BSU's Blossoming Creative Writing Program in Idaho's City of Trees
- For The Writers | Official
- Dec 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 26, 2024
Boise State University’s Creative Writing Program stands as a leading destination for emerging writers seeking a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, the program is designed to cultivate creativity, enhance literary skills, and provide practical experience in the literary arts. Through a dynamic curriculum that balances artistic exploration with professional development, students gain the tools needed to succeed in a competitive literary world.
At the undergraduate level, the program offers both a BA and a BFA in Creative Writing, as well as the unique Narrative Arts BA, providing students with specialized tracks tailored to their artistic goals. Graduate students pursue an MFA in Poetry or Fiction, benefiting from intensive workshops, individualized mentorship, and opportunities for creative and professional growth.
With its strong focus on mentorship, the program creates a nurturing space where writers can refine their craft under the guidance of accomplished faculty and industry professionals. Students engage deeply with writing across genres, from fiction and poetry to creative nonfiction, supported by a vibrant literary community that fosters collaboration, inspiration, and career growth.
Location: Nestled in the vibrant city of Boise, Idaho, the Creative Writing Program benefits from a dynamic cultural and artistic scene. Students engage with Boise's thriving literary community through local readings, literary festivals, and events hosted by the university and community organizations. With access to Boise's beautiful natural surroundings, students often find creative inspiration in the area's rivers, mountains, and parks.
Alumni: Boise State’s Creative Writing Program has produced a growing list of accomplished authors, poets, and literary professionals. Notable alumni include Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Other distinguished graduates have earned literary awards, published in renowned journals, and secured book deals with prestigious publishing houses.
Program Highlights: The Creative Writing Undergraduate Program offers concentrations in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction. Its workshop-driven curriculum emphasizes peer critique, faculty mentorship, and individualized writing development. Students also benefit from courses in literary theory, publishing, and cross-genre exploration, ensuring a well-rounded literary education.
Faculty: The program boasts a faculty of accomplished writers, scholars, and literary professionals. Faculty members include award-winning poets, novelists, and essayists who are committed to mentoring students and fostering literary excellence. Visiting writers and guest lecturers further enrich the program with diverse perspectives and real-world industry insights.
Professional Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities for professional development, including internships with literary journals, small presses, and arts organizations. The program is home to The Idaho Review, an award-winning literary journal where students gain hands-on editorial experience. Additionally, Boise State hosts the annual Hemingway Literary Center Reading Series, bringing celebrated authors and literary figures to campus.
Community Engagement: The program actively fosters a literary community through public readings, open mics, and writing workshops. Students regularly participate in local literary festivals, such as Storyfort, which takes place at Boise's annual Treefort Music Festival, and community outreach programs designed to promote literacy and creative expression.
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Offerings in Creative Writing
Creative writing has evolved from being a niche interest to a sought-after skill in industries worldwide. As Forbes notes, creativity is now embraced across the professional landscape, making strong writing and storytelling abilities invaluable in today’s job market.
Boise State University’s Creative Writing Program equips students with essential skills in creativity, storytelling, empathy, and poetics—qualities that employers value in diverse professional fields. Whether students aim to pursue careers in publishing, develop portfolios for MFA applications, or secure roles in the private sector, the program’s interdisciplinary approach prepares them for success.
BA in Creative Writing: The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is a 120-credit program offering a comprehensive education in creative writing, literature, and literary studies. Students gain a solid foundation in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, preparing them for graduate studies or careers in writing-intensive fields. See the Degree Requirements for the BA in Creative Writing.
A traditional creative writing degree consisting of 120 credits with background in literature and literary studies. See the Degree Requirements for BA in Creative Writing.
BFA in Creative Writing: The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is an intensive 120-credit program designed for students committed to professional writing careers. With a focus on producing publishable work and developing advanced writing skills, the BFA program positions students for competitive roles in the literary and publishing industries. There are currently only 35 BFA programs in creative writing in the U.S.
An intensive program consisting of 120 credits that prepares students to be professional writers. There are currently 35 BFA degrees in creative writing in the U.S. See the Degree Requirements for BFA in Creative Writing.
Creative Writing Minor: The Creative Writing Minor is a 24-credit program that allows students to explore fiction, poetry, and nonfiction while complementing their primary field of study. It is ideal for students looking to enhance their writing proficiency and creative expression. See the Degree Requirements for the Creative Writing Minor.
A minor program consisting of 24 credits including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. See the Degree Requirements in Creative Writing Minor.
For detailed course descriptions and the current academic catalog, please visit the Boise State Undergraduate Creative Writing Catalog. Creative Writing is listed under the Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing section of the catalog.
To begin your online application to one of Boise State's Undergraduate Programs in Creative Writing, click here.
Graduate Programs
Graduate Offerings in Creative Writing
The Creative Writing MFA Program at Boise State University is a fully-funded, three-year program specializing in poetry and fiction. Designed for passionate and driven writers, the program fosters a creative environment where emerging voices can thrive under the mentorship of award-winning faculty and renowned visiting writers.
Every MFA student receives a full tuition waiver, comprehensive health insurance, and a competitive Graduate Assistantship. As part of this assistantship, students teach one undergraduate fiction or poetry writing course per semester, gaining valuable teaching experience while refining their own craft.
With only 6-10 students per genre enrolled at a time, the program ensures personalized attention, close faculty mentorship, and a collaborative, supportive community. This intimate setting allows students to build lasting professional relationships while developing their unique literary voices in a nurturing and creatively stimulating environment.
Degrees Offered: Boise State University offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing with concentrations in Poetry and Fiction.
Curriculum: The program features a workshop-centered curriculum that emphasizes advanced study in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students engage in craft-based seminars, literary theory courses, and professional development workshops. To review the most current curriculum details, please visit the Boise State Creative Writing MFA Courses & Requirements page.
Course Requirements: For detailed course requirements, including thesis guidelines, academic milestones, and electives, please consult the Boise State University Graduate Course Requirements Resource Guide. This guide outlines the full course catalog, degree completion criteria, and teaching assistantship responsibilities.
Faculty: The MFA program is led by award-winning poets, novelists, and literary scholars committed to mentoring and fostering literary excellence. For the latest list of Creative Writing faculty members, visit the Boise State MFA Faculty Directory.
Enrollment Data: Boise State’s MFA program enrolls 6-10 students per genre each year, maintaining an intimate and collaborative environment that prioritizes personalized mentorship and professional development.
Admissions: For upcoming application deadlines and enrollment information, please visit the Boise State University MFA Admissions page. To apply, review the detailed MFA Application and Admission Requirements for prospective graduate students.
To begin your online application to Boise State's Graduate Program in Creative Writing, click here.
General Contact Information
Department of Theatre, Film, and Creative Writing
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, Idaho 83725-1565
(208) 426-7139
Boise State University’s Creative Writing Program combines a rigorous academic curriculum with an inspiring creative community. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and artistic exploration, the program prepares students for successful careers in writing, publishing, teaching, and beyond. Its supportive atmosphere and access to the broader literary world make it an ideal choice for aspiring writers eager to shape meaningful literary careers.
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