Creative Writing The University of New Mexico

Overview

The Creative Writing programme at The University of New Mexico offers a comprehensive Master of Fine Arts experience for students dedicated to a professional writing life. This three-year degree balances intensive studio workshops with academic seminars in craft, pedagogy, and professional communication.

The curriculum is designed to support students through a combination of creative practice and practical teaching experience. Participants engage in workshops across various genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, while also exploring literature and writing theory. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are prepared for both artistic success and professional roles in education or industry.

Why Creative Writing at The University of New Mexico?

The institution boasts an illustrious history, with celebrated writers such as Joy Harjo and Rudolfo Anaya associated with the department. Students benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio and competitive teaching assistantships that allow them to teach composition and introductory writing courses. The university’s location in the Rio Grande Valley provides a culturally diverse and inspiring setting for artistic development.

Distinctive features include affiliations with the Lannan Foundation and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, providing access to renowned international authors. Students also gain hands-on experience in arts administration and editing through the student-run literary magazine, Blue Mesa Review. The programme culminates in a book-length creative dissertation mentored by widely published faculty members.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29146 per year
• National fee: USD 29146 per year
• Local fee: USD 10084 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 48 credit hours, including core studies, workshops, and professional electives. Modules may include:

• Profession for Writers
• Fiction Workshop
• Poetry Workshop
• Creative Nonfiction Workshop
• Genre Studies
• British literature to 1660
• British literature from 1660 to 1900
• American literature to 1900
• Literatures in English since 1900
• Literary criticism and theory
• Rhetoric and writing
• Science, Environmental, Medical Writing
• Documentation
• Publishing
• Editing
• Biography/Autobiography
• Proposal & Grant Writing
• Visual Rhetoric
• Teaching Composition
• Teaching Professional & Technical Writing
• Composition Theory
• Language or Rhetoric
• Teaching Literature and Literary Studies
• Creative Dissertation

Careers with Creative Writing

Graduates from this programme have achieved significant success as published authors, with alumni releasing works through major publishing houses. Many pursue careers in higher education, leveraging the extensive teaching experience gained during their three years of study. The diverse elective options also prepare students for roles in professional editing, grant writing, and technical communication.

The programme’s focus on professional preparation ensures that students are equipped for various industries, including publishing, arts administration, and media. Former students have seen their work featured in prestigious venues such as The New Yorker, Ploughshares, and The Georgia Review. This strong track record reflects the programme's commitment to fostering sustainable professional lives for its writers.