The BFA in Creative Writing is a preparatory program for advanced writing students who plan to publish and/or continue their academic studies with a master’s degree in creative writing. Our BFA is uniquely designed to help students prepare a statement of purpose and a graduate admission portfolio of publishable quality and In the past twenty years, graduates have been admitted to leading master’s degree programs in the U.S. and abroad in writing fields, such as journalism, and programs in Creative Writing. Our BFA graduates have been published in high-quality literary journals and been admitted to top MFA programs in the country.
Our BFA program is designed to give a full taste of the writing life. Students are admitted into the BFA to focus on a specific genre of emphasis (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or dual genre). The final studio semester of the BFA program gives students the time and support to develop a body of work of publishable quality. This collection can serve as either a chapbook or an MFA admission portfolio. The BFA is highly recommended for advanced writing students eager to publish and/or apply to graduate programs in creative writing or journalism.
Our BFA master classes and workshops provide a concentrated immersion in craft. Students receive in-depth, challenging feedback from faculty and peers as they push a body of work toward completion ahead of an end-of-semester public reading. The workshop format hones students’ ability to critique their own work and that of their peers, plus it offers an opportunity for rigorous revision.
Studio classes promote self-reliance as well as intensive self-discipline. Students are encouraged to reach beyond their boundaries, experiment, and keep an open mind. The program also teaches career skills: how to apply to MFA programs, how to submit to magazines and literary journals, and how to write cover letters and/or statements of purpose.
During four BFA Studios, students develop a 30-to-60-page portfolio in a chosen genre or dual genre. Each student works under the guidance of their BFA Studio faculty and a board of faculty advisors.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the BFA in Creative Writing, students will be able to:
- Produce works in at least three genres of creative writing, demonstrating well-developed style and authentic voice.
- Explain the influence of contemporary and traditional literature on their original creative work.
- Develop creative writing through the revision and editing processes.
- Internalize the principles of consciousness and explain their influence on the creative process.
- Monitor and adapt their individual creative process from inspiration to completed work.
- Prepare creative work to submit for publication within a specific market.
- Form an individual creative process from inspiration to completed work.
Entrance Requirements
BFA candidates must demonstrate strong writing promise and an ability to collaborate harmoniously within a team of peers. They must also demonstrate an eagerness to use feedback to their advantage and have the willingness to challenge themselves as writers under faculty guidance.
Applicants must submit a 3-5-page writing sample of their best work along with their application to be considered for the program. Submissions can be in the genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid, or dual genre. Students are admitted to the BFA in a specific genre (or dual genre) with approval of the board of BFA faculty, the program director, and the department chairs.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a BFA in Creative Writing, students must successfully complete a total of 128 credits of study, including the Exploring Consciousness course required for all undergraduate students, 8 credits of Writing for Career and Community courses, one Forest Academy course in each semester in which the student is enrolled for 12 weeks or more, and 60 credits of BFA CW required courses.
The 60 credits include 12 credits of literature, 4 credits in Fiction Writing, 4 credits in Poetry Writing, 4 credits in Creative Nonfiction writing, 4 credits of a WTG course in the student’s genre of emphasis, 4 credits of professional preparation, and 16 credits of BFA Creative Writing Studio.
Prior to graduation, students must complete a BFA Thesis including a 30-to-60-page final portfolio of original creative work and a 7-to-10-page Reflection Paper, give a public reading of original work, and receive final approval from the BFA Committee.
Return to: