It is possible to study two genres in our program, but only under certain conditions. First, prospective students must successfully apply and be admitted to the program in a single genre. Then, after a year of study (and if the student is in good standing) it is possible to apply to study a second genre. If that application is successful, the student will focus on the second genre in a third, full year of study in the program. Therefore, we only accept new applicants to our program in a single genre.

• Each student will choose a specialization in one of three genres — fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry — and complete a thesis under the direction of a faculty mentor. It is possible to study two genres in our program, but only under certain conditions. First, prospective students must successfully apply and be admitted to the program in a single genre. Then, after a year of study (and if the student is in good standing) it is possible to apply to study a second genre. If that application is successful, the student will focus on the second genre in a third, full year of study in the program. Therefore, we only accept new applicants to our program in a single genre.
  
• Students will work toward completion of a final creative project in fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. Fiction and creative nonfiction manuscripts will be a minimum of 100 pages in length, and poetry manuscripts will be a minimum of 40 pages in length.
  
• In close consultation with his or her faculty mentor, the student will formulate a course of reading. Readings will be chosen from two categories: classic works from the Judeo-Christian literary tradition and contemporary works that may serve as models and inspiration for the student’s immediate creative challenges. Special emphasis will be placed on gaining a deeper understanding of the classic works in the student’s chosen genre. By the end of the two-year program, students will have read a minimum of 60 books.
  
• Each quarter the student will complete a short critical paper on a subject relevant to the chosen course of study. In the sixth and final quarter of the program, the student will complete a long (20 page) critical paper.
  
• The residencies involve an intensive daily schedule of workshops, craft classes, lectures, and readings. Students are expected to be active participants in each of these events.
  
• Recommendation for the degree can be made only after the successful completion of at least six quarters of work and five residencies (64 graduate credit hours).
  
• Recommendations for the award of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing are made upon approval of the faculty.

• The final residency includes a public reading of the student’s work.

For information about financial aid, visit SPU Student Financial Services, particularly Graduate Student Resources.

Contact Student Financial Services at 206-281-2061 or email sfs-info@spu.edu.

For information about student loan eligibility, visit the SFS loan page.

International graduate students are not eligible for federal financial aid; however, they are eligible for merit-based scholarships.

The following resources may be useful to you during your time in the MFA program:

• Banner Information System: Register for courses, manage your personal information, and more.
• Canvas: Access online content for your SPU courses.
• SPU library resources for graduate students
• Association of Writers & Writing Programs
• Festival of Faith & Writing