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
Renee Swindle
Renee Swindle is the author of A Pinch Of Ooh La La, Shake Down The Stars, and Please Please Please. Her most recent novel, Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn is a 2025 Spring/Summer Publisher’s Weekly Buzz Book pick, a top 10 notable fiction title by SF GATE, and a top 10 notable fiction title by Bay Area News.
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.
Dan Waldman
D.S. (Dan) Waldman is the author of the poetry collection Atria. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Los Angeles Review of Books, ZYZZYVA, and many other publications. His honors include a Wallace Stegner Fellowship from Stanford University. Waldman lives and teaches creative writing in New York City.
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.