Why Pursue a Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing?

Person in orange sweater writing on a laptop


For aspiring writers, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing Holy Family university can be a transformative step toward honing their craft and building a professional network. Among the various formats available, the low-residency MFA has gained popularity for its flexibility and unique benefits, and the MFA at Holy Family University is unique in the way that it offers both professionalization and an emphasis on craft.

Flexibility to Balance Life and Art

One of the standout advantages of a low-residency MFA at Holy Family University is its ability to accommodate busy schedules. Our program is designed for individuals who may have jobs, families, or other commitments that make traditional, full-time study difficult. With a low-residency model, most of the coursework is completed remotely, allowing students to engage in creative work from anywhere while maintaining their personal and professional responsibilities.

Intensive Learning During Residencies

While much of the program happens online, our low-residency MFA incorporates short, immersive residencies on campus at HFU. These residencies—typically lasting 4 days—are packed with workshops, lectures, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers. The condensed, focused format fosters an intensive environment where students can deeply engage with their writing and receive invaluable feedback. We also have digital residencies during the semester where you connect with your peers and learn from leading writers around the country.

Personalized Mentorship

Our low-residency program emphasizes one-on-one mentorship, providing students with dedicated guidance from accomplished writers. This mentorship fosters a tailored educational experience, allowing students to focus on their specific creative goals and challenges. The close, sustained relationship with a mentor can be a catalyst for artistic growth and professional development. You will leave the program with a full-length manuscript that is ready for publication.

Building a Supportive Community

Writing can be a solitary endeavor, but a low-residency MFA at Holy Family University connects students to a vibrant community of writers. Through online workshops, forums, and residencies, students form meaningful connections with peers and faculty, creating a network of support that often extends beyond the program. This sense of camaraderie can be invaluable for motivation and inspiration.

Preparing for a Writing Career

In addition to refining your craft, the low-residency MFA at Holy Family provides opportunities to explore the business side of writing. Our program includes opportunities to pursue work in publishing, teaching, and other professional pathways, equipping graduates with the tools to build sustainable writing careers.

A Commitment to Your Craft

Ultimately, pursuing a low-residency MFA signals a commitment to your growth as a writer. It provides the structure, mentorship, and community to help you take your creative work to the next level—all while fitting seamlessly into your existing life.

If you’re looking for a way to pursue your passion without putting the rest of your life on hold, a low-residency MFA in Creative Writing at Holy Family University is the perfect choice. It’s an investment in your talent, your dreams, and your future.

Assistant Professor/Director of MFA Program

English | School of Arts & Sciences

Keith Kopka

Keith Kopka received the Tampa Review Prize for his collection of poems, Count Four (University of Tampa Press, 2020). His poetry and criticism have recently appeared in American Poetry Review, New Ohio Review, The International Journal of the Book, and many other journals. The recipient of the International Award for Excellence from the Books, Publishing, and Libraries Research Network, he is also the author of the critical texts Asking a Shadow to Dance: An Introduction to the Practice of Poetry (GRL, 2018) and Crossing Disciplines: A Cross-Curricular Writing Guide (Kendall Hunt, 2022). His work has been supported by the MacDowell Foundation, Centrum, and the Vermont Studio Center. Kopka is a senior editor for Narrative magazine and Director of the low-res MFA at Holy Family University in Philadelphia.