Creative Writing Programs in Kansas City, Kansas

Getting a Creative Writing Degree in Kansas City, Kansas

A Creative Writing Degree offers extensive training in narrative craft, critical analysis, and literary theory. Students can choose from various paths, including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees. In this guide, information from local agencies and academic institutions is integrated with in-depth research, ensuring prospective students receive comprehensive details on admission requirements, curricular frameworks, and professional opportunities.

About Kansas City, Kansas

Kansas City, Kansas is a dynamic urban center in Wyandotte County known for its rich history and active arts scene. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the community’s cultural events, local museums, and literary landmarks. For an official overview and community updates, please visit the Kansas City, Kansas official website. Neighborhoods such as Downtown and the environs near local historical sites contribute to an inspiring setting for creative pursuits.

Creative Writing Programs in Kansas City, Kansas

While Kansas City, Kansas may not host an abundance of dedicated creative writing schools within its city limits, several nearby institutions offer exemplary programs:

  1. University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

    • Program: MFA in Creative Writing
    • Address: 600 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (Downtown neighborhood)
    • Distance: Approximately 6 miles from Kansas City, Kansas
    • Description: UMKC’s MFA program emphasizes creative workshops, literary internships, and culminates in a thesis or creative portfolio. Applicants must submit a 15-25 page writing sample and letters of recommendation. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, UMKC works in tandem with local agencies such as the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library.

  2. Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI)

    • Program: BFA in Creative Writing
    • Address: 5000 College Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64110 (Country Club District)
    • Distance: Approximately 7 miles from Kansas City, Kansas
    • Description: KCAI offers a BFA with specializations in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and cross-genre work. Admission requires a portfolio review featuring writing samples or studio work with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5. The curriculum includes four writing workshops, five literature courses, and internships with organizations such as BkMk Press.

  3. Rockhurst University

    • Program: BA Concentration in Creative Writing (within the English department)
    • Address: 4000 Michigan Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112 (Rockhurst area)
    • Distance: Approximately 7 miles from Kansas City, Kansas
    • Description: Rockhurst University integrates creative writing within a broader liberal arts curriculum. The program encourages exploration of narrative forms, composition, and literary criticism through hands-on projects and workshops.

Literary Opportunities in Kansas City, Kansas

Local literary organizations and cultural centers provide multifaceted opportunities for writers and enthusiasts:

  • Kansas City Public Library Writers for Readers

    • Purpose: This initiative supports annual fundraisers that benefit UMKC MFA writing classes and the Maya Angelou Book Award.
    • Website: https://kclibrary.org

  • Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

    • Purpose: The library hosts free writing classes in collaboration with UMKC MFA students, focusing on genres such as fiction, poetry, and resume writing.
    • Website: https://kclibrary.org
    • Contact: (816) 701-3400

  • Wyandotte County Historical Society

    • Purpose: Although primarily focused on local history, the society offers writing workshops that occasionally delve into creative and narrative nonfiction genres.
    • Website: Currently unavailable

Prerequisites for Creative Writing Programs

Applicants to creative writing programs typically need to meet several requirements:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Undergraduate programs may require supplemental writing samples.
  • Writing Samples/Portfolios: For KCAI’s BFA program, a portfolio review is mandatory. For UMKC’s MFA program, a writing sample (15-25 pages) accompanied by letters of recommendation is required.
  • Minimum GPA: KCAI requires at least a 2.5 unweighted GPA.
  • Additional Requirements: Some programs may request personal statements, transcripts, or interviews to better assess an applicant’s potential.

Career Opportunities for Creative Writing Graduates

Graduates with a Creative Writing Degree have diverse career paths available in published writing, journalism, digital media, and education:

  • Potential Roles: Authors, journalists, editors, social media specialists, and freelance writers.
  • Freelance and Self-Publishing: The digital age fosters opportunities for self-publishing and freelance content creation.
  • Salary Outlook: Writers and authors earn between $35,000–$60,000 annually, according to BLS Writers and Authors job outlook.

Participation in workshops such as Kansas City Public Library’s “Writing a Ghost Story” event (scheduled for February 6, 2024) also enhances professional development. Additionally, career pathways in emerging digital media and publishing continue to expand.

Professional and Regulatory Resources

Prospective students and creative professionals can refer to several educational oversight bodies and professional organizations for further guidance:

  • Kansas City, Kansas Public Library: Offers free community writing classes in partnership with UMKC MFA students. (https://kclibrary.org, Contact: (816) 701-3400)
  • Wyandotte County Arts Council: Focuses on promoting arts education and community engagement in Wyandotte County. (Website currently unavailable)
  • Kansas Board of Regents: Oversees program accreditation and academic standards in Kansas. (https://www.kansasregents.org, Contact: (785) 296-3421)
  • U.S. Department of Education: Sets national standards for higher education accreditation and funding. (https://www.ed.gov), with additional data available at the National Center for Education Statistics.

Additional professional support is provided by the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), which advocates for creative writing programs and hosts annual conferences. Visit https://www.awpwriter.org for more information.

Get Started Today

The journey to earning a Creative Writing Degree in Kansas City, Kansas begins with taking the first step. Whether you are drawn to the rigorous, workshop-intensive MFA program at UMKC or the comprehensive BFA curriculum at KCAI, there is a pathway tailored to your creative ambitions. Reach out through inquiry forms on school websites to explore further opportunities and begin your application process today.