penn state mfa creative writing

Creative Writing at PENN STATE

2024-25 Creative Writing Reading Series Announced

We’re excited to announce next year’s line-up for our creative writing reading series, which includes the Mary E. Rolling Reading Series, the Emily Dickinson Lectureship in Creative Writing, and the Fisher […]

Maggie Dressler Wins 2024 AWP Intro Journals Award

Maggie Dressler, a recent graduate of the BAMA program, was selected as a winner of the 2024 Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Intro Journals Project for her essay […]

Congratulations to 2024 BA/MA Graduates!

On Friday, April 19, 2024, the Penn State creative writing community gathered to listen to excerpts from the final projects by nine BA/MA students who will graduate with their MA […]

Rolling Reading Series 4/11: CHRISTINE HUME, Essayist, Poet, Penn State Alum

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Essayist, poet, and Penn State grad Christine Hume will offer a reading as part of this year’s Mary E. Rolling Reading Series. The reading, which is […]

Kasdorf Honored for Contributions to Literature of Northern Appalachia

At its 2024 conference, held March 15-16 at St. Francis University in Loretto, PA, the Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia (WCoNA) honored professor and poet Julia Spicher Kasdorf with its […]

Sustainability Showcase Events: Poet and Author Heather Swan 3/22-23

On March 22 and 23, Penn State Sustainability is offering several events featuring eco-poet, nonfiction nature writer, and professor Heather Swan. Swan will be joining Penn State for these events, […]

Julianna Baggott Speaks On Process and Craft

Julianna Baggott Reading (photo credit: Dana Lynch)      During the week of January 22nd, Penn State welcomed best-selling author Julianna Baggott as the 2024 Fisher Family Writer-in-Residence. Baggott has […]

Matthew Salesses Visits Penn State

During a visit to Penn State the week of February 19,  award-winning novelist Matthew Salesses interacted with students and faculty during a fiction-writing class visit, a panel discussion on the […]

Rolling Reading Series presents poets Julia Spicher Kasdorf and C.S. Giscombe 3/21

Penn State professor Julia Spicher Kasdorf and former colleague C.S. Giscombe will offer a poetry reading and discussion as part of the Mary E. Rolling Reading Series. The reading is […]

Rolling Reading Series and Department of English Present Two Events with Matthew Salesses February 21 & 22

Author Matthew Salesses will offer a reading as part of this year’s Mary E. Rolling Reading Series. The reading, which is free and open to the public, will take place […]

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Art, M.F.A.

M.F.A. in Art

TODO FIXME : DRAFT : WORK IN PROGRESS

Envision. advance. explore. amplify your artistic voice..

Your artistic vision is becoming a reality with each work you produce, and you are prepared to solidify your place in the evolving art world. Our world-class faculty is eager to help. In a highly specialized atmosphere that offers the tools and support you need to grow, Penn State School of Visual Arts is the ideal place to explore your strengthening artistic voice.

Program Application Deadline

The deadline for applications for AY 2023–24 is January 15, 2023.

To be assured full consideration, please apply by this deadline. The M.F.A. program application requires submission of a portfolio of work, details are available via the SoVA SlideRoom link below.

SoVA M.F.A. – SlideRoom

Earn a Master of Fine Arts in Art at Penn State

Do you see your art having an impact we do..

The M.F.A. in Art offers concentrations in ceramics, drawing and painting, new media, photography, and sculpture. An M.F.A. in Art with a concentration in graphic design is jointly support by the Department of Graphic Design in the Stuckeman School and the School of Visual Arts.

Our program is recognized for emphasizing excellence in the study and production of visual art and cultural engagement. We embrace the reality that the art world has changed radically in recent years, and we strive to produce professional artists who are prepared to navigate those changes.

The School of Visual Arts requires completion of a minimum of 60 credits to earn the M.F.A. in Art. Of the 60 credits required for graduation, candidates are expected to complete 30 credits in a major area of concentration, 12 credits in art history and critical studies, 10 credits in related areas, and 8 credits in graduate seminar. No more than 10 credits may be transferred from other accredited graduate institutions.

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission . Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies .

The Master of Fine Arts program in art, with its emphasis on professional study, is designed for the mature individual who by previous training and study has sufficiently prepared for the undertaking. It is strongly suggested that applicants have a minimum of 12 credits of art history at the undergraduate level. Any qualified student holding a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution may seek admission. The School of Visual Arts requires a minimum of 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) for admission to the master of fine arts program. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests, at the discretion of the program.

In addition to the previous requirements, all applicants must submit:

• A portfolio of his/her work to illustrate his/her preparation for graduate study. A portfolio of digital images, rather than actual work, is required. A selection of no fewer than twenty examples should be presented. The majority should be in the area of the applicant’s interest.
• A statement of professional aims. This statement should include the applicant’s intentions for his/her proposed study. Some indications of his/her philosophy, beliefs, and goals in regard to education and art should give evidence that he/she is prepared to undertake the work outlined for the Master of Fine Arts program.
• Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s scholarship and ability to work independently.

https://bulletins.psu.edu

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies .

The School of Visual Arts requires a minimum total of 60 credits at the 400, 500, or 800 level, with a minimum of 24 credits at the 500 level, for the Master of Fine Arts degree. Not more than 10 credits may be transferred from other accredited graduate institutions, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Of the 60 credits required for graduation, candidates are expected to complete the following distribution of credits: 30 credits in a major area of concentration, 12 credits in art history and critical studies, 10 credits in related areas, and 8 credits in graduate seminar ( ART 505 ).

In addition to course work, M.F.A. candidates must pass a candidacy review, which is usually held at the end of the second semester of study, submit an artist’s statement, pass the M.F.A. comprehensive oral examination and produce an M.F.A. exhibition. The approval of the M.F.A exhibition by a candidate’s committee represents the culminating experience of the program.

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Art (ART) Course List

Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of The Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by The Graduate School.

Tom Lauerman

• Associate Professor, MFA Graduate Coordinator

[email protected]

Is the M.F.A in Art right for you?

Our graduates have consistently demonstrated not only the skills traditionally associated with studio production, but also an acute awareness of critical issues in art, shifts within contemporary culture, and developments in the rapidly changing post-industrial age.

Throughout the course work, students will be guided by an invested faculty that encourages interaction among graduate students and faculty across disciplines within the school, the College of Arts and Architecture, and the University.

In addition to course work, M.F.A. in Art candidates must pass a candidacy review, which is usually held at the end of the second semester of study, submit an artist’s statement, pass the M.F.A. comprehensive oral examination and produce an M.F.A. exhibition and public presentation.

Concentrations

With specialized resources and faculty, students will pursue a focused degree from the following concentration areas.

In 2017, U.S News & World Reports ranked Penn State’s Ceramic Art program 12th in the country.

Formed by hand, clay documents the maker’s touch. The eye defines the form and the mind and the heart give the work of art its meaning. The very personal rendering of its elements is what makes a work of art unique. Ceramics at Penn State welcomes both functional potters-and sculptors alike. It provides each student with the tools needed to find and pursue his or her artistic vision in a professional manner.

In order to lay a foundation of technical knowledge we teach traditional ceramics techniques including, clay mixing, hand-building, wheel throwing, mold making, slip casting, glazing, and kiln firing. Building on these basic techniques, the student is gradually encouraged take ownership of where he/she finds indispensable meaning. Readings, discussions, slide presentations, and visiting artists, augment this process. Diverse faculty interests and approaches add to the educational experience by providing a wide swath of reference materials, which include contemporary theory, artists, exhibition practices, and criticism. Attendance and participation in related conferences and symposia is seriously encouraged. Over time, the making process takes on a life of its’ own. Craft and art conventions merge, sometimes leading to investigations outside of those strongly embedded in the traditions of ceramics. The cross disciplinary nature of a diverse art education builds freely upon the foundational knowledge learned at the front end.

At all levels, ceramic history and contemporary art criticism are taught in conjunction with working techniques arid practical studio skills to enable the students to graduate as thinking artists with a notion of their own artistic voice. Many of our alumni have been offered a variety of professional opportunities including graduate school, residencies, apprenticeships, and teaching opportunities. A great percentage continue in their ceramic art making. Ceramics at Penn State has artistic professionalism at its core.

The Drawing and Painting area is dedicated to an inter-disciplinary, pluralistic, and multimedia approach to art making that embraces painting, drawing, installation, performance, video, and computer-generated image making, as well as web based art and other yet to be determined art forms. The Drawing and Painting area encourages theoretical and personal inquiry into all forms of art, while maintaining the practice of painting as a cultural site from which critical thinking about art can commence. Figurative, non-figurative, abstract, text-based, systems-based ad deconstructive forms of painting and drawing encouraged. Development of a knowledge of the history of art and an understanding of current issues affecting art and society are expected, as well as experimentation in materials and format.

The faculty is comprised of individuals of national and international prominence who are dedicated to full participation in professional art activities as well as to teaching. They provide a variety of points-of-view, engage in regularly scheduled open critiques in which the students have an opportunity to present their work. As a studio area, Drawing and Painting) is highly competitive and has produced students that have gone on to the finest graduate schools in the country. The goal of the painting area is to foster dialogue on the place of art in society as well as to equip the undergraduate student with the means necessary to embark upon a career in the visual arts, and ultimately to help deepen their understanding of their own potential as artists within a challenging and quickly evolving world.

Students participate in periodic reviews and are encouraged to submit work for juried exhibitions as part of their professional preparation. The conceptual and technical aspects of student work are expected to deepen as they progress through the program, resulting in a body of work that demonstrates technical facility, aesthetic intent, and depth of meaning.

The M.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design is jointly supported by the Department of Graphic Design in the Stuckeman School and the School of Visual Arts and expands on the skillset mastered at the undergraduate level . The program prepares the designer and design educator of tomorrow to shape and lead the world in which we live through thoughtful, collaborative, and innovative solutions to complex design problems.

The M.F.A. program offers students unique opportunities to work with faculty and students from architecture, landscape architecture, digital photography, sculpture, and new media. Students are provided with a rigorous approach to research-focused problem-solving and are instilled with the process, mindsets, and skills needed to transform the world.

Students who have earned the M.F.A. with a concentration in graphic design are equipped with the design skills, research experience, and expertise to further their careers as both practitioners and educators at the highest level.

The M.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Digital Arts and New Media focuses on the creation, authoring, and exhibition of animated, interactive, and time-based media along with computationally driven work. This interdisciplinary master’s merges arts and technologies and affords students space for intensive self-initiated investigations, artistic production, critical analysis, reflection, and evaluation to cultivate meaningful creative research, thereby enabling students to adapt to the ever-evolving trends in the media fields.

Students have access to a dedicated studio, collaborative spaces, a multitude of digital production equipment, animation and time-based computing lab, and digital fabrication facilities providing essential support for students’ creative journey and exploration of digital arts studio practice and discourse.

Program Faculty are all active artists, designers, and educators with nationally and internationally acclaimed exhibition records and accomplishments.

Students who have earned the M.F.A. with a concentration in Digital Arts and New Media are equipped with the art and design skills, research experience, and expertise to further their careers as both practitioners and educators at the highest level.

The Photography concentration has a fine arts focus and offers an articulated introduction to the breadth and depth of photography as a medium of creative and critical cultural production. The B.F.A. Photography concentration and the B.Des. in Professional Photography are parallel majors offer complementary courses that explore technical and creative components of photography, and also provide courses that offer different purposes and procedures of photography as issues-based and client-based art practices.

The Photography concentration is designed to equip students with a range of conceptual and technical skills and knowledge that will enable them to create photographic works of art that contribute to contemporary issues in cultural production. The sequential curriculum is organized around core objectives varied concepts that are explored and applied in response to personal artistic interests. Strategies used for evaluating the quality of portfolios follow well-accepted criteria. These includes how well students acquire and apply photographic competencies, how well students solve image-making problems, how well students apply innovative thinking to the process of making photographs, how effectively students apply risk taking such as going beyond the original assignments parameters or tackling controversial ideas, and how effectively they synthesize or transform ideas into new unexpected photographs.

The main strengths of the Photography program lie in three areas, students, faculty and curriculum. All three areas intersect. Since photography and photographic imaging are components of many disciplines across the arts and sciences, photography classes tend to attract diverse type of students with wide ranges of interest. Our faculty also represents diverse interests and expertise from fine art photography, documentary, technical and commercial image making modes. We have designed our curriculum to take advantage of the strength of the diversity by offering four degree types to accommodate the range of approached to making and studying photography.

A particular strength of Photography lies in the treatment of various forms of photography we teach as having fine art characteristics. This approach is consistent with photographic history where commercial and fine art approaches to photography often intersect.

Penn State Sculpture is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach to building and thinking, one that celebrates Sculpture’s traditional heritage and forward-thinking position. Our courses and facilities support a broad range of approaches to contemporary sculpture, providing diverse conceptual and technical experiences to prepare individuals for professional careers. The curriculum encourages the development of historical knowledge, technical skills, and conceptual excellence within a contemporary framework.

Our program is characterized by the strength of our students, quality of teaching, and rigorous expectations. At all levels, a critical study of the histories of art and art criticism are stressed, with emphasis placed on current issues in contemporary sculpture. Independent exploration and experimentation are highly valued. From the onset, opportunities are embedded into the program for career advancement and professional practices are taught leading to future accomplishments after school. Our undergraduates, graduates, and alumni are rising stars in the field. They actively exhibit their work and have been offered a variety of professional opportunities including graduate school, residencies, apprenticeships, and teaching opportunities as a result of our professional atmosphere.

Faculty are all active artists, with nationally and internationally acclaimed exhibition records and accomplishments. Each maintain a rigorous studio practice rivaled only by their engagement with teaching and learning. As a cohort, faculty exemplify range and expertise, providing the program with a robust arc of building applications. The Sculpture area’s philosophy of utilizing conceptually appropriate materials and methods is a direct result of the interdisciplinary approaches employed by the faculty in their artwork.

Considering the M.F.A. in Art? Consider this.

Options in ceramics, drawing/painting, graphic design, new media, photography, and sculpture.

• Enjoy the vibrant, collegial environment in Penn State’s Arts District.
• All the resources of a large research university while studying in SoVA’s close-knit community.
• Faculty bring a range of teaching and professional experience from across the country and the world.

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Creative writing at Penn allows students across all four undergraduate schools the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and earn credit by taking courses in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, journalism, children's literature, and more. The creative writing program also works closely with the Kelly Writers House to bring world-renowned authors to campus to share their work, meet with students, and the Philadelphia community.           

Learn more about Creative Writing at Penn.

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Division
• College of Liberal and Professional Studies

Honors Program

English majors with a concentration in Creative Writing are invited to apply to complete a capstone project during senior year to earn Honors in English.

Declaring a major or minor

Declare your major in Creative Writing, your minor in Creative Writing, or your minor in Journalistic Writing in just a few steps.

Fall 2024 courses

Highlights of our Fall 2024 courses include Fantasy and Magical Realism, Writing Real Science, Writing and Politics, Nontraditional Writing for Young Adults, Investigative Journalism, and Writing and Witnessing!

We are home to a faculty of award-winning writers who teach more than sixty workshops each year in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, journalism, playwriting, screenwriting, and writing for children and young adults, as well as innovative workshops in cross-genre, experimental, and hybrid writing, including writing that engages with community organizing, multimedia and visual arts, and performance.

• University of Pennsylvania
• School of Arts and Sciences
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Creative Writing

The English Major with a Concentration in Creative Writing provides students with a solid grounding in literature as well as advanced study in creative writing. Penn’s premier undergraduate creative writing program includes courses in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, writing for children, journalistic writing, and review.

The English Major with a Concentration in Creative Writing consists of 13 courses distibuted as follows:

• 6 courses to complete the English Core
• 3 Creative Writing Seminars—any courses within these ranges: ENGL 0051, 0700-0799, or 3000-3999
• 1 course from The One Series (anything within this range: ENGL 4500-4998)
• 1 Literature Seminar in either Literature Before 1700 (a course with the AEB7 attribute) or Literature Before 1900 (a course with the AEB9 attribute)
• 1 Literature Seminar in any area (this can be an additional Creative Writing Seminar)
• Elective(s)

If you are interested in this concentration, please contact Julia Bloch, Director of Creative Writing ( [email protected] ).

Our faculty of award-winning writers teach more than sixty workshops each year in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, speculative writing, journalism, playwriting, screenwriting, and writing for children and young adults. We also offer a number of innovative workshops in cross-genre, experimental, and hybrid writing, including writing that engages with community organizing, multimedia and visual arts, and performance. Our program is home to for-credit apprenticeships and programs in independent study, a number of student honors and awards, and events throughout the year that are open to the public.

Creative Writing courses as well as the Creative Writing Minor and the Journalistic Writing Minor are open to any student in the four undergraduate schools (College, Wharton, Engineering, Nursing) or in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Additionally, English majors can choose to concentrate in Creative Writing, one of the most popular paths in the English major.

The Creative Writing Program invites visiting writers to the Penn campus for readings and talks, often at the renowned and hospitable literary hub Kelly Writers House. Recent visitors have included poets, fiction writers, screenwriters, playwrights, and memoirists, including Claudia Rankine , John Keene , Margaret Christakos , Rachel Levitsky , Divya Victor , Jenny Zhang , Scott Neustadter , Elizabeth Willis , Maria Dahvana Headley , Bhanu Kapil , Nicole Dennis-Benn , Will Alexander , Edwin Torres , Yolanda Wisher , Paul Lisicky , Madeleine George , Daniel Saldaña París , Rob Sheffield , Lesley Nneka Arimah , Eduardo Espina , and Patterson Hood . We have also hosted a robust roster of journalists from The Washington Post , ProPublica , Politico , The New Yorker , The New York Times, The Atlantic , and elsewhere, including Karen Heller , Brooke Borel , Michael Sokolove , Matthew Nusbaum , Alec MacGillis , Charles M. Blow , Paul Waldman , Ada Calhoun , Patrick Kerkstra , Ariel Levy , and Jennifer Lin .

Rising seniors are encouraged to apply to our Creative Writing Honors Program, through which students complete a capstone project under consultation of a faculty advisor. Through  RealArts@Penn , students are given the opportunity to engage with alumni in writing-related careers and to apply for paid summer internships in creative fields across the country. Each spring, the Creative Writing Program sponsors university-wide writing contests in several categories: poetry, fiction, review, scriptwriting, creative nonfiction, journalistic writing, and translation.

Related Programs and Groups

• Penn's Creative Writing Program
• Kelly Writers House

Penn State University

University Park , PA

http://english.la.psu.edu/graduate/mfa-program

Degrees Offered

Fiction, Poetry, CNF

Residency type

• Lucy Bryan MFA
• Krista Eastman MFA 2010
• Julia Elliott MFA (Fiction) 1996
• Lucy Bryan Green MFA (Fiction) 2011
• Sara Greenslit MFA (Poetry) 1997
• Cary Holladay MA (Fiction) 1982
• Lisa Lanser Rose MFA (Fiction) 1990
• Lauren C. Ostberg MFA (CNF) 2013
• J. David Stevens MFA
• Daniel Story MFA (Poetry) 2011
• Gabriel Welsch MFA (Fiction) 1998

Send questions, comments and corrections to [email protected] .

Disclaimer: No endorsement of these ratings should be implied by the writers and writing programs listed on this site, or by the editors and publishers of Best American Short Stories , Best American Essays , Best American Poetry , The O. Henry Prize Stories and The Pushcart Prize Anthology .

Shara McCallum

Mailroom: 430 Burrowes Building

Spring 2024 Office Hours

Curriculum vitae, professional bio.

From Jamaica, and born to a Jamaican father and Venezuelan mother, Shara McCallum is the author of six books published in the US & UK, including most recently No Ruined Stone , winner of the 2022 Hurston Wright Foundation Legacy Award for Poetry. McCallum’s poems and essays have appeared in journals, anthologies, and textbooks throughout the US, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. La historia es un cuarto/History is a Room , an anthology of poems drawn from her six books and translated into Spanish by Adalber Salas Hernández, was published in 2021 by Mantis Editores in Mexico. In addition to Spanish, her poems have been translated into Italian, French, Romanian, Turkish, and Dutch and set to music by composers Marta Gentilucci and Gity Razaz. Awards for McCallum’s work include the Silver Musgrave Medal, for outstanding merit in the field of literature, from the Jamaican government; the OCM Bocas Poetry Prize for her previous book Madwoman ; a Witter Bynner Fellowship from the US Library of Congress; a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Poetry; the Oran Robert Perry Burke Award for Nonfiction; and the Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize for her first book The Water Between Us ; among others. McCallum delivers readings, lectures, and workshops at universities and literary festivals in the US and internationally and has taught creative writing and literature at various universities. She is an Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English at Penn State University, served as the 2021-22 Penn State Laureate, and is a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow.

Areas of Specialization

Creative writing, selected publications.

Publications

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What You Won’t Learn in an MFA

An mfa can teach you skills, but will it prepare you for a writing career.

By 2018, I had written five books and decided to pursue an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in fiction. For me, earning an MFA gave me the time and space I needed to quit my day job and transition to writing full-time, but that was something I had been building toward for over a decade. Of course, I can’t speak to all MFA programs, but in many cases, they focus almost exclusively on writing skills and don’t give writers the concrete skills they need to make money writing and publishing. I often found myself answering questions for my classmates about what publishing was really like. It simply wasn’t being taught, sometimes because faculty themselves were struggling with how to navigate writing as a business.

An MFA program may be the right choice to help you become a better writer, or because you want the qualification to teach writing at a college; it may not give you insights into navigating the publishing landscape.

Here are some of the professional development skills you may need to gain outside of the classroom on your writing journey.

Getting published

Many MFA programs don’t talk to authors about the good, the bad, and the ugly in both traditional publishing and self-publishing. There is often an assumption that if you’re in an MFA program, you’ll be seeking a traditional publishing deal. But most programs also don’t teach writers the skills to query small presses or agents who can query large presses. Even as self-publishing has become an increasingly popular publishing choice, many MFA programs aren’t giving students a clear picture of what it involves.

Contracting

My MFA program was great, but never once during my studies did I hear anyone talk about how to read, negotiate, or understand a contract. As an indie author, you’ll have fewer contracts to interact with than authors who choose to traditionally publish their work, but contracts will still come up—contracts with designers who are working on your books, contracts with podcasts or magazines publishing excerpts of your work. In my MFA program, students who were publishing were left to talk with each other to try to understand how contracts work. Most writers aren’t legal experts, and we benefit from having either a private attorney or an attorney through an organization such as the Author’s Guild review our contracts. I would love to see MFA programs better prepare writers to navigate these business interactions, to negotiate writing rates, and to understand what rights we may be signing away with a particular contract.

Writing to market

The culture of MFA programs often shames or diminishes the idea of writing to market, and instead prioritizes creating literary art for the sake of art. This is a completely valid way to approach your writing life. However, if your goal is to publish your work and sell books, understanding the market and how to write books that appeal to readers is important. There’s nothing wrong with writing books with mass-market appeal, but, depending on the program you attend, you may not hear that in classes. Especially for writers considering the self-publishing route, learning how to understand current trends and how to write books that connect to them is invaluable.

Writing is your passion, and seeing your name in print might be your dream, but when it happens, your writing also becomes a business. Understanding how to manage a writing business is something that most new writers won’t have a lot of experience with. For example, when you get paid from book sales, speaking arrangements, or most anything to do with your books, taxes aren’t going to be withheld. Instead, you’ll need to put money aside to pay your taxes. MFA programs generally don’t cover these details or highlight the importance of hiring an accountant or tax professional to help you with setting up your writing business. You may need to form an LLC for your self-publishing business, open a business bank account, and file taxes appropriately for your writing work. As a self-published author, you also may need to keep records tracking orders and inventory.

Most authors are not able to make a living from books alone. Many writers are balancing a variety of different content creation and income streams. This may include teaching at a college or university (for which a terminal degree such as an MFA is required), freelance writing, and independent teaching, to name a few possibilities. The more writing programs can give MFA students the tools they need to understand the business side of their work, the more successful they will be.

Sassafras Lowrey writes fiction and nonfiction and was the recipient of the 2013 Lambda Literary Award for emerging LGBTQ writers.

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing The Write Stuff for Writers

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Grow Your Writing Passion into a Career with Liberty’s Online MFA in Creative Writing

Many people write creatively, but few hone their skills to develop their writing craft to its highest form. Even fewer learn the other skills it takes to become a successful writer, such as the steps needed to get a book published and into the hands of readers. Liberty’s 100% online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing can help you develop your writing passion into a career so you can set your works free to impact culture and the world.

Employers in every industry need professionals who have strong writing skills, so you can be confident that your ability to write effectively can also help set you apart in your current career. With in-demand writing expertise and the ability to customize your degree with electives in literature or writing practice, Liberty’s online MFA in Creative Writing can help you achieve your professional writing goals.

Our online MFA in Creative Writing is designed to help you build on your writing skills with specific workshops dedicated to the craft of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or screenwriting. With a work-in-progress approach to writing practice and mentorship from our faculty of experienced writers and scholars, you can learn the specific skills you need to make your writing stand out.

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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
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Why Choose Liberty’s MFA in Creative Writing?

Our online MFA in Creative Writing is mainly offered in an 8-week course format, and our tuition rate for graduate programs hasn’t increased in 9 years. Through our program, you can study the writing process and develop your creative skills through workshops with experienced writing professionals. With our flexible format, you can grow in your creative writing while continuing to do what is important to you.

As a terminal degree, the online MFA in Creative Writing can also help you pursue opportunities to teach writing at the K-12 or college level. You will gain comprehensive and in-depth exposure to writing, literature, publishing, and many other professional writing skills that you can pass on to students. Partner with the Liberty family and learn under faculty who have spent years in the field you love. Your career in professional writing starts here.

What Will You Study in Our MFA in Creative Writing?

The MFA in Creative Writing program is designed to help you become an excellent creative writer across the genres of creative fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and poetry. You can learn how to produce aesthetically and culturally engaged creative works while gaining professional knowledge and practice. You will also study foundational contemporary literature so that you have a background in studying important works to draw on for your writing.

To help you in your professional writing, you will also study many essential skills in editing, layout, and the business of publishing so that you can best position yourself for success in the market. Through your creative writing courses and workshops, you can develop your craft so that you will be ready for your thesis project.

Here are a few examples of the skills Liberty’s MFA in Creative Writing can help you master:

• Marketing your projects and pursuing new writing opportunities
• Organizing writing and adapting it to different types of writing
• Tailoring writing to specific audiences and markets
• Understanding what makes art effective, compelling, and impactful
• Writing compelling stories that engage readers

Potential Career Opportunities

• Book and magazine writer
• Business communications specialist
• Creative writing instructor
• Publications editor
• Screenwriter
• Website copy editor and writer
• Writing manager

Featured Courses

• ENGL 600 – Editing, Layout, and Publishing
• ENGL 601 – Writing as Cultural Engagement
• ENGL 603 – Literary Theory and Practice
• WRIT 610 – Writing Fiction

Degree Information

• This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences .
• View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
• Download and review the Graduate Manual for MFA .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Admission Information for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Creative Writing Sample – A creative writing sample of one creative writing work of at least 2,500 words or a culmination of creative writing samples totaling 2,500 words.*
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*A sample of one or more poems totaling a minimum of 750 words may also be submitted. Song lyrics are not accepted at this time as writing samples.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
• If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

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*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an mfa in creative writing.

A Master of Fine Arts degree, or MFA, is a terminal degree in an artistic craft that demonstrates that you have achieved the highest level of training and skill in your discipline. Like a doctorate, an MFA often allows you to teach courses at the graduate level while also providing many opportunities for scholarship and leadership in education. If you want to grow your creative writing skills to become the best writer you can be, then the Master of Fine Arts can help you get there.

How will students work towards developing their writing skills?

With creative writing workshops and a thesis project, you will receive support and guidance to help you become the best writer you can be.

How long will it take to complete the MFA in Creative Writing?

You can complete the MFA in Creative Writing in just 48 credit hours!

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For Students

Lps student awards for 2024, undergraduate programs.

Presented annually by the College of Liberal Professional Studies Alumni Association to a graduating LPS student who displayed unusual motivation and dedication in the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

Rafael Álvarez Febo is graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Literature, Culture, and Tradition. Rafael currently serves as vice president for Advocacy and Community Development at Esperanza leading community development and organizing efforts, which include corridor management for neighborhood businesses, environmental justice initiatives, voter outreach and education, and neighborhood planning. Rafael comes to Esperanza from the Pennsylvania governor’s office where he served as executive director for the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. Prior to his tenure at the governor’s office, Rafael worked as community and economic development director for the office of Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez with a focus on zoning, planning, greening initiatives, and public investments.

Prior to his employment with Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez, Rafael was the program director of Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s Puerto Rican urban gardens, Las Parcelas. While at Norris Square Neighborhood Project he helped create programming with community members, youth, and volunteers that focused on cultural empowerment, healthy lifestyles, urban gardening, and community organizing.

Rafael also has worked at Youth United for Change as a youth organizer and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in their Parks and Vacant Land departments. Rafael has served as president of the Board of Directors of Galaei—a Queer Latine social justice organization. While chair of the Board, Rafael led efforts to carry out Galaei’s strategic plan and the organization’s physical move to Eastern North Philadelphia (Norris Square).

Rafael also served as a board member of the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF), and as a member of the endorsement committee for Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club since 2016. Rafael has a strong passion for social justice and advocacy, especially in the areas of education, the environment, racial justice, gender and LGBTQ equity, and Puerto Rican Empowerment.

Presented annually to School of Arts and Sciences students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and intellectual promise.

Joe Barreto is graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Physical and Life Sciences and has earned four certificates: Science Foundations, Advanced Neuroscience, Data Analytics, and Leadership and Communication. Before his studies at Penn, Joe was a chemistry major in Puerto Rico while working full time as a caretaker. After taking one of his first courses at Penn, Foundations of Life Sciences with Megan Ruth Elliott, Joe was inspired to pursue a career in neuroscience research. This led him to pursue a number of opportunities beginning with a role as the lead of grant writing at Esurgi Biotech. He then completed a Research Experience for Undergraduates with Stanford’s Radiological Sciences Laboratory at the laboratory of Dr. Jennifer McNab, working on a project to optimize MRI data pre-processing. He eventually presented this work as a plenary speaker at Harvard’s National Collegiate Conference 2022. He then began working at Penn, first as a research assistant at the laboratory of Dr. Sharon Thompson-Schill and then as a research specialist at the laboratory of Dr. Benjamin Scholl where he also participated in the MindCORE Summer Fellowship Program. Following his graduation, Joe has continued working with Dr. Scholl’s laboratory after their move to the University of Colorado. He is passionate about his projects with the lab, studying synaptic networks in the visual systems of mammalian species. He is applying to PhD programs in neuroscience to begin graduate studies in fall 2025.

For the student who best exemplifies the uncompromising commitment to scholarship, hard work, and the life which the late Ronald J. Caridi embodied and shared with so many.

Trevor is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with a concentration in Individualized Studies focusing on leadership, organizational anthropology, and global studies. 

A recipient of the Quaker Completion Scholarship, he will also graduate with undergraduate certificates in Advanced Professional Writing, Advanced Upskill, Global and Regional Studies, Digital Strategies and Culture, and extracurricular Wharton Online certificates in Fintech: Foundations and Applications of Financial Technologies and Entrepreneurship Specialization.

Having grown up with cerebral palsy, Trevor recognized that the traditional path to higher education wasn’t for him. Instead, he opted for a more independent approach that Penn allowed through the LPS Online program.

With a firm commitment to accessibility in education, Trevor founded Brudda, an online tutoring platform, while at Penn through the Wharton Venture Lab and has since received grants from the Venture Lab’s Innovation Fund, the VELA Education Fund, and the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship. He looks forward to growing his startup to reach any student in need of flexible learning pathways.

After graduation, he will continue to work as a member of the faculty of Trinity Classical Academy in the growing Libertas Preparatory School independent study program, teaching social studies, personal finance, and math, in addition to scaling Brudda’s platform reach.

Continuing his education with a future in startup investment, development, and venture capital in mind, Trevor plans on attending the Harvard Extension School to pursue a Master of Liberal Arts in the field of finance.

The LPS Distinguished Student Service Award is given to an individual who, through extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication, has helped to advance the mission of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies and in particular, the success of its students.

Kristina Clark’s professional journey at Penn began in 1982, but her educational pursuit took flight in 1990 with a single history class credit. Life's trials and caregiving responsibilities periodically paused her academic ambitions. Despite these challenges, Kristina's determination never wavered.

In 2005, she resumed her studies until 2008, when family health challenges demanded her attention. Anchored in her dedication to family, education, and community, she juggled her roles as a mother, spouse, caregiver, community volunteer, and professional. In 2019, Kristina seized the opportunity to reignite her educational path through Penn's LPS online degree program.

Kristina will graduate with her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree, accompanied by five program certificates. Beyond her academic achievements, her journey has been enriched by the friendships made with classmates and the guidance received from brilliant faculty members. From collaborative projects to late-night study sessions, the camaraderie she has experienced has been invaluable.

When she's not immersed in schoolwork, Kristina manages her responsibilities as the director of Operations and Special Programs at Penn Alumni Relations, eagerly anticipating her upcoming status as a Penn alumna. This dedication extends seamlessly into her family life, where she approaches her 35th wedding anniversary with pride in her children's accomplishments and active involvement in their lives.

Kristina's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones, friends, classmates, and colleagues for whom she is so incredibly grateful. Her advice to others? It's never too late! Embrace every opportunity for growth, ask for help when needed, and cherish the connections made along the way!

Awarded annually to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies student whose scholarship and personal qualities of leadership are regarded as being the most outstanding.

Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Fernanda had one dream—to become a professional ballet dancer. The daughter of a car mechanic and a homemaker, she learned early on that the journey to become a ballerina was going to be long and difficult, but with much luck and much help she received a scholarship to the Washington School of Ballet at age 17. In the US, Fernanda was able to build a career as a professional ballet dancer, instructor, and choreographer, most recently as a member of Philadelphia Ballet, one of the country’s top ballet companies.

As a professional, Fernanda became concerned with the lack of mental health support available to help dancers cope with the demands of their craft. Determined to become a sports psychologist to be the resource the industry needed, she completed her associate degree at a community college and transferred to Penn LPS as a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) student, which allowed her to continue dancing and accelerated the pace of her education.

Fernanda’s efforts to make conditions better for the dancers led her to take an active role in the dancers’ union, which is when she discovered her true calling. In advocating for her colleagues and helping to negotiate contracts, Fernanda saw the power of the law to create meaningful, positive change in the lives of others, and decided to pursue a legal career after retiring from the stage in May of 2024. With a unique blend of discipline and imagination characteristic of professional dancers, as well as the knowledge of psychological sciences and the analytical thinking skills gained as a BAAS student, Fernanda feels ready to begin her legal journey this fall. She will be attending New York University School of Law with a full tuition scholarship as an AnBryce Scholar, with the goal of becoming a public interest attorney representing disadvantaged communities like the ones she comes from.

In recognition of outstanding academic achievement in science studies and dedication to a career in the sciences.

Erin F. McClain is graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with a concentration in Individualized Studies focusing on climate change, creative writing, and mathematical sciences. She is a recipient of the Bread Upon the Waters Scholarship and a scholarship from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation. Erin is a 2021 Summa Cum Laude graduate from the Community College of Allegheny County with an Associate of Science in mathematics and sciences. At Penn, Erin has been an executive editor for the Penn Undergraduate Law Journal’s Roundtable blog and a member of Seniors for the Penn Fund. In addition to her studies at Penn, Erin is a National Climate Fellow with Change the Chamber-Lobby for Climate, where she helped develop and write How to Become an Environmental Changemaker and co-led the Congressional and Corporate Outreach team. In this capacity, Erin has met with the offices for many members of Congress, focused especially on the many environmental concerns for the people of Pennsylvania. Recently, Erin was named by the Fulbright Commission as an alternate candidate for graduate study in the United Kingdom.

A two-time alumna of AmeriCorps National Service, Erin is a dedicated community volunteer. She’s the current treasurer for the historic preservation nonprofit Preservation Pittsburgh, and a former president of the Mary Roberts Rinehart Chapter of Sisters in Crime, a crime fiction writers group. Erin has had several short fiction stories published under the name EM Beck.

Graduate programs

Abigail P. Blyler is pursuing her Master of Applied Positive Psychology. Under the mentorship of Professor Martin Seligman, Abigail has taken a pioneering role in integrating artificial intelligence with psychological research. Her work in developing highly accurate and detailed AI-generated personal narratives from an individual’s stream of consciousness led to two first-author publications in the Journal of Positive Psychology and continues to be investigated at scale in collaboration with an organization that provides workplace coaching solutions in more than 60 countries. Abigail is currently applying to PhD programs in psychology and seeking a National Science Foundation fellowship.

Given to an LPS graduate student who has enhanced the well-being of their community (either within or outside of the University of Pennsylvania) and has made efforts to transform society during their time as a graduate student at Penn. A recipient of the Community Impact Award has displayed a commitment to collaboration and equity through community-centered leadership.

In her time at Penn, Emily Rego has become a dedicated advocate for community building both on campus and in Philadelphia. In her role as the sustainability graduate intern at Penn’s Sustainability Office, she actively created impactful resources for Penn students, staff, and faculty, including interactive maps, recycling guides, and Penn's STARS report. Her work has been instrumental in improving campus-wide sustainability. Last September, Emily was invited to participate in a sustainability focus group session with Penn's president, where she highlighted ongoing sustainability initiatives on campus and proposed actionable strategies for Penn to further enhance its sustainability efforts and connect with students. As a project manager at Penn Sustainability, Emily directed a life-cycle assessment for a local business, embedding sustainable practices into the community fabric. She extends her passion to volunteering, helping maintain local parks and addressing food security with local emergency food donation organizations. In leading the Graduate Student Hiking Club, Emily fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship among her peers. As she embarks on her post-grad journey, Emily is determined to prioritize sustainability and community-building in both her career and personal life.

This award is given to an LPS graduate student who has demonstrated perseverance in the face of adversity and/or obstacles during their time as a graduate student at Penn. This award is intended to recognize the work done and resilience displayed outside of the classroom by LPS graduate students who might otherwise go unnoticed.

Leneice Rice is graduating with a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAAP) degree from Penn. Prior to her studies at Penn, Leneice obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in journalism from Tusculum University. Leneice's decade-long professional journey in suicide and substance abuse prevention, life and career coaching, and talent acquisition has instilled in her the significance of resilience when it comes to conquering hardships.

Leneice’s journey has been defined by an unwavering quest for knowledge and a deep-seated desire to uplift marginalized communities. As a crisis clinician and life and career coach, she has designed culturally responsive programs tailored to the unique needs of women and families of color, effectively merging personal and professional development. In her role as the inaugural community engagement coordinator for Multnomah County, Leneice has worked closely with local authorities to address disparities within criminal justice and mental health systems, advocating for systemic change rooted in hope and resilience.

Now, as Leneice nears completion of the MAPP program, she envisions a culturally responsive community center for youth grounded in positive psychology principles. She's passionate about creating spaces where hope, resilience, and agency are not just words but lived experiences. Through unwavering dedication and a commitment to inclusivity, Leneice is determined to create a brighter future where every individual feels empowered to thrive despite life's challenges.

This award is given to an LPS graduate student who has demonstrated remarkable leadership through their commitment to service and community during their time as a graduate student at Penn. This service-oriented leadership might have been displayed through a formal leadership role or through an informal one—such as within a classroom setting or within one's community.

Student bio coming.

Hao (Nathan) Wu is a 10-year serial entrepreneur who has launched four enterprises and ventures in the fields of international education, advertising and marketing, digital consulting, etcetera. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Hao worked for the aviation, investment, and government agency sectors. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics (MSOD) program in December 2023. Hao participated in multiple start-up projects, Wharton investment competitions, and campus organizations, and was able to maintain excellent academic records during his two years at Penn. He also held positions as the previous MSOD program representative, GBM chair at Wharton Management Club, and project manager at Penn Graduate Consulting Club. Hao co-designed and organized various alumni and student events that brought Penn LPS students, alumni, and faculty together to exchange ideas. He also led LPS students to research and provided feedback on how to promote the MSOD program to the next level. Hao has a diverse history as well; he has studied and worked for many years in Australia, the US, Hong Kong, and mainland China. He has also been recognized as an Australian "End-of-Year Entrepreneur" by Westpac Bank and has published an article in the official magazine of the University of Sydney. In addition, Hao served as a panel speaker at the 2018 Hong Kong Talent Conference and delivered speeches at several educational institutions when he was in Australia.

Award description and student bio coming.

Presented to graduate or professional students, upon their graduation from Penn, who have been a catalyst for transformative and lasting new developments that have enhanced graduate and professional student life at Penn. The award is reserved for those who have created something new and institutionalized it.

Master of Chemical Sciences

The MCS Capstone Awards annually recognizes the capstone conducted during the completion of the MCS program that significantly adds to the body of knowledge in their concentration.

Wenqi Li is a Master of Chemical Science (MCS) graduate student with a concentration in Physical Chemistry and a focus on material science. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Her undergraduate research involved studying absorbents and membranes made by nanocellulose from biomass. For her capstone research at Penn, she works in Christopher Murray’s research group and studies the synthesis of gold nanocrystals (AuNCs) with selective size and morphology. She selectively synthesized triangle and tetrahedra shaped AuNCs that are being used to study the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) by varying the morphology of its nanostructures. This discovery research may lead to a variety of applications, such as in solar cells materials, sensing, bioimaging, optical recording, surface-enhanced spectroscopies, and therapeutics. Wenqi Li recently gave an oral presentation on her research at the National American Chemical Society Meeting on March 20, 2024, in New Orleans, LA, on Self-Assembled Metal Nanocrystals on Colloidal Crystals as Hybrid Materials . In addition to her academic pursuits, Wenqi is an active graduate student in the chemistry department and MCS activities. She will continue research in her doctoral studies in the future.

Yaning Liu is a Master of Chemical Science (MCS) graduate student with a concentration in Organic Chemistry. Yaning Liu was born and raised in Changchun, Jilin, China. Yan received her BS degree in chemistry from Emory University in 2022. Her undergraduate research was on implementing computational models to predict excited state molecular properties. After graduation, she joined the Kozlowski group at Penn where she explores the synergy between computation and experimental synthetic methodology. Specifically, she works on oxidative photocatalytic phenol coupling and base-assisted C-H which may be useful in catalysis used for energy in the future. Yaning recently gave a poster presentation on her research at the National American Chemical Society Meeting on March 19, 2024, in New Orleans, LA, on Visible-Light TiO2-Catalyzed Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofurans by Oxidative [3+2] Annulation of Phenols with Alkenyl Phenols , which is also in press publication. Upon completing her degree, she aspires to pursue a PhD in organic chemistry and eventually a career in process chemistry to make more efficient pharmaceuticals.

The MCS Leadership Award is awarded in grateful recognition of a student’s time and dedication to being a leader to the MCS community.

Sai Nehete is a Master of Chemical Science (MCS) graduate student with a concentration in Organic Chemistry. Sai grew up in the city of Mumbai in India. She completed her Bachelor of Technology degree at the Institute of Chemical Technology focusing on dye research, specifically on lab scale and industrial scale synthesis of C.I. Pigment Red 177 and other dyes by organic synthesis. Sai joined Kozlowski Lab at Penn Chemistry and has been working on the synthesis of substituted hydroxy carbazoles to test their oxidative couplings to yield of hydroxy carbazole hetero-dimeric natural products—Clausenawallines (A, E, B). Clausenawallines are alkaloids that exhibit interesting pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer (cytotoxicity), anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-tuberculosis, and anti-HIV. Sai has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the MCS program in the LPS student government. Her leadership has included addressing concerns of the students and making sure there were fun activities for the students during the last two years. Sai’s future direction is to work in the pharmaceutical industry and utilize her knowledge in chemistry and biology to drive important breakthroughs in the field of science and be a part of projects that benefit society.

Tianhongyi Zhao is a Master of Chemical Science (MCS) graduate student with a concentration in Physical Chemistry. Tianhongyi Zhao is from Dalian, China, a coastal city located in the northeastern region. He earned an undergraduate degree in materials physics from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2022. At the University of Pennsylvania, Tianhongyi works under the guidance of Professor Andrew Rappe. Tianhongyi’s investigation into Hafnium dioxide (HfO2) has yielded significant insights into the discovery, stability, and transformation of novel phases. Hafnium dioxide historically has been used in optical coatings and advanced metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. Currently, there is interest in the use of hafnium dioxide in resistive switching memories and CMOS compatible ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFET memory) and memory chips. Tianhongyi’s meticulous combination of computational methods discovered three previously unknown phases, supported by rigorous structural stability assessments and energetics calculations. He presented his findings at the National American Chemical Society meeting March 19, 2024, in New Orleans, LA, Unexplored Phases in HfO2 from First Principles , in a poster presentation. These findings not only advance our fundamental understanding of materials science but also hold promise for practical applications, particularly in the realm of materials design and engineering. In essence, the research underscores the multifaceted nature of phase transitions and the profound impact of theoretical insights on the development of novel materials with tailored properties. Additionally, Tianhongyi is a prominent member of the MCS community. He is quiet, but an effective communicator, in addition to always being kind and always quick to volunteer to help program staff or his classmates. In the future, he hopes to pursue a PhD further exploring HfO2 or similar research to help address sustainability in energy.

Master of Environmental Studies

Awarded to a graduating Master of Environmental Studies (MES) student who has not only contributed to the field of environmental studies but has also helped the MES program and/or the Earth and Environmental Science Department in a significant way.

Bo is a Master of Environmental Studies candidate with a concentration in Resource Management. He completed a Bachelor of Science in environmental science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His main interests surround all things water quality and wetlands, and he hopes to work in the field to improve the conservation and accessibility of both. While at Penn he worked with the Water Center at Penn beginning in the summer of 2023. Through this work, he has been part of a summer enrichment program where he and his colleagues worked with about a dozen students from Paul Roberson High School in West Philadelphia, teaching them about the history of water and the natural environment of Philadelphia. This project was designed to instill a sense of place and an increased awareness of not only what kinds of problems there are in Philadelphia regarding water quality, but what many organizations are doing to solve them. Other work with the Water Center consisted of piloting a water quality monitoring program for Cobbs Creek where he measured and sampled the water to determine the quality of the water body. During his time at Penn, he attended World Water Week, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in Stockholm, Sweden. Throughout that week, he was able to see the diversity of not only problems, but also solutions when it comes to water. He plans to use each one of these experiences throughout the MES program to improve water quality and habitats for both people and the environment in the future.

This award is given each year to an undergraduate or graduate student in EES who has done significant research in one of Dr. Scatena’s fields of study.

Marin Sklan is a Master of Environmental Studies student with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability. Prior to attending the University of Pennsylvania, Marin received her bachelor’s degree in English from Reed College, and Master of Fine Arts from Emerson College. Her capstone was shaped by a love for storytelling and is an exploration of wetlands around the world, from the cloud forests of Puerto Rico to the permafrost peatlands of Alaska, and many in between. This travelogue covers eight unique wetland types, each with their own complicated histories, ecosystems, and role in mitigating the climate crisis.

During her time at Penn, Marin was awarded a Green Fund grant to install pollinator hotels in the Penn Park Orchard. For this project, Marin teamed up with Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) to install the pollinator habitats and participate in Bartram’s Garden’s annual Honey Fest. While attending the festival, she shared a number of educational resources including an overview of native solitary pollinator species, preferred food sources, and a step-by-step guide for attendees looking to create their own hotels at home.

Marin currently works in the sustainability sector for EcoVadis, a globally recognized assessment platform that rates businesses’ sustainability performance based on their environmental impact, labor and human rights standards, ethics, and procurement practices. Her work focuses on driving adoption of sustainability risk management solutions to help companies identify and mitigate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) risks throughout their supply chains.

Master of Science in Applied Geosciences

Awarded to a graduating Master of Science in Applied Geosciences student who has not only contributed to the field of applied geosciences but has also helped the Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program and/or the Department of Earth and Environmental Science in a significant way.

Likhwa Ndlovu is a Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) candidate with a concentration in hydrogeology. Having received a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in geology and geography from Macalester College in 2021, Likhwa has always aspired to blend technical acumen with social analysis. His undergraduate capstone project, the Permission to Pollute podcast, examined the complex permitting process of Enbridge's Line 3 replacement project in Minnesota, USA, serving as a catalyst for his interest in geosciences and environmental justice. In his adoption of scientific principles, Likhwa strives to center care and people, ensuring that his scientific pursuits prioritize the well-being of communities and ecosystems alike.

Transitioning to the MSAG program, Likhwa further enriched his academic journey by participating in the Multi-Master’s Degree in International Environmental Management (IEM) program. This interdisciplinary program allowed him to broaden his perspectives by engaging with environmental engineering coursework at Tsinghua University and earning a master's degree in international environmental management from École Des Mines Paris. During this program Likhwa developed a keen interest in the deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology, a passion later demonstrated in his capstone research. In collaboration with the Penn Clean Energy Conversion Lab, Likhwa’s thesis explored responsible siting when pairing direct air capture (DAC) with geothermal energy in Nevada. Under the leadership of Dr. Peter Psarras, Likhwa’s thesis explored geothermal-DAC deployment pathways in Nevada that minimized competition for renewable electricity whilst prioritizing environmental justice and adhering to environmental conservation practices.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Likhwa served as a teaching assistant for Introduction to Geology: Earth Through Time, interned at Langan Environmental Engineering, was recognized as a Verge 23 Emerging Leader, and advised potential IEM candidates. After graduation, Likhwa will continue his academic journey as he embarks on a PhD candidacy in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Through his research, Likhwa hopes to deepen his understanding of CDR technologies and prioritize justice-oriented climate interventions.

Master of Applied Positive Psychology

This award is named for Christopher Peterson, a leading researcher in positive psychology and a founding instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, who taught in word and deed that “other people matter.” It is presented annually to a Master of Applied Positive Psychology student in recognition of service to others, academic merit, economic need, and personal or professional diversity.

Hailing from Ukraine, Alla has played an important role in implementing the practical application of positive psychology tools in Ukrainian society, including schools, universities, and conferences. Her groundbreaking course Positive Psychology for Ukraine, developed with Martin Seligman, has garnered immense acclaim. To this day, Alla has touched the lives of over 270,000 students and continues to bring her psychology expertise to the masses. Beyond her educational pursuits, Alla is a prolific author, penning several self-improvement workbooks and inspirational journals. She is also a revered presence at the World Happiness Summit, where she remains actively engaged in the global happiness movement. Covering topics ranging from motivation and goal-setting to resilience and mindfulness, Alla's work has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.

Mariam believes that when given the right resources and environment, learners of all ages, from all corners of the world, can develop authentically and holistically. After working in children’s publishing at Scholastic to bring affordable and high-quality books to classrooms in the United States, Mariam shifted gears to cross-cultural education management. As a project manager at an Armenian nonprofit, Mariam created interdisciplinary learning programs accessible to all teens in local cities and villages. Currently, she is focused on bringing positive psychology to the Armenian community. In the works: leading the communications department for Kaitzak, a new nonprofit aimed at amplifying success stories in the Diaspora and connecting community members with their roots.

This award, funded by the Bei Shan Tang Foundation, is given to students who want to bring positive psychology to the education system in Hong Kong.

Norris, the first in-service teacher from Hong Kong to receive the Bei Shan Tang Scholarship for the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program, is deeply committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice in positive education. Being a native of Hong Kong, she recognizes the pressing need to enact positive change in the local education system. Norris' primary goal is to enhance the well-being of school communities in Hong Kong by implementing practical interventions rooted in the science of positive psychology. As an educational leader, she eagerly embraces challenges, seizes opportunities, and relentlessly pursues knowledge to uplift the education systems in Hong Kong and neighboring countries through the principles of positive psychology. Norris feels honored to collaborate with fellow MAPPsters worldwide, united in their pursuit of realizing Martin Seligman's vision of “Flourish 51.” Motivated by the scholarship's support, she humbly but resolutely strives to make a lasting impact and contribute to the betterment of humanity through her MAPP education.

Organizational Dynamics

This award is named for Lois Ginsberg, community development leader and former Associate Director of Organizational Dynamics. It is presented annually to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and significantly contributed to the Organizational Dynamics community.

In Organizational Dynamics, we are a community of learners—the faculty, the students, and the staff all have something to learn from each other and the opportunity to share their knowledge with the community. We are the Dynamics community, but we are also part of other communities—the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the University of Pennsylvania—that broaden and enrich our community experience.

The building and maintaining of community is a group effort that benefits from the leadership of a dedicated student, and Cyd Chai has been dedicated to enriching the Dynamics and LPS communities through her work with LPSGov. As executive co-president of LPSGov, Cyd worked tirelessly for our student communities. From organizing new events that brought LPS students together with professional master’s students from other schools at Penn to creating a monthly newsletter of happenings, Cyd created spaces for communities to flourish.

We, as a community, are thrilled to present Cyd with the Lois Ginsberg Award for her dedication. She leaves us more connected and sets a high bar for future LPSGov leaders.

This award is presented to a graduating student who has completed the best capstone upon recommendation of the Organizational Dynamics faculty.

In the Organizational Dynamics program, our students’ work experience and their academic experience are equally important to their learning. Erica Hildenbrand’s capstone project exemplifies this co-creation of knowledge through experience and academic rigor.

In her capstone, entitled Work Friends: Examining the Impact of Social Connection in the Higher Education Workplace , Erica focuses on the impact of friendship and social connection in the post-COVID-19 pandemic higher education workplace. Specifically, she asks: What does the changing landscape of the modern workplace, with employees valuing flexibility and autonomy, mean for workplace friendships? Using the lens of her own strong work friendships, Erica examines what motivates employees in higher education to build social networks and friendships at work.

Through this framework, Erica puts a spotlight on the importance of networking, friendships, and social connectedness in the workplace while she seeks to expand definitions of “life” and “work” and how they relate to work-life balance.

As director of Recreation Programs at Penn, Erica’s professional experience in the wellness industry informs her study of workplace friendships and provides an opportunity for her exploration and support of workplace friendships to have positive impacts not only for the staff who greet you at the gyms, teach the group exercise classes, and maintain the equipment, but also for the whole of the University community. We look forward to seeing the impact of Erica’s work across Penn’s community.

This award is named for the late Penn professor and internationally known British literature scholar who taught in Organizational Dynamics for many years. It is annually awarded to a Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics graduating student who has shown outstanding scholastic achievement in coursework.

Anne Huang Dharma is the consummate Organizational Dynamics student. A solver of process problems, she understands that the secret to positive change is to empower and enable people to do their best work.

Anne has applied her problem-solving and people-supporting skills to her Organizational Dynamics program—truly embracing the program’s focus on understanding the people side of work. She excelled in courses focused on the strategic management of human capital, influence and persuasion, and organizational diagnosis.

Anne combines global work experience with strong interpersonal skills and is a champion for diversity in organizations as well as for women in leadership within the financial industry. With her work background and her deep study of the human side of enterprise, Anne is well-poised for her post-program goal of working in human resources in finance and, later, running her own HR consultancy.

With her hard work, deep understanding of managing people, innovative ideas, and dedication to learning, there is no doubt that Anne will make an impact in the world.

In her capstone DEI, Here I Come! Five Lessons from Organizational Dynamics for DEI, Dajana Denes Walters takes a reflective approach: she examines five valuable lessons she gleaned from her Organizational Dynamics program. Dajana brings these lessons together to build a framework through which she can continue to work to create inclusive, just, and safe work environments for all employees.

Through her capstone, Dajana urges us to stay curious and ask questions; to learn to unlearn to relearn; to contain chaos; to examine our implicit biases; and, finally, to embrace feedback. Dajana explains the theories and lenses behind each of the lessons and articulates how each of the lessons can be applied in support of DEI in organizations.

Dajana’s capstone advisor, Dr. Charline Russo, said of her capstone: “Each lesson explores a different concept with methods that can be used to practice and apply DEI, creating a broad spectrum of organizational solutions for building a human-centered and learning-oriented organization.”

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