Why Choose Our Program?
At SDSU, we believe our Creative Writing program is uniquely situated to provide writers with an exciting, informative, personalized—and affordable—path to attaining their MFA.
Inspired by Experiences
Inspired by our place in the world, the program provides a rich and diverse experience that goes beyond the classroom.
A Beautiful Location
Our campus is situated in the heart of San Diego, the site of early Californian history, and only minutes from the U.S./Mexico border.
A Global Approach to Writing
Our international approach is reflected in our course work and faculty expertise.
A History of Excellence
Established in 1989 by Poet Sandra Alcosser, SDSU became the second MFA Creative Writing program in California.
Named one of the best MFAs in the U.S. by Wiley University Services.
In the Spotlight
Arthur Kayzakian
Arthur Kayzakian is the finalist for the 2023 Kate Tufts Award, and the winner of the 2021 inaugural Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series for his collection, The Book of Redacted Paintings. He is the recipient of the 2023 creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Living Writers' Series
The Hugh C. Hyde Living Writers' Series at SDSU is one of the longest continuously running series in the nation. The series has featured an impressive slate of award-winning authors, many of them who are alumni of our program. All of the events are free and open to the public.
David Tomas Martinez
David Tomas Martinez is the author of two collections of poetry, Hustle and Post Traumatic Hood Disorder, both from Sarabande Books. Martinez is a Pushcart winner, CantoMundo fellow, a Breadloaf Stanley P. Young Fellow, NEA poetry fellow, and NEA Big Read author. Martinez lives in Brooklyn.
Take Note
Poet Sarah B. Marsh-Rebelo (‘12, English and Comparative Literature) was awarded the 2024 SDSU Alumni Awards of Distinction for the College of Arts and Letters. Sarah is a long-time supporter of the regional
art community, served as board chair for the San Diego Museum of Art, and has been
Honorary Life Director of the San Diego Opera for more than 30 years. As a passionate
supporter of the College of Arts and Letters, she hosts an annual Rebelo Scholar Tea
to celebrate scholarship recipients in SDSU’s MFA in Creative Writing Poetry program.