LASELL COLLEGE · UNITED STATES
Solstice MFA in Creative Writing
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 5 Concentrations: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Comics & Graphic Narratives, Writing for Young PeopleConcentrations
- Hybrid format with 5 short residencies and 1:1 mentor workProgram Format
- Award-winning faculty dedicated to developing student voicesFaculty
- Focus on community building and literary arts for social changeMission
- Optional Pedagogy Track to learn college-level teachingSpecialized Track
- Optional Social Action & Writing Track (SAWT) for activismSpecialized Track
Lasell University's Solstice Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing is a two-year program designed to help you advance your writing practice and develop your unique voice within a supportive community. This hybrid program combines five intensive, ten-day on-campus residencies with extended periods of independent study. During the residencies, you'll engage in craft courses, writing workshops, seminars, and discussions with experienced faculty, editors, and agents. The independent study phase involves working one-on-one with a faculty mentor, allowing for a flexible schedule that balances coursework with personal and professional commitments. The program aims to nurture diverse voices, prepare students for professional writing careers, and foster an appreciation for the literary arts as a means of personal fulfillment and social change.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed for flexibility, requiring 60 credits for completion. Between residencies, students engage in semester-long projects with their faculty mentors, focusing on in-depth exploration of their genre through reading, discussion, craft analysis, and new work creation. Students are expected to dedicate at least 25 hours per week to independent study, including reading and writing (or creating comics for graphic narrative students). By graduation, students will have read between 50 and 80 books. Faculty mentors work with students to develop semester plans, including reading lists and a schedule for feedback exchanges on creative and critical work. The first two semesters encourage drafting new material and expanding knowledge, with students submitting packets of work for mentor feedback. Students can explore different genres in their second semester before specializing for the third and fourth semesters.
- Year 1
- Craft, Criticism, and Theory Courses
- Elective Seminars & Studies
- Independent Study with Mentor
- Year 2
- Craft, Criticism, and Theory Courses
- Elective Seminars & Studies
- Independent Study with Mentor
Careers
The Solstice MFA program prepares graduates for the rigors of being a professional writer. The program's mission includes equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for post-graduation success in the literary field. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of their art, a strategy for continued creative development, and a valuable network of peers and mentors.
- Professional Writer
- Editor
- Literary Agent (with further experience)
- College-level Writing Instructor (with Pedagogy Track)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's Degree and a strong undergraduate record. The program is selective and seeks students ready to advance their writing practice.
- How long does the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program take to complete?
- The program is designed as a two-year program. It requires the completion of 60 credits.
- What is the format of the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program?
- This is a hybrid low-residency program. It combines five intensive, ten-day on-campus residencies with extended periods of independent study where students work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.
- How do I apply for the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program?
- To apply, you need to submit an online application form, official academic transcripts, a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- What career outcomes can I expect after graduating from the Solstice MFA program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Professional Writer, Editor, or, with further experience, a Literary Agent. With the optional Pedagogy Track, graduates can also pursue roles as college-level Writing Instructors.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA strong undergraduate record is expected for admission.
The program is selective and seeks students who are ready to advance their writing practice.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Specific tuition and living cost information is not provided on the program pages. Interested students should contact the university directly for the most current financial details.
How to apply
1. Submit an ApplicationComplete the online application form.
2. Provide Academic TranscriptsSubmit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
3. Submit Writing SampleProvide a substantial writing sample relevant to your chosen concentration.
4. Submit Letters of RecommendationRequest letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and writing abilities.
5. Write a Personal StatementCraft a personal statement outlining your writing goals and reasons for pursuing this MFA.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's Degree and a strong undergraduate record. The program is selective and seeks students ready to advance their writing practice.
How long does the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program take to complete?
+
The program is designed as a two-year program. It requires the completion of 60 credits.
What is the format of the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program?
+
This is a hybrid low-residency program. It combines five intensive, ten-day on-campus residencies with extended periods of independent study where students work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.
How do I apply for the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing program?
+
To apply, you need to submit an online application form, official academic transcripts, a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
What career outcomes can I expect after graduating from the Solstice MFA program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Professional Writer, Editor, or, with further experience, a Literary Agent. With the optional Pedagogy Track, graduates can also pursue roles as college-level Writing Instructors.