The University of Iowa's World Renowned Creative Writing Program: A Legacy of Literary Excellence
- For The Writers | Official
- Dec 14, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
Great readers make great writers—and great writers build fulfilling lives and successful careers.
The University of Iowa’s Creative Writing Program, home to the world-renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop, is one of the most prestigious literary programs in the world. Known for cultivating Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award recipients, and U.S. Poets Laureate, the program has set the standard for excellence in creative writing education. It offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to develop creative talent, critical thinking, and professional literary skills.
For over 80 years, writers have gathered in Iowa City to hone their craft, collaborate with peers, and engage with distinguished faculty. Many alumni have gone on to publish award-winning works. Blending the creative spirit of an arts colony with the resources of a leading research university, the Iowa Writers' Workshop remains a cornerstone of American literary culture, fostering and celebrating literature in all its diverse forms.
Iowa Writers’ Workshop
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa stands as one of the most prestigious Creative Writing MFA programs in the United States. Renowned for its history of nurturing successful writers, as well as its extensive funding opportunities, the program has been a seminal influence in the literary world. Incoming MFA students will walk in the footsteps of incredible writers like John Irving and Flannery O’Connor.
The workshop model of teaching, which fosters peer review and close interaction with faculty, has been instrumental in shaping the skills of budding writers. The program’s alumni include numerous Pulitzer Prize winners and acclaimed authors, underlining its significant impact on the literary landscape.
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa offers comprehensive financial support to its MFA students, ensuring they can focus on their writing without being distracted by financial burdens. Upon acceptance, each student receives a full tuition scholarship and a stipend to cover living expenses throughout the two-year program, including the intervening summer. This support is made possible through fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships.
For more information about the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, explore our feature in the Top Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S.
Undergraduate Program
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa equips students with a strong foundation in literary craft. The curriculum combines creative writing workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry with literary analysis and elective courses in various genres. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, writing contests, and contributions to literary journals such as The Iowa Review. They also participate in reading series and literary events hosted by the program.
The English Department at the University of Iowa oversees the undergraduate major in English and Creative Writing, supported by a growing faculty that includes several alumni of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Established in 2011 through a generous donor’s support, the Magid Center for Writing offers undergraduates unique opportunities to integrate writing into various disciplines. Students participate in projects such as producing literary magazines and organizing writing workshops in local schools.
The Writers' Workshop provides a range of creative writing courses for both majors and non-majors, taught by talented graduate students and recent graduates—emerging writers making their mark in the literary world. Undergraduate events are hosted in the Frank Conroy Reading Room, while a distinguished reading series brings renowned authors to campus, enriching the literary community.
Curriculum: Both undergraduate and graduate students experience a curriculum centered on developing technical proficiency and artistic expression. The University of Iowa’s Creative Writing Program offers a dynamic curriculum designed to cultivate both technical proficiency and artistic expression. Undergraduate students engage in a well-rounded literary education that includes creative writing workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, alongside courses in literary analysis, narrative theory, and contemporary literature. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to sharpen their writing skills while gaining a deep understanding of literary traditions and critical perspectives.
Students can customize their academic path by choosing from a wide range of elective courses such as screenwriting, playwriting, digital storytelling, and translation. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, independent study projects, and research assistantships with faculty.
Advanced undergraduates may apply for the Iowa Writers’ Workshop’s prestigious undergraduate seminars, where they receive mentorship from acclaimed writers in an intimate workshop setting. Capstone projects and senior theses provide opportunities for students to develop and complete substantial creative works, preparing them for careers in writing, publishing, academia, and beyond.
Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in literary events, readings, and the editorial process of renowned journals such as The Iowa Review. This immersive curriculum equips graduates with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the evolving literary and creative industries.
Course Requirements: Undergraduate students must complete core writing workshops, literature courses, and a senior writing project. Graduate students must fulfill workshop and seminar credits while developing a creative thesis. Both programs emphasize independent study, research, and practical experience through teaching assistantships and literary internships. Detailed course requirements can be found in the University of Iowa's Creative Writing Course Guide.
Faculty: The University of Iowa boasts an accomplished faculty of award-winning authors, poets, and literary scholars dedicated to fostering emerging literary voices. Faculty members regularly publish critically acclaimed works and guide students through personalized mentorship. Visit the University of Iowa Creative Writing Faculty page for a comprehensive list of instructors and their accomplishments.
Enrollment Data: In recent years, the program has conferred over 60 BA degrees and 50 MFA degrees annually, reflecting its global reputation and competitive admissions process. Its alumni network includes many literary luminaries whose works have reshaped modern literature.
Admissions: Admission to the undergraduate and graduate creative writing programs is competitive and comprehensive. Prospective students should demonstrate exceptional writing ability, a passion for literature, and a commitment to their craft. Application deadlines, submission guidelines, and financial aid information are available on the University of Iowa's Undergraduate Creative Writing Admissions page.
Graduate Program
The Writers' Workshop offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in English—a terminal degree that qualifies graduates to teach creative writing at the college level.
The program is housed in the historic Dey House in Iowa City, providing an inspiring environment for creative exploration. While pursuing their degrees, MFA students collaborate with and learn from established poets and prose writers while making significant progress on their creative manuscripts.
The MFA program requires full-time residency in Iowa City, allowing students to benefit from the university’s extensive academic resources and to build a vibrant writing community through peer collaboration.
Each year, 20 to 25 new students are admitted in both poetry and prose, creating a dynamic and supportive cohort of emerging writers.
Curriculum: Both undergraduate and graduate students experience a curriculum centered on developing technical proficiency and artistic expression. The program offers courses in traditional and experimental forms, narrative theory, and literary criticism. For detailed course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the University of Iowa’s Creative Writing Curriculum page.
Course Requirements: Graduate students must fulfill workshop and seminar credits while developing a creative thesis. Both programs emphasize independent study, research, and practical experience through teaching assistantships and literary internships. Detailed course requirements can be found in the University of Iowa's Creative Writing Course Guide.
Faculty: The University of Iowa boasts an accomplished faculty of award-winning authors, poets, and literary scholars dedicated to fostering emerging literary voices. Faculty members regularly publish critically acclaimed works and guide students through personalized mentorship. Visit the University of Iowa Creative Writing Faculty page for a comprehensive list of instructors and their accomplishments.
Admissions: Admission to the Graduate College requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with lower GPAs may be considered for provisional admission if they present strong evidence of potential success in graduate studies at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Students with degrees from foreign universities are evaluated on an individual basis by the Graduate College. For more information on admission requirements and the application process, visit the University of Iowa's Creative Writing Admissions page, and early applications are highly recommended.
International Applicants: Please review the admissions requirements on the Graduate Admissions website carefully. For further assistance, contact the Graduate Admissions office directly.
Funding: All MFA students at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop receive full funding for the entire two-year program, with equal financial support provided to every student. Upon completing the program, graduates may apply for additional postgraduate funding opportunities.
For more information about the Iowa Writers' Workshop Graduate Program, its renowned alumni, and specific funding opportunities at the University of Iowa, explore our feature on the Top Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S..
Comments