Write the Book You Want to Read! 

Examples of writing genres include: Science Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance and Horror.

A Premier Online Program Supported by Intensive On-Campus Writers' Residencies

Celebrating More Than 20 Years of Inspiring Authors!

This one-of-a-kind program teaches writers to create – and market – the fiction that sells. It is designed for new or experienced authors who wish to write within popular fiction genres such as romance, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery or young adult.

Get the Information You Need to Move Forward.

Fill out our easy online request for information form

Seton Hill’s flexible, low-residency format allows you to:

  • Earn a master of fine arts degree while working full-time or caring for a family. 
  • Develop a novel-length writing project in a genre of your choice.
  • Enjoy courses, workshops and one-on-one mentoring by established writers.
  • Become part of an active, supportive writing community. 

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  • April 5 to begin the program with a June residency.
  • Oct 5 to begin the program with a January residency.

"What I didn’t expect was the lifelong support network of like minded friends and allies I would gain. Without them, and the skills I learned at Seton Hill, I could never have sold a three book deal to a big four publisher."

- Troy Carrol Bucher  

Hear What a Professor, Alumna/Mentor & Student Have to Say About the Writing Popular Fiction Program!

To learn more about this program, sign up for a virtual information session.

Register for an Information Session

Faculty

Faculty in this program are published authors who are also experienced professors and scholars in the fields of writing and popular fiction. In addition, you will have mentors - also published authors - who will work with you personally on your writing.

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Careers

As a student in this program, you will learn the business of freelance writing, from establishing your brand name as genre author to finding agents and submitting to book publishers. Seton Hill's Writing Popular Fiction Program also provides training in the teaching of writing as a potential career option (graduates with an M.F.A. are equipped to teach at the postsecondary level), in addition to fostering careers in:

  • Publishing 
  • Editing 
  • Bookselling 
  • Marketing 

“The Seton Hill University Writing Popular Fiction MFA program was amazing and instrumental in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a published writer. One of the best things that this program provided was a wonderful, safe, inclusive community, which continues long after graduation.”

- Valerie M. Burns 

Learn more about the Writing Popular Fiction M.F.A. from Seton Hill University:

Ready to apply? Apply online now for free!

“The twice-yearly residencies are by far the best part of the program. Coming together with the classmates, mentors, and professors you've interacted with online is an amazing experience. It's a week of intense workshops, lectures, classes, and guest speakers that leaves you feeling invigorated and inspired. WPF is more than a program, it's a network and a family who entertain, teach, and inspire." 

- Kristin (Molnar) Lord

To contact the Office of Graduate and Online Studies about graduate-level programs, fill out the online Request for Information form. Ready to apply? Apply online now for free! You may also call Graduate Admissions at (724) 838-4208 or email us at gadmit@setonhill.edu.