Program Overview

What is the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program?
A unique and rigorous low-residency mentor-based (as opposed to a course-based) graduate program devoted to the education of literary artists, community engagement or service, and the pursuit of social justice. The Program helps writers develop the skills of their craft and teaches them about the various roles of the writer in society. The Program also develops awareness of and appreciation for culturally diverse writers and traditions.

What is a low-residency program?
The low residency program at AULA combines ten-day residencies with month long project periods of on-line coursework.  During the residencies students attend seminars and lectures given by our nationally-recognized faculty. At this time students also meet with their faculty mentor to plan individual study. This is also an opportunity to meet and connect with other students. Students work on their individual project plans during the month long project periods.

What are the genres and study options?
There are four genres available for students to study: Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry and Writing for Young People.  There are three study options for completing the M.F.A. degree: Single Genre Option – the student chooses one genre as the designated field of study and works in that genre for four terms (two years); Mixed Genre Option – the student chooses to spend three terms in one genre and one term in a second genre (two years); Dual Concentration which allows students the opportunity to specialize in of four genres: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction and Writing for Young People.  Students may study more than one genre through Genre Jumping or a Dual Concentration.

What are the requirements?
The program is composed of five ten-day intensive Residencies (or six Residencies in the Dual Concentration option) involving required and elective activities, writing workshops, and individual as well as collaborative learning experiences. Students are required to attend at least seven seminars and the genre writing workshops during each residency. During the fourth project period, each student prepares a final manuscript of work to submit during the fifth residency. Students are awarded 12 semester units for the completion of each semester's learning, including both Residency and Project Period activities.

When are residencies held?
Residencies are held every June and December.

Where are residencies held?
Residencies are held on the Antioch University Los Angeles campus in Culver City.