Hello! I’m currently a junior undergrad double majoring in French and English, with an emphasis in creative writing. I want to pursue creative writing in my graduate work and eventually become a novelist. I don’t set out to write about political subjects, but conservative / religious values and ideals often work their way into my writing because that is what I’m truly interested in. After doing a bit of research, it seems to me that most MFA programs are overwhelmingly liberal and even hostile to someone like me, and I’m worried that I’ll either be blackballed from these based on my beliefs or treated badly once in the program if I’m accepted. Are there conservative programs out there, or even programs that are more open minded and less politically charged? I’m continuing to research this myself but would love if anyone more knowledgeable than myself could share some advice. Thanks!
Most MFA programs are going to be quite liberal, even overwhelmingly so, but I don’t think most of them would be hostile to more conservative beliefs or values depending on how you write about them. You would probably have to be a little more cautious about how you treat certain subjects that are of interest to you, most likely. It also really is going to depend on the subjects. Sort of “mildly” conservative themes and subjects will probably pass without a second thought; things that are a bit more serious or politically charged or extremist might raise some hackles.
Here’s the thing, though - creative writing is already a fiercely competitive field, and you don’t want to decrease your chances of success by selecting a graduate program on the basis of worldview and beliefs rather than quality and reputation. It may be a place that you do feel a little…like a fish out of water for 2-3 years, but the post-graduation benefits may be worth it, and then you can write about whatever you want. Even many of the best conservative politicians and thinkers went to somewhat liberal (or very liberal!) places for undergrad or grad school.
You may perhaps find slightly more conservative welcome in the MFA programs at University of Iowa, University of Virginia, Cornell, Texas, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Louisiana State, McNeese State (in Louisiana), University of Arkansas, University of Mississippi or University of Alabama. These are all top 50. MFA programs. Some of those programs may actually be more in more conservative locales or universities overall (like LSU, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Alabama) whereas others simply may be less liberal than most top places (like Iowa, Virginia, Cornell, Texas, and Vanderbilt).
Texas A&M and Brigham Young both have MFAs in creative writing and those universities are famously conservative, although I do not know what the reputation of these program are. Oklahoma State also has an MFA program in creative writing and is reportedly a pretty conservative place.
Thanks for the great advice!
Bowling Green?