MFA in Writing
Read. Write. Be Read.
One of the top low-residency programs in the country, the Bennington Writing Seminars is a two-year, rigorous exploration of craft. You commit as much to reading as to writing and critical literary analysis. You create bold new works of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, and may work in a dual-genre. You finish with a polished thesis and a critical paper. All this with the expert 1:1 guidance of acclaimed authors who develop a stake in your work. Our alumni, faculty, students, and staff publish work at the highest levels. Applications accepted March 1 and September 1.
Models & Mentors
Our faculty-student ratio of 1:1 provides true mentorship. You work closely with a faculty member who is an accomplished writer and a distinguished teacher.
Develop Your Skills
You may focus on one or more genres at Bennington. While most choose to specialize in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, others work across two genres through our Dual-Genre Degree.
Apply
You may apply to begin during either of the 10-day residency sessions: Summer 2025 term (residency: June 5–15, 2025) or Winter 2026 term (residency: January 8–18, 2026). Application deadlines are March 1 to begin in June and September 1 to begin in January. We hold virtual info sessions in January and July.
Inclusive Community
We are committed to increasing access to our program for students from diverse backgrounds and to building community through sustained dialogue and practice. We offer scholarships, and fund the emerging voices we want to support and read.
Outcomes
Bennington offer a self-directed pace that allows you to develop a sustainable, lifelong writing practice. We know how important it is for MFA students to gain teaching experience so we've developed the Residential Teaching Fellows program—a first-of-its-kind teaching opportunity among low residency MFA programs, among others.
Scholarships, Fellowships, Loans
We offer a range of scholarships and federal financial aid loans. All applicants are considered for merit scholarships. Please contact us with any questions.
What Our Faculty Members Say
Nonfiction faculty member and MFA alum Hugh Ryan explains how the low-residency format worked for him.
