Recommendations for MFA Programs in Creative Writing?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi, everyone:</p>

<p>I'm interested in applying to some MFA programs in creative writing. Most of my writing tends to deal with the intersection of religion and sexuality (think Jeanette Winterson's Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit).</p>

<p>I already have an MDiv from Vanderbilt, so funding is important (that degree wasn't cheap).</p>

<p>I'm definitely applying to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, as it has always been a dream of mine to go there. But I'm wondering if you all could recommend a mix of fully-funded programs, programs with a good reputation, and programs with a decent acceptance rate.</p>

<p>I'll consider any advice with the deepest gratitude.</p>

2

<p>Any fully funded program will have a good reputation and low acceptance rate, it goes with the territory. </p>

<p>If you’re willing to come to OR, UOregon and Oregon State may be possibilities. I know that OSU has some funding, but not sure if all are full.</p>

3

<p>As well as the above full time suggestions from entomom, have you considered a low residency option? That would allow you to continue in a regular job but gives you some of the support of belong to a class and having tutors. </p>

<p>Playing devil’s advocate, what do you hope to get out of an MFA? Especially already having the divinity masters. Teaching work? To be published? If it’s purely to improve your writing, could you gather the resources such as a writer’s group and a mentor much more cheaply or for free yourself? Do your favourite authors hold MFA’s themselves? Did it help their careers any? JK Rowling might not be the most talented wordsmith in the world, but she created a world her reader’s love and has been mind blowingly successful as a result. And not an MFA in sight. Well educated yes, but in French, classics and education. But no MFA. Just a good idea and a lot of hard work.</p>