Creative Writing

Undergraduate

Students read broadly and deeply, in both published and peer work, and write extensively across genre and form. Classes examine character development, diction, genre, narrative, point of view, structure, voice. Emphases are on generating new work, critical reasoning and analysis, oral communication and revision. The program provides a foundation of critical study, written and oral communication, and self-expression. Classes are small, supportive and taught by working writers.

Classes are offered in: Fiction, Advanced Fiction, Journalism, Advanced Journalism, Narrative Studies, Poetry, Screenwriting, Advanced Screenwriting, Playwriting and Writing for the Media. Students' undergraduate studies culminate in the Senior Writing Project, under the mentorship of the creative writing faculty.

Each fall and spring, the CPW program hosts a faculty-student reading and each spring the English Department awards the Eileen O'Gorman Undergraduate Prize in Fiction, the Robert O'Clair Undergraduate Prize in Poetry, the Sr. Margaret Williams Prize for Literary Criticism, the Dan Masterson Prize for Screenwriting, and the William K. Everson Prize for Writing on Film.

The College also offers an accelerated BA in English/MFA in Creative Writing program jointly with Manhattanville's MFA Creative Writing Program. Students apply for the accelerated program in their junior year.
 

Graduate

Manhattanville’s 36-credit Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program is open to graduates of accredited colleges and universities who demonstrate a strong potential in writing and critical thinking. Students are admitted to the program primarily on the strength of the writing they submit as part of the application process. Writing will be judged according to its literary merit and its indication of the applicant’s readiness to study writing and literature at the graduate level. Courses are scheduled in the evenings in order to meet the needs of working adults. The program can be completed in two years, though students may work at their own pace, beginning in either the fall or spring semester — or with Summer Writers’ Week, a comprehensive week-long program that consists of writing workshops in the mornings and special events in the afternoons. Writers’ Week is offered annually at the end of June.

Whether you want to earn an MFA or simply attend public readings, open mic nights, or other special events, Manhattanville welcomes writers and aspiring writers to join its dynamic literary community.

MFA Program Director Lori Soderlind, from Manhattanville's MFA department, provides an overview of the department, job opportunities, classes, and more!