Iowa State University offers a three-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing and Environment. This program focuses on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama, encouraging students to explore the influences of place, the natural world, and the "environmental imagination" in their writing. The curriculum integrates rigorous creative writing workshops, literature coursework, environmental fieldwork, and interdisciplinary studies. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop their craft and produce publishable-quality manuscripts that engage with complex environmental themes. The program also provides opportunities for professional development in areas such as teaching, literary editing, and arts administration.
Graduates of the MFA program are trained in the craft and professional demands of creative writing, preparing them for careers in literary arts and related fields. Opportunities include teaching, literary journal editing, arts administration, and professional writing.
International applicants must also submit a financial statement. Duolingo is temporarily accepted as an alternative to TOEFL/IELTS.
Refer to the university's 'Tuition and Fees' page for current rates.
The MFA program in Creative Writing and Environment is a three-year program.
The MFA program requires a minimum of 54 credits, integrating creative writing workshops, literature, environmental coursework, and thesis research.
International applicants must achieve a TOEFL iBT score of 100, an IELTS score of 7.5, or a Duolingo score of 120. Duolingo is temporarily accepted as an alternative.
Applicants need a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent and generally a minimum GPA of 3.0.
International students should aim to apply at least three months before the term begins. The typical deadline for Fall admission is June 15, for Spring is November 15, and for Summer is March 15.
Graduates are prepared for careers as writers, editors, literary journal staff, teaching assistants, or arts administrators.