UMass Amherst MFA for Poets & Writers

The program's 60 hours of coursework is designed to allow students to focus on craft, immerse themselves in study of diverse literatures, and pursue individual concentrations. Students work closely with faculty members to develop book-length manuscripts, a factor that feeds directly to the outstanding publishing record of our graduates. Teaching opportunities in both creative writing and the teaching of composition give our students excellent preparation for the academic job market. Through the Juniper Initiative for Literary Arts, students gain significant professional experience in arts administration, literary festivals, summer workshops, as well as with online and print journals, presses and publishers associated with the University, the region, and our alumni around the world. Located within easy commutes to New York and Boston, our community is known for its vibrant art, music, and dance venues, used and new bookstores, working farms, and restaurants. We're fortunate to have neighbors and organizations devoted to supporting the literary arts. These include Amherst Books, Broadside Books, Emily Dickinson Museum, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Grey Matter Books, Jones Library, Montague Bookmill, Odyssey Bookshop, and the Poetry Center at Smith College.