Creative Writing M.F.A.
Hollins’ Creative Writing M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) degree program welcomes the college graduate writer. Students wishing to concentrate on craft in a community of writers thrive here. The program is also designed for those who seek to expand their knowledge of contemporary literature.
Degrees Offered
Creative Writing M.F.A.
This two-year creative writing M.F.A. program, whose home is the Jackson Center for Creative Writing, emphasizes an individualized approach. The 24 students enrolled in the program have a strong interest in and aptitude for writing and literary study. They work successfully in every genre, including poetry, short fiction, novels, and creative nonfiction.
A National Reputation
The Hollins creative writing MFA program has one of the highest publishing records of any graduate school in the country. Among the many outstanding writers who have graduated from the creative writing program are:
- Pulitzer Prize winners Annie Dillard, Henry Taylor, and Natasha Trethewey
- Novelists and story writers Madison Smartt Bell, Kiran Desai, Tony D’Souza, David Huddle, Adam Ross, and Jill McCorkle
- Poets and essayists Adrian Blevins, Jenny Boully, Scott Cairns, Wyn Cooper, Kevin Prufer, and Mary Ruefle
- Novelists and memoirists Richard McCann and Karen Salyer McElmurray
- Photographer Sally Mann
- Filmmaker George Butler
Our Faculty
Our professors don’t just teach — they create. They’re accomplished writers in their own fields — novelists, poets, essayists, and so much more. If we teach you anything, it’s to be you. Learning from professionals who have been there helps you grow that much more.
“We do not really teach creative writing. We do not produce writers who write a certain way. We do provide the guidance of professionals, and we do everything we can to make the program what the students here need.”
– R.H.W. Dillard, professor of English
The Writer’s Life
On a site written and maintained by our graduate students, you can get an insiders’ look at the writing life of our students and graduates, including a helpful and detailed FAQ page.
Applying
Creative Writing applicants must submit:
- A portfolio of original work
- A brief statement of educational objectives
- Three letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate transcript
Stipends and student scholarships are available. To apply for these, students must complete an application for stipend scholarship and the FAFSA annually.
Find out more details on applying
Tuition
$21,264 for 2016-17
Fees
- Nonrefundable application fee: $40
- New student nonrefundable deposit: $500
- Technology fee: $325 per year
- Health services: $350 per year
More about graduate tuition and fees
Want to Know More?
The Creative Writing MFA Program Director Thorpe Moeckel is happy to answer your questions.