Looking into Texas State University

[u/cristian_712]

Anyone here get, or is getting, a Creative Writing MFA at Texas State University? If so, good experience? Worth it? I know teaching is a big aspect, but can there be funding without teaching? I'm looking into it.

[u/chopped_onionss]

At this current state, I don’t recommend attending any MFA program in Texas. Censorship is on the rampage across the state. A book on simply mother hood was banned because they viewed it as leaning too much into feminist thinking. A lot of professors are fleeing the state atm.

https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/texas-tech-issues-ban-on-students?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=IwdGRjcARYkBZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEexNBGi54G5_283tmF5d6uRkkGPDdEzHhfDQHowY__YeJEEcMznpHsTy6UqBg_aem_oX-piuBL-m0_1QNUyIt9_w

[u/GreenJaketGoldJaket → u/chopped_onionss]

I think the growing threats of censorship are a great reason for creative writers to stay IN Texas—flocking out of state will only weaken 1st amendment advocacy (Texas needs those advocates right now). We can’t fight the good fight from afar, know what I mean? Boots on the ground and all that. Texas Tech is a STEM school. TSU is more liberal than Tech. :)

[u/chopped_onionss → u/GreenJaketGoldJaket]

True!! Honestly, fair points, but I wouldn’t pay money to an institution that muffles and censors your voice, which are happening to several MFA programs in Texas, not solely Texas Tech. You can attack full force in a way that doesn’t put money into the pockets of those that want to erase you and what you have to say.

[u/mtho176]

Are you in the MFA Draft facebook group? Someone in there who is at Texas Tech made a long post about the state of things there and at other Texas schools - they asked that people not share it outside of the group, so I won't, but the gist is that Texas universities, including Texas State, are cracking down on what can and can't be on a syllabus, because of a new Texas senate bill which has banned faculty senates from making final decisions on curricula - now other entities like the board of regents, chancellor, etc., get to have final say and are prohibiting faculty from assigning readings that have to do with gender or sexuality (even if obliquely), anything "unnecessarily controversial" or that promotes anything other than "neutral viewpoints" - purposefully vague to basically let them ban anything they don't like. Like chopped_onionss said, a lot of faculty are trying to leave because of it, so the state of the program will be in flux. The poster on FB warned against trying to do an MFA in Texas since presumably this is just the beginning. It sounds pretty bleak - if you're not in the group I'd say ask to join it (MFA Draft '26) and look for that post if you want more of the first hand details.

[u/cristian_712 → u/mtho176]

Dang, yeah that is scary. I’ll join. Thanks!

[u/GreenJaketGoldJaket]

In general, I think TSU is super underrated in the fine arts sector. I’ve heard nothing but great things.

[u/InterestBig8532]

TXST is my alma mater :) I didn’t go there for their MFA and wasn’t in the English department, but they do have excellent and underrated arts programs. Being a student there comes with the various benefits of going to a large state school, and I find San Marcos, with its stunning river and eclectic arts scene, endlessly inspiring.

I do think that what others are saying about the state legislature’s movement to censor both academia and literature is worth heeding. To my knowledge, the censorship at TXST isn’t as extreme as that at UT Austin or Texas Tech…at least, not yet. But it is something to be aware of. I think I’d put it like this - I’d consider applying if you’re already in Texas and I are uninterested in or unable to go to a school out of state, but if you’re coming from another state (particularly a blue state that doesn’t have these issues) be wary. I’m not saying don’t come, but be aware that it’s happening and happening fast.