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Build a Career in Writing and Communication

APU’s Creative Writing programs offer an unequaled educational environment, set within the inspiring Alaska landscape where students are encouraged to write, create, and explore their voice. With possibilities that span traditional genres such as poetry, fiction, and playwriting, as well as contemporary forms including prose poetry, screenwriting, and graphic novels, students are supported in developing both creative range and craft. The professional writing focus further prepares students for careers in professional editing, digital content development, and organizational communication, equipping them with practical skills to succeed in a wide variety of writing-related fields.

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Creative & Professional Writing

Bachelor of Arts

Develop foundational and advanced creative writing skills, including character development, world-building, story structure, dialogue, imagery, and narrative perspective
Refine your unique voice through hands-on writing projects, peer critiques, and feedback from experienced writers
Learn how to navigate the publishing landscape, including traditional, independent, and emerging publication pathways
Gain insight into modern media, content creation, and the role of social media in communication and storytelling
Build the technical skills, confidence, and professional knowledge needed to advance your writing practice and share your work with broader audiences

The Creative & Professional Writing undergraduate degree at APU provides a strong foundation for students who love storytelling, poetry, essays, blogging, or crafting narratives of any kind, helping them turn their passion for writing into a professional career. The program prepares students with practical skills for fields such as publishing, journalism, marketing, communications, and digital media. Students also explore how to shape ideas across platforms, including social media, while gaining opportunities to connect with experienced writers and industry professionals. With supportive mentorship and a dynamic learning environment in an exceptional location, the program equips students with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed as writers and communicators.

Career Opportunities

Copywriting
Content Strategy & Creation
Editing & Publishing
Technical Writing
Journalism & Media
Social Media Specialist

Creative Writing Workshop

In a workshop environment, students explore the creative writing process and its outcomes, with an emphasis on individual development as a writer. Students work as both writers and peer readers, each focusing on the completion of a major writing project.

Publication Workshop

This seminar provides students with the know-how, guidance, confidence, and support needed to navigate the publication process. With a focus on the rapidly evolving publication and distribution systems of the 21st century, students conduct independent online research, share findings with peers, and explore a range of publication and placement opportunities.

Mass Communication in the Age of Social Media

This seminar emphasizes understanding how media influences individuals and communities, how mass communication is shaped by content creation and information distribution through social media, and how to create effective content for social media platforms.

Core Competencies

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

Foundational Studies

Written Communication
Presentation & Media Literacy
Critical Thinking
Computation
Creative Endeavors
Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings
Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry
Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility

Major Studies

Topics in Humanities
Topics in Social Sciences
Epistemology
Quantitative Reasoning
Applied Technical or Writing Intensive
Publication Workshop

Focused Electives

Introduction to Creative Writing
Creative Writing Workshop
Advanced Creative Writing
Introduction to Literature & Humanities
Senior Project Proposal

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

Low-residency, 36-credit MFA designed for working writers seeking flexibility and intensive artistic development. Focus on advancing personal writing goals and developing publishable work
Combines online learning with immersive summer residencies on APU’s Anchorage campus. Summer residencies feature workshops, seminars, lectures, panels, readings, and collaborative critique sessions
Personalized, one-on-one mentorship through individualized study plans
Completed over two years and three summer residencies

The low-residency MFA is a 36-credit program that combines intensive, individualized study with on-campus summer residencies of approximately two weeks, introduced by online learning sessions and featuring workshops, seminars, lectures, panels, and readings. During the residencies, students engage in constructive critique while developing their artistic intuition. Fall and spring semesters are structured around one-on-one, mentor-directed study plans designed to advance individual writing goals and refine craft with the aim of producing publishable work. Over the course of two years and three summers, students gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen genre—fiction, literary nonfiction, or poetry—while situating their work within a broader literary tradition. Through residencies on APU’s campus, the program also honors the Dena’ina people, their traditional lands, and Alaska Native storytelling traditions that continue to inspire contemporary writers.

Career Opportunities

Writing Professor
Copywriting
Content Strategy & Creation
Editing & Publishing
Freelance Writer
Freelance Editor
Technical writing
Public Relations Specialists
Marketing Specialist
Teacher

Over the course of two years and three months, students complete a thesis of at least 100 pages of prose or 48 pages of poetry, along with an annotated bibliography of at least 40 works and a minimum of 20 pages of thesis essay. This structured timeline is designed to help applicants understand the full scope of the program expectations and what they are committing to, while also supporting enrolled students in tracking progress and ensuring they remain on course toward successful completion.

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. The summer session begins with a General Welcome Meeting on Monday, May 5, followed by asynchronous online instruction that allows students to complete assignments at their own pace before coming together on campus for an intensive from July 12–23. Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, poetry, blogging, or professional communications, the program provides the skills, inspiration, and connections needed to thrive in an exceptional learning environment.

SUMMER READING SERIES SUMMER SCHEDULE RESIDENCY SCHEDULE

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