Western will launch its new MFA in Creative Writing next July, 2010. The program will use a “low-residency” format — i.e., master’s candidates will spend only two weeks for three consecutive summers on campus, and during the four academic semesters (fall-spring-fall-spring) between these summer sessions, the candidates will work 1-2-1 with professional writer-mentors online. That means candidates in the program can live and work anywhere during the academic year while pursuing the degree. The program will have three concentrations:
- Commercial/Genre Writing
- Poetry with an Emphasis on Formal Verse
- Screenwriting
The program will also offer a one-year Certificate in Publishing, to help make writers more savvy about the publishing industry.
This Forum will both announce progress about that program and answer questions.