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.