Resources for Pursuing Graduate Study in Creative Writing
Books on MFA Programs in Creative Writing
*The link below points to the Humboldt State University Library ebook collection.
Where to Find MFA Programs - Lists & Databases
MFA Programs & PhD Programs
Diversity, Inclusion, and Creative Writing Programs
Articles & Advice on the Application Process
Online Communities for Applicants
Articles & Advice About MFA Programs & the Writing Life
Examples - Personal Statements / Artist Statements
More
*The link below points to the Humboldt State University Library ebook collection.
- Seth Abramson, The Insider's Guide to Graduate Degrees in Creative Writing (Bloomsbury, 2018).
- Amy Holman, An Insider's Guide to Creative Writing Programs (Prentice Hall, 2006).
- Tom Kealey, MFA Handbook (Continuum, 2008).
- Lori May, Low-Residency MFA Handbook (Continuum, 2011).
- Stephanie Vanderslice, Rethinking Creative Writing in Higher Education: Programs and Practices that Work (The Professional and Higher Partnership Ltd, 2011). *See especially chapter three of this book.
Where to Find MFA Programs - Lists & Databases
- AWP Guide to Writing Programs
- NewPages
- Poets & Writers Database
- Poets & Writers Index of Creative Writing Programs
MFA Programs & PhD Programs
- Lydia Shoup, MFA vs PhD (article).
- Meghan Ward, "Should You Get a PhD in Creative Writing?" (article).
Diversity, Inclusion, and Creative Writing Programs
- Kazim Ali, "Addressing Structural Racism in Creative Writing Programs" (article).
- David Mura, "The Student of Color in the Typical MFA Program" (article).
- Claudia Rankine, "In Our Way: Racism and Creative Writing" (article).
- Junot Díaz, “MFA vs POC" (article).
- Faculty Mentors of Color (from De-Canon: A Visibility Project).
- Sarah Rafael García, "Are Your Really Ready to Attend a Creative Writing Program?" (article from Women Who Submit).
- LGBTQ Friendly Graduate Programs in Creative Writing.
Articles & Advice on the Application Process
- The MFA Years
- MFA Blog (built by Tom Kealey, but now a bit out-of-date).
- "A Guy Who May Have Read Your MFA Application Speaks" (article).
- "Improving Your MFA Application" (article).
- "Four Ways I Improved My MFA Application After Failing Miserably the First Time - I Stated My F*cking Purpose" (article).
- "5 FAQs Answered by MFA Candidates" (article).
Online Communities for Applicants
Articles & Advice About MFA Programs & the Writing Life
- "Things I Can Say About MFA Writing Programs Now That I No Longer Teach in One" (The Stranger).
- "Susan Straight on Learning to Write Without A Room of One's Own" (Los Angeles Times).
- "MFA Grads and Former Acrobats: Approaches to the Author Bio" (The Millions).
- 27 Writers on Whether or Not to Get Your MFA (FlavorWire).
Examples - Personal Statements / Artist Statements
- A Successful MFA Personal Statement
- Statements of Poetic Research from common-place.org
- On Artist’s Statements
More
