man researching in the woods in the fall

Writing in Scenic Alaska

We offer an unequaled educational environment, and the amazing Alaska landscape, within which to write and be inspired. The possibilities are endless. From traditional genres such as poetry, fiction, and playwriting, to newer genres including prose poetry, screen writing and graphic novels. The professional writing focus offers students the opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of professional editing, digital content development, and organizational communication.

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Creative & Professional Writing

Bachelor of Arts

This program immerses students in the writing experience, providing them with the opportunity to refine their chosen genres and discover their literary voice in a supportive workshop environment. Creative writing encompasses a wide range of literary forms, from traditional genres like poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction to playwriting, prose poetry, screenwriting, and graphic novels. On the technical side, professional writing emphasizes publishing expertise, editing skills, digital content development, and organizational communication, preparing students for success in a variety of creative and professional fields.

Whether you love storytelling, enjoy crafting poems or essays, want to develop your writing skills, or have been blogging about your experiences, the Creative & Professional Writing undergraduate degree provides the foundation to turn your passion into a career. This program equips students with the skills to succeed in fields like publishing, journalism, marketing, and digital media. If you’re interested in shaping ideas through social media, breaking into the communications industry, or connecting with accomplished writers, this degree offers the tools, mentorship, and inspiration you need—all in an incredible location.

Creative & Professional Writing students will:

Write
Develop critical thinking skills
Enhance effective communication skills
Build a portfolio
Learn about publishing
Gain work-ready skills
Create publication-ready content

In addition to students who have gone on to graduate school, students who focus on writing have become:

Technical writers for engineering firms
Public relations specialists
Business owners
Teachers
Managers for non-profit organizations
Editors
Writers

Creative Writing Workshop

In a workshop environment, students investigate the creative writing process and its products, with emphasis on the individual student’s development as a writer. Students work as writers and peer readers, with each individual focused on completion of a major project.

Publication Workshop

This seminar provides the student with know-how, guidance, confidence, and camaraderie to navigate the publication process. Looking at the rapidly changing publication and distribution systems of the 21st century, students conduct their own online research, present their findings to their peers, and reveal publication and placement options.

Mass Communication in the Age of Social Media

Emphasis in this seminar is placed on understanding how media influences individuals and communities as well as how mass communication is being shaped by content creation and information distribution through social media.

Core Competencies

Effective Communication
Critical Thinking
Cultural & Historical Perspective
Scientific Inquiry
Ethical Engagement

Foundational Studies

Written Communication (4)
Presentation & Media Literacy (3-4)
Critical Thinking (3-4)
Computation (3-4)
Creative Endeavors (4)
Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings (3-4)
Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry (4)
Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry (3-4)
Social Responsibility (2)
Personal Responsibility (1-2)

Major Studies

Topics in Humanities (4)
Topics in Social Sciences (4)
Epistemology (4)
Quantitative Reasoning (3-4)
Applied Technical or Writing Intensive (3-4)
Publication Workshop (3)

Focused Electives

Introduction to Creative Writing (4)
Creative Writing Workshop (4)
Advanced Creative Writing (4)
Introduction to Literature & Humanities (4)
Senior Project Proposal (2)

Self-Determined Studies

Students are encouraged to pursue a minor, double major, EcoLeague exchange, or other distinguishing study programs to add to the Creative & Professional Writing major.

Degree Completion

128 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self-determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

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Creative Writing

Master of Fine Arts

Reading and writing, masterfully and creatively, are more essential today than ever before. Whether you love a good novel, have written poems or stories, want dedicated time to write, or have been blogging about your travels and experiences, the Creative & Professional Writing major offers the focus, skills, and creative energy to help you thrive. If you’re looking to break into the communications field, shape ideas through social media, or connect with successful writers, this program provides the tools and inspiration you need, all in an incredible location.

The low-residency MFA is a 36-credit program that combines intensive, individualized study with on-campus summer residencies. These summer residencies, approximately two weeks in length, are introduced by online learning sessions and include workshops, seminars, lectures, panels, and readings. During this time, students engage in the process of giving and receiving constructive feedback, all while nurturing an artistic intuition to guide them beyond their studies.

Fall and Spring semesters involve one-on-one, mentor-directed study plans designed to advance individual writing goals. As students work through these study plans, they refine their craft with the aim of producing publishable works.

Over the course of two years and three summers, students gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen genre—fiction, literary nonfiction, or poetry—while exploring their place among the notable writers who have come before them. Through residencies on APU’s campus, the program honors the Dena’ina people and their traditional lands, as well as the Alaska Native storytelling traditions that have thrived and continue to inspire.

Doctorate Program
Writing Instructor
Freelance Writer and/or Editor

Over the course of two years and three months, students will work toward completing a thesis of at least 100 pages of prose or 48 pages of poetry, an annotated bibliography of at least 40 works, and at least 20 pages of thesis essay. For the program applicant, this detailed graduation plan timeline should answer the question, “What am I getting myself into?” For the enrolled student, it should answer the question, “Am I on the right track?”

MFA PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Summer Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
Personal Statement
Portfolio of Work
Letters of Recommendation

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

Program start: May 2026
Summer Residency Week: Saturday, July 11 – Wednesday, July 22

The Creative & Professional Writing master’s program at APU offers a dynamic blend of independent study and immersive learning. Kicking off with a General Welcome Meeting on Monday, May 5, the summer session begins with asynchronous online instruction, allowing students to complete assignments at their own pace before gathering on campus for an intensive from July 12–23. Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, poetry, blogging, or professional communications, this program provides the skills, inspiration, and connections needed to thrive—all in an incredible location.

SUMMER READING SERIES SUMMER SCHEDULE RESIDENCY SCHEDULE

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