Choosing a Writing Program

If you’re looking for a creative writing program, then AWP can help. The most convenient way to find all the options before you is to consult the online AWP Official Guide to Writing Programs. You can also purchase a copy of The AWP Official Guide to Writing Programs, which contains information on 300 graduate programs, 400 undergraduate programs, and 250 writers’ conferences, festivals, and centers.

On Choosing the Writing Program Best for You
This is an excerpt from the Introduction to AWP’s guide to writing programs.

We also provide the directories below for your convenience. AWP’s hallmarks enumerate some of the components and qualities you should look for in selecting a program or conference.

Directory of AWP Writing Programs
A complete directory of AWP’s member programs, including contact information and website addresses. These programs offer graduate and/or undergraduate degrees in Creative Writing.

Hallmarks of a Successful Graduate Program in Creative Writing
AWP has noted the following shared characteristics among successful programs that nurture a culture of creativity, vitality, intellectual rigor, artistic discipline, and collegiality. These definitive hallmarks also form the basis for the AWP Guidelines for Creative Writing Programs.

Hallmarks of a Successful Undergraduate Program in Creative Writing
AWP has recognized these components of a successful undergraduate program in creative writing.

Writers' Conferences & Centers

AWP has launched a new Website for Writers' Conferences & Centers. The WC&C website contains a complete directory of members of Writers’ Conferences & Centers, including contact information, website addresses, descriptions, dates, tuition, and faculty/speakers. The site also includes a calendar feature for overviews of upcoming conferences and events, as well as AWP's Hallmarks for a Successful Writers' Conference. Visit the WC&C Website

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Friends of AWP

Why Should I Support AWP?

A Brief History of AWP

Undergraduate Hallmarks

Graduate Hallmarks

Members of AWP are invited to read the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Strategic Plan 2000 - 2010. This document details the goals, objectives, and strategies that the association will pursue throughout this decade. The complete Strategic Plan is available as a downloadable file in Portable Document Format (PDF).

2000-2010 Strategic Plan

Annual Report 2007

Annual Report 2003

If you are a member of AWP, the AWP Board of Directors encourages you to send your comments on the Strategic Plan. Write to services@awpwriter.org or to any board or staff member of AWP.