Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at University of St. Thomas offers an advanced apprenticeship in poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction and memoir taught by a host of distinguished writers and scholars. The MFA program 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 in-person 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. We aim not only to develop talented writers but to serve as a leaven to contemporary literary culture and to renew and expand the central place of literature in the lives of all people. 

A First of Its Kind

While there are more than 200 MFA programs in the United States, the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at 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. We follow a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that cultivates literary craft while deepening the intellectual, imaginative and spiritual visions of our students. 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. They will grow as authors of original creative work as well as critics, editors, and articulate apologists for the joys and insights of great literature. 

All MFA courses are conducted as traditional graduate seminar discussions. Each course meets one evening a week for live and lively communal engagement in the study of literature, the improvement of each writer’s work, and the building up of a convivial literary community. We seek not only to foster works that will stand the test of time but friendships that will last a lifetime. 

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 Seminars and Workshops: 30 credits in two years (two 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 fostering of a renaissance of contemporary letters 

Fellowships 

The MFA program at 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 
• The Patty Stark Fellowship in Creative Writing 

Faculty