Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bachelor's degree in a specific area to be accepted into the program?

No; students with a bachelor's degree in any area may apply to the program, though students with a degree within the broader spectrum of English studies may be more adequately prepared for the advanced literary work of the MFA program.

When does the program begin and end?

The Whitworth Writers Workshop begins each January and July/August and ends 23 months later (four tutorial/academic semesters between five residency semesters).

When are applications due?

For timely consideration, complete applications to Whitworth's MFA in Creative Writing program should be submitted no later than Nov. 1 for classes beginning in January and no later than April 1 for classes beginning in July/August, although applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

What is a typical class schedule?

Courses will alternate between tutorial semesters involving individual work done under the guidance of a professional writer-mentor and residency semesters, which are 10-day, intensive, in-person sessions that include workshops, speakers and peer feedback.