Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Western Colorado University’s low-residency creative writing master’s degree program offers both a Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing for writers seeking immersive craft development, live online workshops, and meaningful literary community. Unlike traditional “packet” programs, we prioritize live, interactive online classes and meaningful connection, ensuring you are part of a vibrant community from your very first day.

Whether you are called to the landscape through Nature Writing, the precision of Poetry, the immersive worlds of Genre Fiction, the business of Publishing, or the visual rhythm of Screenwriting, our program provides a welcoming space to expand your craft alongside experienced, practicing faculty. As a flexible low-residency creative writing master’s program, Western is designed for working writers who want the structure of graduate study without relocating.

While Western Colorado University’s low-residency MA and MFA in Creative Writing offer the flexibility of live online coursework throughout the academic year, the heart of our creative writing community comes alive during the annual Summer Residency. Held each year in late July on Western’s campus in Gunnison, Colorado, this immersive residency transforms virtual peers and faculty mentors into a lifelong literary and professional network.

Your academic journey begins online in June, several weeks before we meet in person for residency. This early start gives students in our creative writing master’s degree program a strategic academic and financial advantage by allowing coursework to begin before the July 1 federal financial aid deadline, helping secure eligibility under existing aid guidelines.

The faculty leadership of Western’s MA and MFA in Creative Writing includes award-winning authors, poets, publishers, and scholars committed to helping students strengthen their craft and build sustainable writing careers. More than administrators, our directors are active literary professionals who bring real-world publishing experience, creative expertise, and a deep understanding of craft into the classroom. Through live, interactive mentorship, they help shape the collaborative literary community that defines Western’s low-residency creative writing program.

Tyson Hausdoerffer (Program Director): A Western alumnus (BA ’92), Tyson brings a profound perspective to the GPCW, shaped by his work translating ancient epics like Homer’s Iliad. His scholarly and creative focus on reaching across time to uncover persistent human truths ensures that our program remains a rigorous and supportive home for writers of all backgrounds.

CMarie Fuhrman (Associate Program Director): An acclaimed writer and teacher, CMarie works across the program to foster a culture of excellence and equity. She is dedicated to helping students use their passion as a force for positive change, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and valued.