Creative Writing, M.F.A.

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NY State Program Code: 30057
HEGIS Code: 1507.00
CIP Code: 23.1302

(40 credits)

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing

Purposes and Goals

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing offers students the opportunity to specialize in four major genres: fiction, poetry, dramatic writing, and creative non-fiction. Taught by distinguished faculty members who have published extensively, this program prepares students for careers in writing, teaching and/or more advanced graduate studies.

AWP Membership

All graduate students are enrolled as members of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP). This organization provides professional and artistic support and assistance in finding positions. AWP members can take advantage of its job-listing and dossier-forwarding services.

Admission

The M.F.A. in Creative Writing is open to matriculated and non-matriculated students who meet the respective admission criteria. A bachelor’s degree is required. However, the degree does not have to be in English or literature.

Matriculated Students

Students must submit:

Completed application form
College transcript
Two letters of reference from people familiar with their writing
Personal statement
Manuscript in one genre only

Non-Matriculated Students

Rolling admissions are made on a space-available basis. Candidates should submit a writing sample to the Director of the M.F.A. Program.

Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing

(40 credits)

The completion of a thesis is a degree requirement. The thesis submitted for the M.F.A. degree must display a mastery of writing skills and be a manuscript of near-published/performable quality. The four-credit Professional Development Practicum is a unique course that meets once a week in the spring semester of the first year. Through meetings with arts professionals, students are introduced to the professional and practical life of writers in multiple disciplines. They will also gain a realistic awareness of what a “life in letters” entails. Students will meet with their advisers to determine the appropriate plan of study.