Creative Writing Program

Richard Lyons, Director
P.O. Box E
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-3644

Creative Writing at Mississippi State

Mississippi State University's English Department offers classes in creative writing on both the undergraduate and graduate level. The department offers an emphasis in creative writing as part of its Master of Arts program. Faculty include notable and extensively published creative writers. The Jabberwock Review is a small magazine produced through the efforts of the Mississippi State English Department and its creative writing program. The department and the University regularly offer readings by guest authors, such as Paul Ruffin's reading in October 2005. Students are provided the opportunity to read their works and to enter University, regional, and national writing competitions.

Faculty

Poetry

• Richard Lyons
• Gary Myers
• Catherine Pierce

Fiction

• Becky Hagenston
• Michael Kardos

The Master of Arts Program

The Master of Arts degree in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis is a 24 credit hour course of study with a 6 hour creative thesis requirement.  At least 9 credit hours are required in creative writing in combination with other courses of the candidate's choice.

• Applications

Applications and information are available from Richard Patteson, Director of Graduate Studies, Dept. of English, Drawer E, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or from the Graduate School, 116 Allen Hall, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

A writing sample is required of all applicants and should be sent to Richard Lyons, Director of Creative Writing, Dept. of English, Drawer E, Mississippi State, MS 39762. 

• Financial Aid

Financial aid is offered through graduate teaching assistantships and various scholarships available to qualified applicants.

Guest Writers

Over the years, the Mississippi State English Department has hosted a variety of guest writers. Over the 2007-2008 term, the University hosted readings by Rodney Jones, Christopher Coake, Cary Holladay, Tina Barr, and Bapsi Sidhwa. Over the 2006-2007 term, the University hosted Allen Weir, Chelsea Rathburn, Michael Griffith, and Brad Vice.

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Previous guests have included: