Master of Fine Arts – MFA in Writing

Our low-residency MFA in Writing program is a nationally recognized leader in graduate writing education. Founded in 2001, it’s one of the oldest and best-regarded programs of its kind. But the Spalding MFA is more than an outstanding creative writing education in a noncompetitive, supportive literary community. For our students, alums, and faculty, it’s home. As the flagship program of the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing, it’s also sister to three additional low-residency programs: the 35-credit Master of Arts in Writing (MAW), 15-credit graduate certificate in writing, and the post-master’s certificate in writing enrichment, all with tracks in creative writing as well as professional writing and editing.

At a substantial 65 credits, the MFA program creates space for creative writers to thrive. Over four semesters plus a graduation residency, students write prolifically in their own area of concentration, explore across genres, examine the interrelatedness of the arts, gain editorial experience on a literary journal, learn about the writing business, and complete a creative thesis — all while becoming part of a lasting community.

Each semester begins with a week-long residency on campus or abroad. During Louisville residencies, you’ll engage with the downtown arts scene, stay in the four-star Brown Hotel, and study with publishing, prize-winning faculty. Optional summer residencies abroad add global cultural and literary exploration. In Summer 2023, our destination is Québec City. MFA students can opt to spend a residency in a teaching seminar, a book-length manuscript workshop, or a workshop in translation, adaptation, professional writing, or another creative writing genre.

Back at home, a one-on-one mentored independent study course rounds out the semester. During independent study, you’ll exchange five full packets of material with your mentor. That’s more writing and more expert feedback than most other programs can offer. Students produce a creative thesis; playwriting students also develop their creative thesis with a professional theater company. Students can take an entire semester in another area and still graduate on time.

Every writer has work or family obligations. While you could push aside those commitments for a couple of years of grad school, you can’t keep life at bay forever. Much better to build a sustainable writing practice into your daily life. Our low-residency model teaches you to do just that — and to make it easier, we offer flexibility in scheduling your weekly workload and charting your course of study.

We accept transfer credit from other MFA programs. Students with a published book or produced script may apply for acceleration.

We invite you to explore our program, meet alumni and learn why Spalding is the choice for serious writers. Then, we invite you to apply.

“I have SUCH fond memories of my time at Spalding. The faculty was smart and engaged. The students were diverse and eager — and thoughtful. The conversations we had made me remember again why I do the work I do. The vibe was like family. I felt SO at home there, I have to say. All these years later, it really stays with me.”

– Jacqueline Woodson, author of Brown Girl Dreaming, winner of the National Book Award, Newbery Honor Medal, and Coretta Scott King Award