Adelphi University Relaunches Their Low-Residency MFA Program in NYC.

Are you looking for a low-res MFA program? If so, this might be it.

Long-time friend of Hypertext, Director René Steinke, explains that the new program is a transformation of Adelphi’s long-standing traditional MFA program, and Adelphi alumni have gone on to publish books, found literary organizations and enter publishing and teaching careers. While Adelphi has preserved the rigor and ingenuity in their curriculum, they hope that the new low-residency structure will offer a more feasible and affordable option to many students. They’re also enthusiastic about holding the residencies in New York City, where they plan to host exciting visiting writers and also introduce students to local publishers, agents and editors, and literary organizations. Their first residency will be held August 9-23 at the Center for Fiction in downtown Brooklyn and guest writers for the residency include Jaquira Diaz, Evie Shockley, and Hala Alyan. The second 5-day residency will take place in mid-January 2025.

Core faculty members Katherine Hill, Maya Marshall, Jan-Henry Gray, Igor Webb, and René Steinke are award-winning, highly accomplished writers who are also devoted teachers. You can read more about the faculty and the program here.
 
One of the things that makes Adelphi different from many other programs is that they have an exceptionally flexible approach to genre. Students are free to focus on any one genre (fiction, poetry, or nonfiction), if they like, but they’re also able to work in multiple genres, or work in hybrid forms. They will also offer two practicum courses in which students will be introduced to the publishing process; editing; literary advocacy; teaching at the college level; and work in publishing and literary nonprofits.

As you probably know, the low-residency structure may be especially appealing to those who already have careers in other fields, or who aren’t able to relocate to pursue an advanced degree. Students who’ve just finished college may also be attracted to the lower cost of tuition and the flexible schedule. The courses during the fall and spring semesters will be taught asynchronously, with very small cohorts and an individualized approach tailored to each student’s artistic aims.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to René Steinke at rsteinke@adelphi.edu.