University of Idaho (Moscow, Idaho)
- Dec 14, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 7
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The University of Idaho’s Creative Writing Program in Moscow is home to a nationally respected MFA in Creative Writing with tracks in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Emphasizing intensive writing workshops, close mentorship from published faculty, and professional training in editing, teaching, and publishing, the program helps students develop their craft and prepare for literary careers. With a strong history of producing award-winning authors and a creative community rooted in the Palouse region, the University of Idaho offers aspiring writers a distinctive MFA experience that blends tradition, innovation, and a lasting literary legacy.
University of Idaho Creative Writing Program: MFA in Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction on the Palouse
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Palouse, where vast wheat fields meet endless skies, Moscow, Idaho has long been a hub for artists, writers, and creative thinkers. At the heart of this vibrant community stands the University of Idaho, whose historic campus provides both inspiration and opportunity for the next generation of storytellers.
The University of Idaho’s Creative Writing Program, part of the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, is nationally recognized for its rigorous curriculum and close-knit mentorship model. Graduate students pursue MFA degrees in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, working directly with award-winning faculty whose publications have appeared in major presses and leading literary journals. The program emphasizes not only craft but also professional development, preparing writers for publication, teaching, and literary careers.
Writers benefit from Moscow’s thriving arts scene, the long-running Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and proximity to independent publishers and literary events across the Northwest. The program’s annual Visiting Writer Series brings acclaimed authors to campus for readings and workshops, giving students direct access to influential voices shaping contemporary literature. In this blend of natural beauty, intellectual rigor, and artistic community, the University of Idaho has cultivated a legacy of creativity that continues to resonate far beyond the Palouse.
A Thriving Artistic Community Celebrating the Arts
Moscow’s vibrant artistic culture reaches far beyond its exceptional creative writing programs, which are indeed worth writing home about. Each year, the town hosts vibrant events celebrating the arts, including the Moscow Artwalk, where local galleries, businesses, and community spaces transform into art showcases. The annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival brings world-class musicians and enthusiastic audiences to the area, adding rhythm and vibrancy to the creative scene.
The University of Idaho also sponsors the Palouse Fiction Fest, a celebration of storytelling featuring readings, panel discussions, and workshops led by nationally acclaimed authors. The university’s Prichard Art Gallery, located downtown, regularly features innovative exhibitions and hosts public receptions that attract art lovers from across the region.
Inspiration Around Every Corner
On campus, students engage with the arts through the Hemingway Festival, honoring the literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway with readings, competitions, and community discussions. Additionally, the Idaho Repertory Theatre and the Lionel Hampton School of Music provide live performances year-round, enriching the creative ecosystem that supports emerging writers.
Within this artistic haven, the University of Idaho’s Creative Writing Program serves as a literary cornerstone, fostering storytelling in all its forms. Students draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the town’s progressive spirit, and the university’s thriving arts community. This seamless integration of campus and community creates an environment where literary ambition flourishes, stories take shape, and artistic careers are built.
A Creative Sanctuary
Strolling through Moscow’s historic downtown feels like stepping into a living storybook. Cozy coffee shops hum with conversation as writers and artists gather around worn wooden tables, sharing inspiration over expertly brewed cups of coffee. Independent bookstores, brimming with literary treasures, invite visitors to lose themselves among shelves packed with classic novels, contemporary fiction, and local authors’ works. The town’s renowned Saturday farmer’s market bursts with life, offering fresh produce, artisan crafts, and the cheerful strains of live music that echo through the streets.
The town’s creative spirit flows naturally onto the University of Idaho’s picturesque campus, where history and art merge in perfect harmony. Ivy-clad buildings with grand stone facades frame peaceful writing nooks, shaded benches, and open lawns that invite quiet reflection and creative thought. The campus itself feels like an extension of the town’s artistic heartbeat, a space where ideas are cultivated and stories take root.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing program provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring writers. Students immerse themselves in workshops across genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and experimental forms. They explore the art of storytelling while developing analytical skills through in-depth literary studies and craft-based courses.
Curriculum: The undergraduate curriculum blends creative writing workshops with courses in literary analysis, narrative theory, and craft-based seminars. Students explore various genres, such as speculative fiction, memoir, and hybrid forms, while honing their craft under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Course Requirements: The program’s core courses include introductory and advanced workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, complemented by classes in literary theory and creative writing electives. Senior capstone projects provide an opportunity for students to produce substantial creative works with close mentorship from faculty, culminating in a professional portfolio ready for publication or advanced study.
Professional Development: Students gain valuable editorial and publishing experience by contributing to the university’s literary journal and participating in local literary festivals and community writing projects.
Graduate Programs
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing
For those seeking advanced literary training, the University of Idaho's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing offers a terminal degree recognized as one of the most prestigious credentials in the field. MFA candidates focus on fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction through rigorous workshops, craft seminars, and individualized thesis development. They collaborate closely with accomplished faculty mentors, producing polished, publication-ready works.
The Creative Writing MFA Program at the University of Idaho stands as the premier, fully-funded, three-year MFA program of the Northwest. Nestled near the panhandle of northern Idaho at the foothills of Moscow Mountain, the program provides the time, space, and support needed to master the traditions, techniques, and practices of nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. Each student graduates as the author of a manuscript of publishable quality, following a rigorous process of thesis development and public defense.
Spring in Moscow brings with it cherry blossoms, snowmelt in Paradise Creek, and the remarkable achievements of thesis-year students within their esteemed program. At the heart of the University of Idaho's Creative Writing Program is a dedicated faculty of active, published writers who are passionate about teaching and mentorship, guiding students through every step of their creative journey.
Curriculum: The graduate curriculum emphasizes literary mastery through genre-specific workshops, literature seminars, and professional development courses. The program culminates in a book-length thesis developed under close faculty mentorship, with faculty members encouraging students to explore multiple genres to broaden their perspectives, deepen their knowledge, and enhance their writing abilities.
Course Requirements: The program’s core courses include introductory and advanced workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, complemented by classes in literary theory and creative writing electives. Senior capstone projects provide an opportunity for students to produce substantial creative works with close mentorship from faculty, culminating in a professional portfolio ready for publication or advanced study.
Faculty: The University of Idaho’s Creative Writing faculty includes award-winning authors, poets, and literary scholars dedicated to nurturing emerging writers. Faculty members are active in the literary world, publishing acclaimed works and contributing to national literary conversations. Visit the University of Idaho Creative Writing Faculty page for more information.
Literary Community: Moscow’s vibrant arts scene enhances the program’s literary community. Students participate in readings, literary festivals, and community writing projects. The university also hosts a renowned Visiting Writers Series, bringing celebrated authors and industry professionals to campus for readings, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Enrollment Data: The program has a selective admissions process, accepting a limited number of undergraduate and graduate students each year. Its intimate size ensures personalized attention, close mentorship, and a strong sense of literary camaraderie.
Admissions: Admission to the Creative Writing Program is competitive, requiring a portfolio submission, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. For complete application guidelines, deadlines, and financial aid opportunities, visit the University of Idaho Creative Writing Admissions page.
Much like the surrounding landscape of Moscow, where fields meet sky in a seamless expanse, the University of Idaho’s Creative Writing Program offers limitless possibilities for creative growth. Its close-knit community, inspired by the town’s progressive spirit and deeply artistic culture, fosters an environment where stories flourish. With dedicated faculty, a comprehensive curriculum, and a rich literary network, the program provides aspiring writers with the mentorship, tools, and inspiration needed to succeed in the ever-evolving world of creative writing. Here, literary careers are not just built—they are cultivated, nurtured, and set on a path toward boundless potential.
University of Idaho, College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
Director of Graduate Studies: Alexandra Teague
Address: 875 Perimeter Dr, Moscow, ID 83844
Phone: 208-885-4001
Genres of Study: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Top Authors: Kim Barnes, Robert Wrigley
Average Cost of Attendance: $9,396 (in-state), $29,112 (out-of-state) per year
Funding Opportunities: Full Tuition Waivers, Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships
Residency Options: Full residency (on-campus)
Request More Information: For more details about the University of Idaho’s Graduate Creative Writing Program, contact the Graduate Admissions Office directly.
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