Our Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing

Designed for those with busy lives, the low-residency program combines the experience of an MFA with the flexibility of an artist residency.

This model allows students to develop a writing practice that fits into their daily life and that they will be able to maintain long after graduation.

At PNCA, we approach writing as studio art, considering language to be just one of many materials available in storytelling and books as products. The creative writing program encourages experimentation with language, form, and materials, supporting students as they push the boundaries of what storytelling can be.

Experience writing as fine art with a program designed for working professionals and those who can’t attend a typical class schedule.

The Low-Residency Model

Low-residency students integrate their creative education into their existing schedule, writing from home throughout the school year and coming together during residency to connect with fellow writers. While working from home, students submit work to their faculty mentors. This includes creative work, brief essays on forms and methods, an ongoing reading list, and a letter addressing their writing process and responding to feedback.

The low-residency program is rooted in mentorship. Students are thoughtfully paired with a professional writer from PNCA’s faculty or the Portland community who will provide personalized feedback and guidance to students writing from home.

The Residency

In the summer and winter, low-residency creative writing students gather in Portland to engage in intensive 10-day residencies. During this time, students will immerse themselves into both our campus community with other writers and Portland’s community of artists and writers.

While on campus, creative writing students have access to every lab, studio, tool, and resource at PNCA. Students in the creative writing program often take advantage of the printmaking facilities and equipment as well as resources related to design, photography, video, sound, sculpture, and digital works.