MFA Program Profile: Pacific Lutheran University

January 27, 2005 by J.C. Hewitt · 2 Comments

MFA Program in Creative Writing
Rainier Writing Workshop
Pacific Lutheran University
Knorr House
Admin. 109-PLU
Tacoma WA 98447-0003

Phone: 253-535-7174
Email: mfa@plu.edu
Web Site: www.plu.edu/~mfa
Program Length: 3 Years
Residency: Low
School Funding: Private
Admissions Basis:

Application
Transcripts
A portfolio representing your best work (15 pages of poetry, 30-40 pages of prose, or a genre mix not to exceed 30pp)
A one- to two-page review or critique of a book you have recently read (or an article or response that demonstrates your critical thinking
A two-page statement of your background in writing, your goals and reasons for wanting to enroll in the program
Two letters of recommendation

Programs: Poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction

Costs:
Tuition and Fees: $7,250 per year.
Financial aid and scholarships are available

Key Faculty:
Stan Sanvel Rubin, Director
Jonis Agee, Fiction, Nonfiction, (Poetry)
Marvin Bell, Poetry, Master Class
Charles Bergman, Environmental Writing
Sharon Bryan, Poetry, (Nonfiction)
Scott Ely, Fiction, (Nonfiction)
Albert Goldbarth, Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction
Lola Haskins, Poetry
David Huddle, Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Judith Kitchen, Nonfiction, Fiction, Criticism, (Poetry))
Stephen Kuusisto, Nonfiction, (Poetry)
Susan Ludvigson, Poetry, (Nonfiction)
Kent Meyers, Fiction, Nonfiction
Ann Pancake, Fiction, Nonfiction
Lia Purpura, Nonfiction, Poetry
Marjorie Sandor, Fiction, Nonfiction
Peggy Shumaker, Poetry, (Nonfiction)

Their Program Description:
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is an innovative process-oriented program in the fields of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction intended for independent adults who wish to develop and pursue careers as writers. The program offers a substantial range of on- and off-campus experiences, including the mentorship of nationally known writers and editors. The three year course of study is collaboratively structured and tailored to the participant’s own needs and experience. It is designed to be well suited to a lifestyle of professional and/or family responsibility.

Participants will attend four intensive 10-day Summer Residencies consisting of workshops, lectures, mini-courses and will design a personal course of study with a chosen mentor for the following academic year.

The program includes three years of one-on-one work with mentors in chosen genres. The program is intended to enhance already-established work habits. The emphasis will be on the creative process in all its phases, as well as on critical understanding.

Residencies consist of a combination of workshops, readings, classes, talks, and discussions. During the residency, workshops conducted by a combination of core and guest faculty will be held each morning. Workshops are small–never more than 12 people. In addition, faculty members may give readings of their work, offer a short class or a one-hour formal lecture on a literary topic or on some aspect of craft. Workshops are required; participants are further required take 20 hours of a combination of mini-courses and lectures, attend additional activities, and meet with their mentor to design their courses of study for the year.

Our program also features a distinguishing “outside experience” intended to foster an independent writing career and to introduce participants to broader aspects of the writing life: national and international opportunities for writers, voices and approaches other than those of our faculty. The program will help arrange for an independent residency at writers’ centers and retreats in all regions of the country and/or study abroad in a variety of programs in literature, writing, or language. We also encourage innovative internships, community service, teaching, or other projects that might serve this aspect of the program.