Brown University’s MFA in Creative Writing stands as one of the most prestigious and selective programs in the United States. With an acceptance rate that’d make even Harvard blush, this literary powerhouse has produced some of today’s most compelling voices in contemporary literature.
At the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown’s Literary Arts program offers aspiring writers more than just a degree – it’s an immersive journey into the craft of storytelling. Students work alongside Pulitzer Prize winners and National Book Award recipients while developing their unique creative voices. The program’s “workshop-plus” model breaks traditional boundaries by encouraging cross-genre experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration with other arts departments.
Overview of Brown University’s MFA Creative Writing Program
Brown University’s MFA Creative Writing Program operates as part of the Department of Literary Arts, offering a rigorous two-year course of study focused on developing professional writers.
Program History and Reputation
Brown’s MFA program traces its origins to 1960 with the establishment of its graduate writing program. The program gained prominence through its association with acclaimed writers like Robert Coover Keith Waldrop who shaped its experimental approach to creative writing. Since its inception, the program has maintained a selective admission process, accepting only 3% of applicants annually. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners Marilynne Robinson Carol Shields along with National Book Award recipients Andrew Sean Greer Jhumpa Lahiri. The program ranks consistently among the top 5 MFA programs in the United States according to Poets & Writers magazine.
Literary Arts Department Structure
The Literary Arts Department consists of 12 full-time faculty members 15 visiting writers who teach specialized workshops seminars. Students work across three primary tracks: fiction poetry digital/cross-disciplinary writing. Each track includes craft seminars writing workshops independent study opportunities. The department maintains partnerships with other university disciplines including theater visual arts comparative literature. The program’s workshop model emphasizes peer review faculty mentorship with classes limited to 8 students. Students receive dedicated studio space access to the John Hay Library’s special collections Brown’s Digital Publishing Initiative.
| Program Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Faculty Size | 12 full-time, 15 visiting |
| Class Size | 8 students max |
| Tracks Offered | Fiction, Poetry, Digital/Cross-disciplinary |
| Acceptance Rate | 3% |
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Brown University’s MFA in Creative Writing follows a rigorous curriculum designed to foster artistic development through intensive workshops specialized seminars. The program combines traditional elements of creative writing education with innovative cross-disciplinary approaches.
Two-Year Course Structure
The MFA program spans 4 semesters requiring 32 credit hours for completion. Students take 8 courses with 4 credits each distributed across workshops seminars electives. Each semester includes one required workshop in the student’s primary genre plus two additional courses. The first year emphasizes foundational techniques creative exploration while the second year focuses on thesis development manuscript preparation. Students receive dedicated studio space access to writing resources specialized equipment based on their chosen track.
Workshop and Seminar Balance
The curriculum maintains a 50-50 split between workshops seminars ensuring comprehensive creative development. Workshops accommodate 8 students maximum creating an intimate environment for manuscript critique peer review. Students participate in 4 genre-specific workshops plus 4 seminars selected from offerings in literary theory craft studies interdisciplinary arts. The program integrates courses from Brown’s other departments including comparative literature modern culture media digital arts. Advanced workshops feature guest writers who provide additional perspectives on contemporary writing practices publishing opportunities.
| Program Component | Credit Hours | Maximum Class Size |
|---|---|---|
| Required Workshops | 16 | 8 students |
| Seminars/Electives | 16 | 12 students |
| Total Credits | 32 | – |
Distinguished Faculty and Mentorship
Brown University’s Literary Arts faculty comprises renowned writers who’ve garnered prestigious accolades including Pulitzer Prizes MacArthur Fellowships National Book Awards. The program maintains a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention throughout the two-year MFA journey.
Award-Winning Writers and Poets
The current faculty roster includes Pulitzer Prize winner Forrest Gander alongside National Book Award recipient Monica Youn. Professor Colin Channer serves as a contributing editor at the Harvard Review while Eleni Sikelianos has earned multiple PEN Awards for her poetry collections. Rick Moody’s novels have been adapted into major motion pictures with his work “The Ice Storm” receiving international acclaim. These accomplished writers bring practical industry knowledge direct publishing connections expertise in craft development to the program.
Student-Faculty Collaboration
Each MFA candidate receives dedicated mentorship from two faculty advisors throughout their studies. Faculty members hold weekly office hours conduct manuscript consultations provide career guidance. Students collaborate with professors on literary journals digital publishing projects creative research initiatives. The program’s workshop structure enables direct feedback from faculty during 3-hour intensive sessions. Writers-in-residence programs bring additional opportunities for students to work alongside visiting authors on specialized projects exhibitions performances across genres.
Student Life and Writing Community
Brown University’s MFA Creative Writing program fosters a vibrant literary community through diverse events collaborative projects. The intimate cohort size of 12-15 students creates close-knit relationships among writers while maintaining individual creative space.
Literary Arts Events and Readings
The Literary Arts Department hosts 25 public readings annually featuring prominent authors national emerging voices. Students participate in weekly workshops at the McCormack Family Theater where they present their work to peers faculty members. The Demitasse Reading Series organized by MFA candidates occurs monthly at Page 90 bookstore providing a platform for students to showcase their writing. The department’s partnership with Providence’s AS220 arts center enables cross-disciplinary collaborations with visual artists musicians performers expanding creative possibilities.
Literary Publications and Opportunities
MFA students gain editorial experience through positions at Conjunctions literary journal published in partnership with Brown University. The program offers paid teaching assistantships to 90% of second-year students enhancing both income pedagogical skills. Students receive funding to attend three major literary conferences annually including AWP BookExpo America. The Brown Literary Review managed entirely by MFA candidates publishes two issues per year featuring student work alongside established authors. Publishing internships with Coffee House Press Copper Canyon Press provide direct industry exposure networking opportunities.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Success
Brown University’s MFA in Creative Writing graduates demonstrate exceptional success in publishing, teaching, and literary careers. The program’s alumni network spans across prestigious publishing houses, universities, and cultural institutions.
Notable Alumni Writers
Brown’s MFA program boasts an impressive roster of successful graduates who’ve achieved literary excellence. Pulitzer Prize winners Marilynne Robinson and Carol Shields emerged from this program, with Robinson’s novel “Gilead” earning critical acclaim. National Book Award recipient Andrew Sean Greer gained recognition for “Less,” while Jhumpa Lahiri captured both the Pulitzer Prize and PEN/Hemingway Award. Other distinguished alumni include poet Brian Evenson, novelist Joanna Scott, and essayist Carmen Maria Machado. These writers showcase the program’s ability to nurture diverse voices across multiple genres.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Graduates access numerous career pathways in publishing, academia, and creative industries. Teaching positions at universities range from visiting professorships to tenure-track appointments at institutions like Yale, Cornell, and NYU. Publishing industry roles include positions at Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and independent presses. Alumni secure literary agent representation at top agencies including ICM Partners and Writers House. The program’s connections facilitate editorial positions at prestigious literary journals such as The Paris Review, Ploughshares, and Poetry Magazine. Creative writing graduates also pursue careers in grant writing, arts administration, and literary nonprofit organizations.
Program Admissions Process
Brown University’s MFA Creative Writing program accepts applications once annually with a December 15 deadline. The selection process evaluates candidates based on creative potential demonstrated through writing samples and overall academic excellence.
Application Requirements
Brown’s MFA program requires a complete application package that includes specific components:
- Writing sample (25-40 pages for fiction or 10-15 poems for poetry)
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all attended institutions
- Resume or CV highlighting literary achievements
- GRE scores (optional as of 2023)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants
- $75 application fee
The writing sample carries the most weight in the evaluation process. Successful applicants demonstrate mastery of their chosen genre through polished manuscripts that showcase distinct voice and technical proficiency.
Financial Aid and Fellowships
The program provides comprehensive funding packages to admitted students:
- Full tuition waiver valued at $62,304 annually
- Living stipend of $25,000 per year
- Health insurance coverage
- Summer funding grant of $3,500
- Conference travel allowance of $1,000
- Teaching fellowship starting second semester
- Additional fellowship opportunities:
- Cave Canem Fellowship for African American poets
- CantoMundo Fellowship for Latinx writers
- Institutional funding for research projects
All admitted students receive identical funding packages regardless of financial need. Teaching fellowships include mentorship opportunities with faculty members plus pedagogical training.
Conclusion
Brown University’s MFA in Creative Writing stands as a beacon of excellence in creative writing education. The program’s commitment to fostering individual creativity while maintaining rigorous academic standards has created generations of successful writers.
With its exceptional faculty experienced teaching methods and strong focus on community building the program continues to shape the future of contemporary literature. Students emerge not just with refined writing skills but with valuable industry connections and practical experience that serve them well in their literary careers.
The program’s stellar reputation combined with its comprehensive support system makes it an ideal choice for aspiring writers seeking to elevate their craft to the highest level. Brown’s MFA program remains at the forefront of creative writing education delivering unparalleled opportunities for those ready to embark on their literary journey.