Why study at CalArts?

Emphasis on Experimentation and Innovation
Founded on principles of experimentation and artistic risk-taking, the MFA Writing Program encourages and supports work that challenges conventional genres and practices. The program invites students to take the practice of writing in new directions-including innovative configurations of writing with other art forms.

Diverse Faculty of Writers and Scholars
The School of Critical Studies features distinguished writers and scholars working in both new and traditional forms across a wide variety of disciplines, extending from narrative fiction to practices in multimedia.

Personal Attention
The low student-faculty ratio and small class sizes allow for individualized instruction. Every writing student works closely with his or her mentor, a faculty member who serves as that student's artistic and academic advisor.

Flexible Programs
Designed by writers for writers, the MFA Writing Program is flexible enough to accommodate the individual creative interests of each student.

Visiting Writers and Guest Artists
Through its extensive visiting artist series, the MFA Writing Program invites acclaimed fiction writers, poets, theorists, journalists, performers and visual artists to share their experiences and insights. Writing students also attend numerous lectures and workshops presented through other CalArts Schools.

Dedicated Computer Lab
The MFA Writing Program maintains its own computer lab. This facility features PCs and Macintosh computers, high-quality laser and color printers, scanners, digital cameras, and audio and visual editing software and equipment.

Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Projects
CalArts encourages cross-pollination in the arts. In addition to collaborations within the School of Critical Studies, writing students can work with visual artists, graphic designers, filmmakers, animators, video artists, composers, musicians, choreographers, actors and directors throughout CalArts.

Teaching Assistantships
The MFA Writing Program offers students extensive opportunities to assist in teaching undergraduate classes.

Community Arts Partnership (CAP)
Many MFA writing students also gain valuable experience by teaching CAP workshops and classes at community art centers and public schools throughout Los Angeles County.

MFA Writing Program web site
writing.calarts.edu