# The Top MFA Programs to Boost Your Creative Career in Wichita, KS

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- Published: 2024-03-09
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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Pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) can provide aspiring artists and writers the time, mentoring, and resources to take their creative passions to the next level. Wichita offers several high-caliber programs to choose from. Here are two of the best MFA options available in this underrated Midwestern artistic hub.

## 1. Wichita State University – Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The MFA program in Creative Writing at Wichita State University provides students a personalized and supportive environment to grow as writers. With a focus on workshops led by published faculty, visiting writers each semester, and a final book-length creative project, it prepares students for careers in writing and teaching at the university level.

**Key Statistics**

| Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Time to Complete Degree | Tuition (In-State) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 35% | 81% | 2 years avg. | $8,954 per year |

_Table 1. Key statistics for WSU‘s MFA in Creative Writing program_

**Program Highlights**

- Fiction and Poetry tracks
- Two-year program structure
- Teaching assistantships available
- Annual literary festival & reading series

WSU’s MFA students form a tight-knit community on campus and gain valuable teaching experience at the university‘s undergraduate creative writing program, one of the region‘s largest with over 500 enrolled students. Recent grads have gone on to publish books, earn PhDs, and find work with presses, literary agencies, and magazines.

**Admissions Requirements**

- Bachelor‘s degree
- 3.000 GPA
- Writing sample
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement

## 2. Wichita State University – Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art

A small, selective program focused on individualized instruction, WSU‘s MFA in Studio Art allows students to specialize in a range of artistic disciplines from painting and sculpture to new media and visual communication. Students have access to well-equipped studios and work closely with faculty to develop their talents and create a meaningful body of work to launch their careers.

**Key Statistics**

| Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Time to Complete Degree | Tuition (In-State) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 23% | 93% | 2.5 years avg. | $8,954 per year |

_Table 2. Key statistics for WSU‘s MFA in Studio Art program_

**Program Highlights**

- Focus areas: Ceramics, Painting, Photography/New Media, Printmaking, Sculpture
- 60 credit hour program
- Teaching and research assistantships
- Annual student exhibition

In their second year, all MFA candidates teach intro courses, gaining valuable teaching experience. The program also brings in visiting artists for lectures, workshops and critiques. Alumni have shown work nationally, started collectives and alternative galleries, and obtained teaching positions.

**Admissions Requirements**

- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.000 GPA
- Portfolio of 20 images
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose

Beyond standout degree programs, Wichita has worked extensively over the past decade to develop a vibrant, sustainable arts ecosystem. There has been a surge of investment in the arts, with the number of galleries and showrooms growing 45% and public funding for arts projects increasing 35% since 2013, according to city data. Performance and cultural venues are seeing record attendance, generating over $150 million in annual economic activity.

All of these efforts provide more outlets, resources and potential patrons for aspiring MFA grads launching their careers in Wichita. This also leads to more funding and opportunities for working artists to show their creations or apply their talents locally. Job growth and entrepreneurship in creative fields is now outpacing overall business growth across the city.

Affordable living costs allow MFA students to focus on developing their craft instead of just making ends meet during their intensive studies. While the average annual cost for a two-year program hovers around $30,00-$40,000 nationally, Wichita State’s in-state tuition of under $9,000 per year costs 70% less.

Wichita‘s close-knit arts community also provides plenty of inspiration — galleries often feature emerging and experimental artists while theaters, music venues, cultural festivals and public arts installations offer creative fuel. Wrapping up an MFA, there are more opportunities than ever for graduates committed to launching and building an artistic career in Wichita post-graduation.

While applications continue rising, many MFA programs remain out of reach for marginalized groups and working artists unable to take on expensive student debt. Less than 10% of recent applicants came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, according to a national survey by the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. Greater affordability and increased aid is critical for widening access and inclusion.

Wichita State could pilot cheaper and more flexible models — like low-residency programs that allow artists to work remotely. To enhance diversity, specialized grants and scholarships should target minority students and those from disadvantaged communities. Funding more teaching assistant roles can provide essential income sources for MFA candidates juggling families and outside jobs.

State and city arts agencies must also continue boosting funding for arts education initiatives targeting underserved Kansas youth. This will pave the way for more first-generation college students to eventually pursue MFAs and other advanced creative degrees.

There is incredible untapped talent that could contribute greatly to Wichita’s flourishing arts ecosystem. But this requires innovative programs and policies that lower financial barriers blocking access to arts training at all education levels.

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