Low residency Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University
At Western Colorado University, we believe that becoming a writer shouldn’t be a lonely endeavor. Our low-residency Graduate Program in Creative Writing is designed as a literary home, a place where your unique voice is met with the warmth of a vibrant, deeply human community. We’ve moved intentionally away from the isolation of traditional "packet" programs; instead, we prioritize live, interactive engagement and a culture of radical support. From your first day, you aren’t just a student in a digital queue—you are a vital part of a collective of artists who value the precision of a poem, the heartbeat of a landscape, and the power of a story well-told. The true magic of our program lies in the personalized mentorship that flourishes here. Our faculty are not just "industry leaders"—they are practicing writers and mentors who bring a genuine love for the craft to every conversation. Whether we are gathered for our intensive summer residencies in the breathtaking heart of the Colorado Rockies or connecting through real-time workshops during the academic year, we offer a confluence of professional rigor and creative soul. Here, your journey is respected, your vision is protected, and your growth is championed by a community that remains your home long after the final page is turned.
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Core Faculty
Notable Alumni
Erica Reid
Phil Coleman
Matt EdwardsTestimonials
“The GPCW, and the Nature Writing concentration specifically, was a safe space where we could be genuine and vulnerable, free to explore our creativity in ways that surprised us while strengthening our skills in a variety of genres. I made lifelong friendships with fellow writers whose opinions I trust. It’s a community and a network of connections that will serve one another throughout our writing careers.”
Anita, Nature Writing
“I recommend this program to anyone who needs flexibility and wants to be able to interact with other students and the instructors. The Zoom classes make me feel that I am there with others; it is a special part of my week. The instructors are so understanding and caring for the student; they are amazing.”
Charlie, Poetry
“This program will jumpstart your writing career. The classes will transform you and help you become a stronger writer. The program creates a safe space for diverse voices and backgrounds. It is a supportive program for someone with a family, caretakers, or for people who work full time. You will be treated with love and respect.”
Tali, Genre Fiction
“Not only were my instructors professional and experts in their field, they were also kind and wanted all of their students to succeed. I went from knowing nothing about the publishing industry to starting my own publishing company within 6 months. Since graduating in 2022, I have published over 10 books with my publishing company, Bow’s Bookshelf.”
Anna, Publishing
“The program in Screenwriting appealed to me over other colleges because of the location of Western. Other colleges require attendance in large cities, so the motto of ‘We bring Hollywood to you’ sold me on attending.”
Bryant, Screenwriting
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Life at Low residency Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University
