BFA in Creative WritingBFA in Creative Writing
The low residency BFA in Creative Writing is a 120 credit program open to upper division transfer students who have already completed approximately 60 liberal arts credits. Students may be eligible to earn advanced standing through a combination of transfer credits and/or credits awarded for prior learning and experience through Goddard’s Assessment of Prior Learning Process. Students just beginning their undergraduate studies can begin in Goddard’s low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program before transferring to the low residency BFA in Creative Writing Program.
Goddard College’s new low residency Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is designed specifically for students who are passionate about writing and committed to making it the center of their lives. Goddard’s BFA in Creative Writing is the first low residency BFA program in the country, allowing students to develop their craft in an environment of independent, student-centered learning. Studies in the program combine in-depth craft development and critical genre studies with a progressive liberal arts education. Students begin each semester with an eight-day residency, and carry out the work of the program in their own community, supported by a faculty advisor. Graduates of the program interested in continuing their studies at the masters level receive special consideration for admission into Goddard’s low residency MFA in Creative Writing program.
Work of the Program The low residency BFA in Creative Writing Program is designed to support students as they develop their craft as creative writers with a commitment to professional excellence. In addition, students demonstrate and articulate their understanding and application of craft through critical thinking and literary criticism.
Each semester begins with an eight-day intensive residency, during which students attend workshops on genre and craft, readings, visiting writer presentations, and group study meetings. During the residency, students plan the work they will carry out during the semester, maintaining close communication with faculty advisors.
During the semester, low residency BFA in Creative Writing students complete five packets of written work and engage in dialogue with their advisor, who offers feedback, constructive criticism, advice, and support. In addition, students participate in faculty-led online group studies and edit the low residency BFA in Creative Writing Program’s literary journal. Over the course of the program, students produce a full-length, professional quality manuscript in their chosen genre.
The Faculty The low residency BFA in Creative Writing faculty are published writers
committed to excellence in craft and development of individual voice.
Students work closely with faculty advisors during each residency to
plan the work of the semester. Students continue this supportive and
sustaining mentorship throughout the semester, benefiting from the
experience, insights, and critical readership of their advisor.
The Residency Students in the low residency BFA in Creative Writing Program begin the
semester with an eight day residency on the Goddard College campus in
Central Vermont. During the residency students develop their learning
goals and plan the work of the semester one-on-one with their faculty
advisor, and through small advising group meetings. Goddard’s low
residency format facilitates flexibility and mobility throughout the
semester. Each residency offers workshops on genre and writing craft,
as well as readings, seminars, and discussions with visiting writers.
Students can also share their creative work with fellow students and
faculty through residency readings. The BFA in Creative Writing Program shares its residency with the BA in Individualized Studies Program. |
Welcome from Program Director Lucinda Garthwaite