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
Hari Alluri
Hari Alluri is the author of The Flayed City (2017), Carving Ashes (2013) and the chapbook The Promise of Rust (2016). An award-winning poet, educator, and teaching artist, his work appears widely in anthologies, journals and online venues.
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.
Diana García
Diana García is the author of the poetry collection When Living Was a Labor Camp (2000), which won an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. She is the director of the Creative Writing and Social Action Program at California State University at Monterey Bay
Take Note
Congratulations to MFA alum Jaimie Trembley on the publication of her debut young adult novel, *Rosie*, which was released in September 2025. The book was published by Fire & Ice, a young adult imprint of Melange Books. Jaimie expressed her excitement about the book, stating, "This book has been years in the making, and it means so much to me to finally see it out in the world."
A study area on the second floor of the Arts and Letters building has been dedicated
to Sandra Alcosser, the longtime director of the creative writing and poetry program. Sarah B. Marsh-Rebelo (’12, MFA in English and Comparative Literature), a generous donor, proposed and
funded the creation of this dedicated space in honor of her first poetry professor
and now friend, Professor Alcosser. The area is officially named the “Professor Sandra
Alcosser Poetry Nook” and serves to celebrate Alcosser’s enduring commitment to her
students of poetry.