Writing Popular Fiction (M.F.A.)
Write the Book You Want to Read!
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.
Why Choose Seton Hill's Writing Program?
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.
- Learn how to get your work published.
Expert 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.
Expanded Career Opportunities
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
An Affordable Degree
Seton Hill's Writing Popular Fiction Program has a competitive tuition rate, and also offers scholarships, discounts and aid!
How the Program Works
Online
As students complete reading and writing assignments, online contact with mentors, faculty and fellow writers ensures that they participate in a writing community and receive varied commentary on their work-in-progress.
On-Campus Residencies
Week-long residencies twice per year inform and enliven the writing experience, bringing students together on Seton Hill’s campus to learn the basics and complexities of popular fiction. Each residency also includes special events designed to help students learn from working authors and other industry professionals.
- Every January, Seton Hill hosts a visiting professor who works with both undergraduate and graduate students during the course of the week. Recent visiting professors include N.K. Jemisin, Eloisa James, Juliet Blackwell and Kevin Hearne.
- Every June, Seton Hill hosts guest speakers, which may include bestselling authors, agents or editors. Recent guest authors have included Beverly Jenkins, Hank Philippi Ryan, Melissa Marr and Daniel Jose Older.
Unique Experiences
The Writing Popular Fiction Program is connected to genre writers around the world - and that means lots of opportunities for unique writing, research and networking experiences for you.
“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.”
“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.”
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Faculty
Paul Goat Allen
Adjunct Instructor
Michael Arnzen
Professor of English
Valerie Burns
Mentor
Rob Hart
Mentor
Kosoko Jackson
Visiting Professor
Scott Johnson
Adjunct Faculty
Gwendolyn Kiste
Author
Barbara Miller
Mentor in Writing Popular Fiction Program
Nicole Peeler
Associate Professor of English and Director of the Writing Popular Fiction Program
Maria V. Snyder
Mentor and Lecturer
Sara Tantlinger
Writing Popular Fiction Program Coordinator
Albert Wendland
Professor of English