Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

University of Memphis

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing provides studies in poetry fiction and nonfiction along with a variety of options for either a studio degree in Creative Writing or a degree combining work in either the Department of English or other departments in which course work or independent study seems particularly pertinent to the student’s creative thesis. A book length thesis of publishable quality is required it will be directed by a member of the MFA faculty.Memphis’s creative writing MFA started in 1989 seeking to bring together internationally recognized authors and a diverse handpicked group of students in one of the most culturally rich cities in the country. Students work in small groups with faculty to study fiction creative nonfiction and poetry. The majority of MFA students are funded under research or teaching assistantships.In addition to their writing and coursework MFA students staff The Pinch an award winning literary journal distributed internationally twice a year. Students have opportunities to teach creative writing locally and graduates of the program have gone on to publish books win prestigious awards and teach in schools around the world. Notable alumni include Darnell Arnoult Ruth Baumann Dolen Perkins Valdez Mark Yakich Tom Graves Heather Dobbins K.K. Fox Doug Haines Marisa Manuel Jonathan May Tara Mae Mulroy Kaitlyn Sage Patterson Ashley Roach Freiman Randy Rudder John Schulze and Marisa L. Manuel.