University of Iowa Creative Writing Program: Iowa Writers’ Workshop Legacy and MFA Excellence
- For The Writers | Official · Authenticated & Thoughtfully Reviewed
- Dec 14, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Discover the University of Iowa’s world-renowned Writers’ Workshop, the first creative writing MFA program in the U.S. Explore its legacy of Pulitzer Prize winners, acclaimed faculty, and its impact on shaping modern literature.
Home to the legendary Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the University of Iowa offers one of the most celebrated creative writing programs in the world. Established in 1936, the Workshop was the first program of its kind to offer a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and has since become the gold standard in literary education. Its alumni list reads like a literary hall of fame, boasting 17 Pulitzer Prize winners, 6 U.S. Poets Laureate, and numerous National Book Award honorees.
The program’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. With deep ties to the literary publishing world and a history of mentorship by acclaimed writers such as Marilynne Robinson, Ethan Canin, and Lan Samantha Chang, students are immersed in a culture of rigorous artistic development and real-world opportunity. Located in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature, the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in creative writing, fostering a vibrant, interdisciplinary community that continues to shape the future of American and global literature.
Whether you're an aspiring novelist, poet, or essayist, the University of Iowa’s creative writing legacy offers a launchpad to literary excellence and a lifelong community of writers devoted to the art of the written word.
Iowa Writers’ Workshop: America’s Premier MFA in Creative Writing
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa is widely regarded as the most prestigious Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing program in the United States, and one of the most influential globally. Established in 1936, it pioneered the MFA model now emulated by creative writing programs nationwide. Known for its rigorous curriculum and unparalleled literary mentorship, the Workshop has shaped generations of celebrated authors, including John Irving, Flannery O’Connor, Marilynne Robinson, and T.C. Boyle.
At the heart of the program is the workshop model, a dynamic approach centered around peer critique and close collaboration with faculty, many of whom are acclaimed writers themselves. Students have the option to focus on fiction or poetry, with opportunities to explore other genres through electives, lectures, and readings. The Workshop’s small cohort size ensures individualized attention and fosters an intimate, highly engaged literary community.
The impact of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop is evident in its alumni's success: more than 40 graduates have received Pulitzer Prizes, and others have gone on to become National Book Award winners, MacArthur Fellows, and U.S. Poets Laureate. The program’s reputation attracts a highly competitive applicant pool, with an acceptance rate often below 3%.
Financial accessibility is a core value. All admitted students receive complete tuition remission and generous stipends funded through teaching assistantships, research fellowships, and grants. This allows emerging writers to dedicate themselves fully to their craft during the two-year, fully residential program.
Whether you're writing your first novel or refining your poetic voice, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop offers an immersive, transformative experience at the epicenter of American literary culture.
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, as well as courses in literary analysis, narrative theory, and contemporary literature. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to refine their writing skills while gaining a profound understanding of literary traditions and critical perspectives.
Students can customize their academic path by choosing from a wide range of elective courses, including screenwriting, playwriting, digital storytelling, and translation. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, independent study projects, and faculty research assistantships.
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 offer students the opportunity 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 MFA Program in Creative Writing
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop awards a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in English, widely recognized as the terminal degree in creative writing and a key credential for teaching at the university level. The program is housed in the historic Dey House, a literary landmark in Iowa City that serves as both a symbolic and practical home for the writing life.
This fully residential, two-year MFA immerses students in the study and practice of fiction or poetry, offering a curriculum grounded in the workshop model, complemented by seminars in literature, craft, and professional development. The intimate cohort, typically 20 to 25 students per year, evenly split between genres, ensures rich peer exchange and close faculty mentorship.
Students benefit from direct engagement with nationally recognized faculty and visiting writers, many of whom are Pulitzer Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, and leading voices in contemporary literature. While working toward completion of a book-length creative manuscript, students participate in a range of literary activities—from public readings and publishing opportunities to guest lectures and collaborations across disciplines.
The MFA’s residency requirement fosters a deeply rooted creative community. It gives students full access to the University of Iowa’s literary resources, including The University of Iowa Press, The International Writing Program, and The Nonfiction Writing Program. Writers graduate not only with a refined manuscript but also with the professional experience and connections needed to thrive in the literary world.
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.
International Applicants
Please review the admissions requirements on the Graduate Admissions website carefully. For further assistance, contact the Graduate Admissions office directly.
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 substantial 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.
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 details on the Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate program, including its distinguished alumni network and competitive funding packages, see our feature on the Top Creative Writing MFA Programs in the U.S.
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