The 2-week Summer Residential Program is an intense, immersive, residential writing experience that will include: core courses (participation mandatory) taught by Iowa Writers' Workshop students and graduates and by other Iowa MFA students and graduates, as well as (participation optional) readings by exciting writers, workshops and discussions on writing-related subjects; open mics, talent shows, social gatherings, icebreakers, and other events designed to allow students to connect with other young writers. Admissions decisions are based almost entirely on the writing sample.

The 6-week Online Courses (online only), taught by Iowa Writers' Workshop graduates, are asynchronous, meaning that students can complete the assignments and post in the discussion forums on their own schedules in their free time. It is important to note that even though students will be able to do the assignments on their own schedules, at any hour of the day or night, they will have to meet weekly deadlines. The courses will require 3-4 hours of mandatory engagement per week, including writing assignments, reading assigned materials, critiquing classmates’ writing, and participating in online discussions. There will not be live class sessions. Admissions decisions are based on the student’s level of enthusiasm for writing and commitment to engage in the course.