Wilkes University Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Wilkes University Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing Craft. Community. Career. Study creative writing in a mentoring atmosphere at Wilkes. The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is the M.A.

(30 Credits) plus
18-credit, low-residency program optional continuation of the Master of Arts in Creative Writing. The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree in the Creative Writing field. Students interested in the Master of Fine Arts MUST first complete the Wilkes University Master of Arts in Creative Writing. Students in the existing M.A. may apply for admission into the M.F.A. no earlier th

an the last term of the M.A. Graduating with a M.F.A. will require students to revise their M.A. thesis to produce a publishable manuscript, or begin a new project. Additionally, they will produce and present a literary analysis paper, complete a term-long internship in teaching or publishing and submit a final portfolio that chronicles their work in the entire program. In both programs, you will train to be a professional creative writer by examining:
-the personal life of a writer;
-the craft, technique, and analysis of creative writing;
-the art delivery method for one's work. Low-residency means:
You are on the Wilkes University campus for two eight-day residencies per year -- January and June. Both sessions give you the opportunity to share ideas and to interact with your colleagues, faculty, and guest lecturers. Your regular coursework will be conveniently delivered via password-protected website so you can connect with your faculty and classmates from virtually any computer equipped with an Internet connection.

This feature showcases the collaborative, community spirit, not only of our program, but of the larger Wilkes family as ...
04/15/2026

This feature showcases the collaborative, community spirit, not only of our program, but of the larger Wilkes family as well. Thank you to alum Vicki Mayk for her wonderful storytelling. And to our alums, Mandy Pennington and Kelly Clisham, and current student Brie Friedman, along with their colleagues, Brad Barry and Ashleigh Crispell and the rest of the design team in our marketing communications department for their vision and creativity. It's wonderful to be able to continue to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the program in the newest issue of the Wilkes magazine.

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar MFA ’24 published a nonfiction essay as a high school student in 1996 — and then didn’t publish anything again until she became a student in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing.

04/02/2026

Talbot Logan, who will officially become an alum in May, started a podcast (Write@Wilkes)! Tune in to the first episode for a lively conversation between Talbot and program director David Hicks. Future episodes will feature faculty, students and alumni of our program.

Link in comments!

03/16/2026

Amor Towles kept everyone's attention with his stories and writing advice. Program Director David Hicks asked thoughtful questions. It was truly a wonderful conversation!

Looking for a graduate creative writing program? We're hosting info sessions to share more about how our program focuse...
03/13/2026

Looking for a graduate creative writing program? We're hosting info sessions to share more about how our program focuses on craft, career, and community. On March 18, in addition to the info session, Program Director David Hicks (fiction/nonfiction), and faculty members Angelique Palmer (Spoken Word/Poetry), and Nicole Pandolfo (Playwriting/Screenwriting) will lead free workshops. These are a great way to get a glimpse into what working with our amazing faculty would be like!

03/13/2026
03/04/2026

Program Director David Hicks will be attending in Baltimore. Stop by #129 at the book fair to say hi and/or find out more about our low-residency creative writing program!

Study great dialogue and practice writing your own in this six-week online workshop with MFA student, Lori Coughlin! Li...
02/16/2026

Study great dialogue and practice writing your own in this six-week online workshop with MFA student, Lori Coughlin! Link in comments for more details and to register!

Mandy Pennington, alumna and senior director of digital strategy and initiatives at Wilkes, will help you shape everyday...
02/16/2026

Mandy Pennington, alumna and senior director of digital strategy and initiatives at Wilkes, will help you shape everyday stories into compelling narratives in this six-week online workshop. Link in comments for more info and to register!

Join alumna Laurie Stephens Hunter for her online workshop, and in six weeks, she'll teach you how to make setting your ...
02/12/2026

Join alumna Laurie Stephens Hunter for her online workshop, and in six weeks, she'll teach you how to make setting your story's superpower!

02/09/2026

You can listen to or read Maureen Corrigan's review on Fresh Air of faculty member Rachel Weaver's new book, DIZZY, (West Virginia University Press). Congrats, Rachel!

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84 W South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA
18766

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