Fairfield University

Program description: Fairfield University’s low-residency MFA in Creative Writing is a full-time, two-year program that helps aspiring writers develop their literary voice, hone their craft, and make important connections that lead to publication and national recognition. Throughout their course of study, students receive one-on-one mentorship from an award-winning faculty of published authors and gather for nine-day residencies on Enders Island, a peaceful retreat off the coast of Connecticut that offers inspirational views and an environment of support and encouragement.

By integrating literary scholarship with expert writing instruction, our program of study leads to a master’s degree in the genres of fiction (including literary YA, historical, and short story), nonfiction, poetry, and scriptwriting/playwriting, and offers concentrations in publishing/editing, spiritual writing, social justice, and literary health and healing. While highly rigorous, the program can be tailored to suit a student’s individual writing goals.

Our alumni have published more than 70 books, in addition to hundreds of articles, essays, stories, and poems. With our post-graduate teacher-training program, students have also been offered teaching positions at the college level, and our concentration in publishing and editing has helped students get internships at magazines and publishing houses.

With our flexible, twice-yearly residencies, you don’t have to interrupt your life, your career, or your family by attending weekly classes. Some of additional program highlights include the Fairfield Book Prize competition, open only to students and alumni; the chance to gain important editorial experience working on our national MFA student-led literary journal; and the opportunity to work individually with agents, editors, and publishers.

As part of Fairfield University’s commitment to helping members of the veterans community attain their educational goals, the MFA program is proud to offer veterans fellowships to former servicemen and servicewomen interested in pursuing their MFA. Fellowships range from $3,000 to $10,000 and are available to veterans who have exhausted all or a portion of their GI Bill® educational benefits.