Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Program Overview
Named one of the “Five Innovative/Unique Programs” creative writing programs by The Atlantic, the master of fine arts in creative writing is one of two programs offered by UNLV’s Creative Writing International Program with genre concentrations in fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. By providing an innovative curriculum and fostering an educational environment where students can perfect their art, our graduates become globally-engaged writers that demonstrate socially-engaged and active writing practices.
Program Outcomes
Students receive a strong theoretical foundation in their selected genre concentration, as well as an appreciation for the art and theory across various genres, thereby expanding their creative abilities. Moreover, they develop a nuanced understanding of canonical contexts and the historical evolution of literature, which provides valuable insights into new writing. Through exposure to international writing and literary translation, students cultivate a practical appreciation for diverse linguistic traditions beyond English, enriching their creative perspectives.
A high percentage of our graduates have widely published fiction, literary nonfiction, journalism, and poetry with mainstream presses, indie presses, and nationally esteemed venues such as:
- W. W. Norton & Company
- Grove Press
- Viking
- Sarabande
- Ecco
- Soho
- The Best American Poetry
- McSweeney’s
- The New York Times
- The Los Angeles Times
Program Structure
Our students follow a three-year course of study that includes writing workshops, genre forms courses, literature classes, a residency abroad, completion of a literary translation, and completion of a book-length manuscript that meets the standard of publishable works. Students also have the opportunity for teacher training and practical experience in literary publishing.
Additionally, our department, in partnership with the Black Mountain Institute, offers the Doctorate of Philosophy in English with a Creative Dissertation, supported by a graduate assistantship combined with the Black Mountain Institute fellowship.
Program Funding
All MFA students are fully funded by UNLV and the Black Mountain Institute (BMI) for three years of study towards their degrees.
- Graduate Assistantships of $21,000/year
- Opportunities for additional funding from BMI
- In-state tuition
- Student health insurance.
Duties for the Graduate Assistantship are 20 hours per week, usually fulfilled through a combination of teaching, tutoring in the Writing Center, and working for English Department or Black Mountain Institute publications.
Our Faculty
Maile Chapman, Ph.D.
Wendy Chen, Ph.D.
Claudia Keelan
Roberto Lovato
David Morris, MFA
Douglas A. Unger
The MFA Student Experience
The UNLV creative writing program offers a supportive and immersive experience to its students. From day one, students become part of a vibrant community of writers where creativity thrives and collaboration flourishes. Whether students aspire to publish their writing, pursue further study, or embark on diverse career paths within the literary world, UNLV provides the resources, support, and community they need to thrive and succeed.
The UNLV Department of English has a longstanding relationship with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI). This allows our students to receive opportunities to engage in creative and literary activities with visiting BMI fellows in socially meaningful literary events for the city of Las Vegas and its greater community. Recent BMI fellows and national and international award-winning visitors include:
- Percival Everett
- Melissa Febos
- Layli Long Soldier
- Jaquira Díaz
- Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
See the Black Mountain Institute's website for more information.
The creative writing concentration helps students develop their writing craft and critical thinking skills through a workshop setting and literature courses. It equips them with professional skills for various industries and prepares them for graduate studies in English and creative writing.
Founded by M.F.A. alumna Kat Kruse in 2010, Neon Lit is a completely student-run reading series featuring writing of students currently in the Creative Writing programs at UNLV. Events are held on the last Friday of each month usually at the Writer’s Block, an independent bookstore and community center in downtown Las Vegas. See Neon Lit’s website and YouTube Channel for more information.
Breakout Writers Series
The “Breakout Writers Series” or Emerging Writers Series features writers just emerging on the literary scene. Writers who visit and read for this series are chosen entirely by the students in the M.F.A. and Ph.D. programs.
Alumni Reading Series
The yearly Alumni Reading Series celebrates the literary successes of graduates of the program. Recent alumni readers include Marianne Chan, Jean Chen Ho, Clancy McGilligan, Alissa Nutting, Juan Martínez, Sasha Steensen, and Mani Rao.
Admission Requirements
- A manuscript showcasing a candidate’s talent and potential in a genre
- Fiction: 20-30 pages
- Literary nonfiction: 20-30 pages
- Poetry: 10-15 pages
- A letter of application to the Graduate Committee detailing a statement of purpose and reasons for choosing UNLV
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Two letters of recommendation
Applicants must choose the International Focus subplan, unless they have already been accepted to the Peace Corps Master's International Partnership program.
International Applicants
Each year, our program admits several international writers with high competency in writing in English that immensely contribute to our literary community. Our diverse student body fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares graduates for success in the global literary landscape. Furthermore, UNLV's creative writing program values inclusivity and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of voices within our community.