Mission
Make Something Beautiful. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program and the undergraduate Creative Writing minor and the concentration in Creative Writing for the English degree aim to help you fully imagine and produce works of heart-breaking beauty and imagination. Prose, poetry, and graphic literature; we seek to appreciate and create the best of contemporary literature.
Academic Programs
Master's
Master's Degree
Creative Writing (MFA)
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Program Modality: Campus
The Master’s degree in Creative Writing offers advanced study and practice of literary craft. This studio/research program provides aspiring writers with the ongoing support and challenge of a workshop environment, along with individualized guidance by faculty members who are published authors themselves.
The degree program prepares students for careers as writers, teachers at the college or university level, editors, literary translators, and other related professional careers. The program provides further training in the art of contemporary literary writing and publishing, the artistic inspiration of other writers as peers and mentors, and a deepened understanding and appreciation of literary traditions, including those of the Rio Grande Valley and elsewhere.
Program Overview
There are currently two (2) pathways for students interested in extended undergraduate study in Creative Writing:
- Major in English and choose the concentration in Creative Writing.
- Minor in Creative Writing to compleiment any major (except the English major with concentration in Creative Writing)
NOTE: Students of any major may pursue the Certificate in Creative Writing.
The BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing cultivate scholarly and creative achievement through graduate and undergraduate courses . We promote student literacy – specifically the abilities to read, write, and think critically . We encourage faculty to pursue
excellence in teaching, foster collegiality, contribute creative works and/or scholarly research and engage in service to the university and Rio Grande Valley community. The BA in English degree, as a collaboration among the Department of Literatures and Cultural Studies, the Department of Writing and Language Studies, and the Creative Writing Program in the College of Fine Arts, support culturally responsive pedagogy and community engagement. A student with an English major possesses skills in critical thinking, writing, and reading. English majors can enter professions such as teaching, writing, editing, media production, law, public service, and advocacy, and they are prepared for continued graduate or professional study.
Major Requirements - 48 hours
The Department of Creative Writing offers an 18-hour minor in Creative Writing that includes courses and workshops in various genres of creative writing such as poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, graphic literature, screenwriting, and playwriting.
Program Restrictions
Students pursuing a BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration cannot declare a Creative Writing minor.
Minor Requirements - 18 hours
Undergraduate Certificate Application Form
If you are not pursuing either of the other undergraduate options in Creative Writing, the 12-hour Undergraduate Certificate is a viable option. When you have finished completing the courses for the certificate, or if you are near graduation and in your final semester of Creative Writing courses, please fill out the application and submit it to the chair of the Creative Writing Department through email or drop off a copy to Anita Reyes at ELABS 125. Attached you will also see the courses that can be applied to the Creative Writing Certificate. The Certificate will appear on your transcript after the submitted form has been completed and routed by the department to the Registrar for confirmation and processing.
Certificate Requirements - 12 hours
Get inspired by UTRGV MFA alumni who have published their books, won awards, and made a lasting impact on the arts.
A publication released yearly by students with a mission to showcase their works.