The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of St. Thomas offers an advanced apprenticeship in poetry and fiction, taught by a host of distinguished writers and scholars. The MFA in Creative Writing integrates intense and invigorating workshops in writing with a series of comprehensive seminars in the Catholic literary and intellectual tradition. Courses are online and flexible (with an optional residency), and tailored to the needs of students and their writings.

Students in the program gain experience, confidence, and mastery as writers with the goal of completing excellent work worthy of publication. They do so in an intellectual setting that will deepen their understanding of art and beauty and give them a broad grasp of the western literary tradition especially as it has been shaped by the great Catholic authors of past and present.

While there are more than two hundred MFA programs in the United States, the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of St. Thomas is the only one committed expressly to a renewal of the craft of literature within the cosmic scope, long memory, and expansive vision of the Catholic literary and intellectual tradition.  With Virgil, Dante, and Flannery O’Connor for guides, we aim to enter into that tradition and to shape its future.  Additionally, the MFA in Creative writing at UST is the most affordable program of its kind in the country.

Students will complete three semesters of workshops in their chosen genre (poetry or fiction) and a thesis, while taking exciting, well-integrated seminars in subjects directly related to their work as writers. 

The MFA in Creative Writing seeks to transform the life and spirit of contemporary literature.  This program is committed to the renewal of serious craft in contemporary literature and the continued revival of the Catholic literary and intellectual tradition.

Additional program highlights include:

• Flexible Online Courses: 30 credits in 2 years (2 courses per semester, five semesters)
• Prepares graduates for a career in Writing, Editing, Publishing or Teaching at the collegiate or high school level
• Meet and learn from accomplished writers, editors, and publishers
• Bring your poetry collection, short stories, or novel to full realization
• Experience lively and lasting friendships founded in the shared pursuit of beauty that is truthful and truth that is beautiful
• Investigate the fundamental questions concerning art and beauty
• Participate in the Catholic literary tradition and join others in the making of a renaissance of contemporary letters

Learn more about the new Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program in this interview with its founders, renowned Catholic literary writers James Matthew Wilson and Joshua Hren.

The MFA program at the University of St. Thomas offers several fellowships that provide tuition assistance and help students toward the completion of their degree. All applicants and enrolled students are automatically considered for one of several fellowships including:

• The Gioia Family Fellowship
• The Scanlan Fellows Program
• The Wiseblood Fellowship