Western State College of Colorado :: Creative Writing Programs :: NewPages Guide
Western State College of Colorado
MFA in Creative Writing/Certificate in Publishing
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231
Website: www.western.edu/mfa
Program director: Dr. Mark Todd
Program contact: Dr. Mark Todd
Phone: (970) 943-2016
Email: mtodd@western.edu
Degrees offered: MFA in Creative Writing, Certificate in Publishing
Genres: Mainstream and Genre Fiction; Poetry with an Emphasis in Form; Screenwriting for Hollywood, Indies, and Television; Publishing
Type of program: Low-residency
Length of program: 25 months
Enrollment: 36 total in each yearly cohort
Total credits required: 60
Application deadlines: Review of applications beginning Nov. 15 and continuing until the program reaches enrollment caps for each concentration.
Scholarships available: no
Core faculty: Dr. Mark Todd, Dr. Barbara Chepaitis (mainstream/genre), Dr. David J. Rothman (poetry), Jack Lucido, M.F.A. (screenwriting), Russell Davis, Mayank Gupta, Michaela Herman-Roessner, Karla Kuban, David Yezzi, Teresa Milbrodt
Assistantships: Limited to on-site teaching
Publishing/editing courses: yes
Literary magazine: yes (Book Press)
Reading series: yes, during summer residencies
Recent visiting writers: Marilyn Taylor, John Helfers, Ernest Hilbert, Linda Seger
Program description: Set within the breathtaking landscapes and skylines of Gunnison County, the Western State College Low Residency MFA program offers disciplined writers the opportunity to pursue their passion, network with noted writers, and realize a deeper understanding of the broader audiences we write for. Mentored by a dedicated and accomplished faculty, students establish the skills, networks, and industry knowledge needed to make their passion their career.
Students engage in four semesters of rigorous online coursework that includes a combination of online writing submissions and critiques as well as regular discussion with individual faculty mentors. Students must earn and successfully complete 60 credits. The program includes two-week, on-campus residencies during three consecutive summers for nine credits; and a capstone thesis for three credits. The master's candidate earns a degree in one of three tracks:
- Mainstream/Genre Fiction
- Poetry with an Emphasis in Formal Verse
- Screenwriting
- Certificate in Publishing
Surrounded by the unspoiled mountain landscapes and rugged beauty of Western Colorado, the summer residency immerses students in the writer’s life. For two weeks each summer, MFA and Publishing certificate students gather from across the country to inspire, direct and connect with one another through intensive and illuminating workshops, critiques, panels, and both student and faculty readings. Here students realize a vibrant literary community while enjoying the natural playgrounds all around them. Students may stay in college residence halls or explore various housing options in the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte. Students have access to the Leslie J. Savage Library along with multiple computer labs.
During the summer residency, the MFA Program hosts the Writing the Rockies conference. Led by celebrated authors, editors, and industry professionals, the conference offers students additional opportunities to explore their craft while learning the ins and outs of the publishing industry. In addition to workshops, panels and readings, celebrated poets and critics gather at the Critical Path Poets Symposium to discuss, debate, and explore modern criticism. Students may attend those tracks and sessions that interest them most. These events include opportunities for pitch sessions with agents, producers, and acquisition editors.
The program enables students to realize their role as active participants in the creation of fiction, verse, and film. Through online course work, student and faculty readings, workshops, and master classes students discover a non-competitive, cohesive community devoted to their development. Our low student-faculty ratio ensures that each student receives individualized feedback and support. Our low-residency model allows students to engage their passions and pursue a degree in creative writing while maintaining the responsibilities and meeting the demands of adult life.
The program also offers a one-year low-residency Certificate in Publishing, where aspiring writers learn to be savvy about the publishing industry by participating on the editorial board for a yearly book published by the college press.
The MFA curriculum starts a new cohort of students each summer. Admissions continues until the program reaches enrollment caps for each concentration.