Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Chatham University Low-Residency MFA program is a program of 39 hours that can be completed in two years with two summer residencies of 10 days each. The program is very similar to our highly acclaimed residency program with the same innovative focus on nature, environment and travel writing. Several of our faculty in the residency program also teach in the low-residency program.

MFA Program Structure (39 Credits)

Our low-residency MFA program is different from the residency program in a few ways. First, in lieu of writing workshops each term, students take mentorships with a publishing writer. Please see the detailed description of the mentorships for further information.

Second, although the literature and content courses students enroll in will be the same as those taught in our residency program, they will be taught in an online distance learning environment.

Third, low-residency students must complete two residencies of ten days each in their first and second summers. Residencies will take place on the Chatham campus in Pittsburgh, and will consist of intensive workshops, craft lectures, panels and readings with well-known creative writers. Residencies take place every year in early August and last 10 days.

Finally, low-residency students have the opportunity to take one of our creative writing field seminars along with our residency students in lieu of one of the summer residencies, although the field seminar is not a requirement. Field seminars include additional fees, including travel and lodging, and will vary depending on the location of the field seminar.

Featured Writers

The Featured Writer of 2012's residency is Scott Russell Sanders.
The 2011 featured writer is Mary Swander.
The 2010 featured writer was Barbara Hurd.
The 2009 featured writer was Janisse Ray.

The information on this website applies to the low-residency MFA program. If you are interested in the full residency option, please visit their website