Creative Writing University of Kansas

Overview

The Creative Writing M.F.A. at the University of Kansas offers a comprehensive three-year curriculum designed to foster the development of professional poets and prose writers. This programme combines rigorous academic study with intensive creative practice, allowing students to refine their craft under the guidance of distinguished faculty. By the end of the course, candidates are expected to produce a substantial, publishable manuscript that serves as their final thesis.

The structure of the programme typically involves two years of dedicated coursework followed by a final year focused on the completion of the creative thesis. Students are encouraged to explore various genres and forms, ranging from speculative fiction and realism to playwriting and screenwriting.

Why Creative Writing at the University of Kansas?

The University of Kansas boasts a creative writing faculty that has achieved significant critical and popular acclaim. Members of the teaching staff have been recipients of prestigious honours, including the Nebula Award, Hugo Award, and the Pushcart Prize. This level of expertise provides students with unique insights into the professional world of publishing and literary achievement.

Beyond the classroom, the department is home to several affiliated publications and centres, such as Cottonwood and the Center for the Study of Science Fiction. These resources offer students opportunities to engage with the broader literary community and gain practical experience in the field. Furthermore, the programme provides Graduate Teaching Assistantships, which include tuition waivers and stipends, allowing students to gain valuable teaching experience in composition and creative writing.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 20712 per year
• National fee: USD 20712 per year
• Local fee: USD 8806 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to balance creative output with analytical study. Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours of coursework before embarking on their 15-hour thesis project. Modules may include:

• Creative Writing Workshops
• Literature
• Literary Theory
• Rhetoric
• Composition
• Language Studies
• Thesis

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates of the programme have a strong track record of success in the literary world. Alumni have published widely in reputable journals and have seen their books released by established presses such as Black Lawrence Press and the University of Massachusetts Press. The skills developed during the programme prepare students for diverse roles in publishing, editing, and academia.

The experience gained through Graduate Teaching Assistantships also prepares students for careers in higher education. By teaching introductory writing courses, candidates develop pedagogical skills that are highly valued in the academic job market. The programme's focus on producing publishable work ensures that graduates are ready to enter the professional writing industry with a significant portfolio of work.