Study Options

Degree Options

Because the program provides such a high level of learning and engagement, it’s designed to have flexibility so you can explore the new interests you will inevitably discover. You may enter the program to study one genre out of those offered (Creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry) and find you are drawn to add another to your program of study. With this in mind, there are three options for completing the MFA degree:

• Single genre degree – A study in one genre for four terms (two years).
• Mixed genre degree – A study in one genre for three terms and a second genre for one term (two years).
• Dual genre concentration degree – A study in two genres: three terms in a major genre and two terms in a minor genre (two and a half years)

Program Expectations

The basic components of the degree include:

• Full participation in five residencies (six for the dual genre concentration).
• Successful completion of four terms of work with a faculty mentor (five for the dual genre concentration).
• Working with at least three different faculty mentors during the course of the program.
• Completion and presentation of a critical thesis (20 pages).
• Completion of a creative thesis manuscript (125 pages for prose, 45 pages for poetry). Dual genre students will submit a thesis in each genre.
• Delivering a public reading of selections from the creative thesis.
• Completion of a document reflecting on your work in the program and an assessment of where you might venture next in your creative journey (seeking publications, teaching in the community, entering the publishing industry, etc.).
• Extensive reading demonstrated by the preparation of a cumulative annotated bibliography.

What will you learn?

Upon graduation you, as a successful MFA student, will be able to demonstrate:

• A proficiency of writing skills including the strong use of organization and structure, adept use of language, and forming and communicating well-developed ideas with creative thought and expression in selected genres.
• A strong understanding of craft and the ability to lecture on technique.
• An ability to read and think critically as a writer.
• A knowledge of the publishing industry including how to get work published in a variety of venues.