Low Residency Master of Fine Arts in Narrative Media Writing

Go beyond the personal. Tell stories that matter.

Our Narrative Nonfiction concentration puts journalism at its core, offering something distinctive among low-residency MFA programs. We help writers develop the research, reporting and storytelling skills to take on subjects of national and global importance—and transform them into deeply reported narratives that rise to the level of literature.

Whether you’re a mid-career journalist, an industry professional or an aspiring author, you’ll learn to move beyond memoir and personal essay to produce ambitious, research-driven work that engages the world.

Our program is ideal for professionals who want to elevate their careers, develop a book-length project or bring their reporting and writing to a new level. Through rigorous instruction, close mentorship and a supportive community of accomplished writers, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to tell stories that inform, illuminate and endure.

THE RESIDENCY

One week. One extraordinary community of writers.  

Twice a year, students in the MFA in Narrative Nonfiction gather in Athens for an immersive residency designed to spark creativity, sharpen skills and fuel the work ahead. For seven days, you’ll step away from the daily demands of life and immerse yourself in an intensive, inspiring writing environment.

You’ll build lasting connections with fellow writers, work closely with faculty mentors and dive into the craft of narrative nonfiction. Each residency features daily seminars and craft lectures, along with panel discussions and readings by faculty members, visiting writers, editors, literary agents and other publishing and entertainment-industry professionals.

Come ready to learn, challenge yourself and find your people. Leave with fresh ideas, new collaborators and the momentum to take your writing further.

Low-Residency MFA in Screenwriting

The MFA Screenwriting concentration is designed for feature film and television writers who want to take their writing skills to the next level and who understand the advantages that the MFA degree affords. The screenwriting degree program is aimed at both experienced writers and passionate first-time screenwriters who want to explore new creative opportunities in telling stories that matter for large and small screens. The screenwriting degree program allows students to work one-on-one with experienced mentors who are currently vital members of the entertainment community and who understand the challenges and opportunities found in new technologies. Most of all, the program is for writers who value the power, purpose, and meaning of stories well told.

Please note, at present, this MFA degree program, because of the financial costs involved, is unable to admit students seeking to use either the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) or the 62+ Program. 

THE RESIDENCY

The residency portions of the MFA Screenwriting program run for eight days, with students immersing themselves in an intensive writing environment for a full, enriching week. The residency provides students with the opportunity to build a sense of community with their peers and to engage in a serious, focused study with their faculty mentors. Each residency includes daily seminars and craft lectures, as well as script readings and discussions, visiting scriptwriters, directors, and other publishing and entertainment-industry professionals.