do so, you’ll need to submit a complete portfolio in each genre, either with your application or later if you decide to add a second genre during the program.
Q: How are faculty-student pairings chosen?
A: Students are welcome to indicate which faculty members they would like to work with. While faculty availability varies by semester, we make every effort to honor student preferences. We also consider each student’s creative work and goals to recommend the strongest mentor pairing. Students may choose to work with the same faculty mentor for a single semester or continue the partnership for up to a year.
Q: What support does the program provide for publishing or producing creative work?
A: Throughout the program, you’ll receive individualized mentorship from published authors and industry professionals who will help you develop your work toward publication or production. Online speaker series and European residencies connect students with agents, editors, and other professionals who share their expertise and networks. In the final semester, a dedicated publishing and professional development course prepares students to navigate literary journals, agents, screenwriting markets, film festivals, and sustainable writing careers.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes. We offer a variety of financial support opportunities, including merit scholarships, paid graduate assistantships, a residency locale coordinator assistantship with a residency fee waiver, and a paid teaching fellowship at a local community college. For complete details, please visit our Financial Aid page.
Q: Can I speak with a recent alum or current student?
A: Absolutely! Simply reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to make an introduction.