The MFA in creative writing is a low residency program that combines 10-day residencies with on-line coursework. Students meet in person with faculty (who are published authors), visiting writers, and other students during two 10-day residencies held each year. Subsequent coursework (modules) is completed on-line.

The MFA degree is offered in three disciplines: Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Non-Fiction.

There are no courses in the traditional sense, but rather writing modules and residencies. Four writing modules, each ten weeks long, are offered each academic year, two in the spring and two in the fall. Each module is under the direction of a faculty mentor. Students also comment on each other's writing in on-line workshops Students must complete eight modules over the course of study.

The residencies take place each year in August at the Florham-Madison campus and January at the Wroxton, England, campus. Students must complete a minimum of three residency periods over the course of study. The residencies offer individual conferences with mentors and readers, group workshops, readings, and instruction by distinguished visiting writers, student talks and readings, and other professional activities.