Program Description
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a program intended for those who have already demonstrated advanced ability in the writing of fiction, poetry, or non-fiction written for adults or for children. Courses in Script-writing will be offered as enrollment allows. Our program offers a mix of workshops, courses in craft, and directed reading and finally culminates in the preparation of a publishable manuscript in one of the genres mentioned above. An additional five-credit course in Methods of Teaching Creative Writing is available as an elective.
Admission to the program is based primarily upon the creative writing sample
submitted as part of the admissions process, though Grade Point Average is also
taken into consideration. The writing sample will vary according to the genre in
which application is made: 12-20 poems for poets; 1-2 short stories or chapters
for fiction; and 1-2 short pieces or chapters for non-fiction. Twenty page
maximum. Applicants must focus on a single genre for the admission process.
Changes in genre after admissions may be made only with the permission of the
Faculty Committee.
Ours is a Low-residency program in which students participate in workshops, craft courses, and intensive readings through an Internet-based system. Each term (Fall and Spring) is preceded by a ten-day Intensive Residency on-campus. Graduating students will attend a fifth Residency following the final semester; graduation will be celebrated at that Residency. Computer and online literacy prior to beginning the program, a computer, and an online connection are required for participation in the program. Being a self-starter and self-maintainer are essential for success Failure to maintain at least a 3.00 ("B") average in program courses will result in probation within the program for one term; a second failure will result in permanent suspension.
Requirements for the Degree
- 60 semester credits
- English 500, Professional Semester 5 credits
- English 510, Craft Across the Genres 5 credits
- English 520, Craft 5 credits
- English 550, Directed Readings (at least two in major genre) 15 credits
- English 580, Graduate Workshops (at least 2 in major genre) 15 credits
- English 599, Thesis 15 credits
A 3.00 ("B") average or better in all courses taken as part of the degree program.
Teaching Focus
- 65 semester credits
- Add English 590, Methods of Teaching Creative Writing 5 credits