Course Requirements
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a 36-credit program whose course requirements include both writing workshops and literature courses. The program offers concentrations in fiction and poetry, and requires a creative thesis.
Course Requirements
- Four graduate writing workshops (12 credits)
- Four English literature courses (12 credits), one of which we strongly recommend be English 601, Literary Research and Critical Contexts, or English 602, Critical Theory and Literary Criticism.
- Literature courses are divided into 600-level courses and 700-level seminars. Readings (600-level) courses are designed to introduce you to a broad range of readings in the area. Seminars usually focus on a specific theme, period or group of authors, and they have no more than twelve students in the class. Seminars, also, usually require a long essay (approximately 20 pages).
- English 788 or 789, Studies in Narrative or Poetic Form (3 credits).
- A class in poetic or narrative forms designed specifically for MFA students and taught by MFA faculty.
- Humanities elective (3 credits).
The remaining six credits are devoted to the thesis. Students register for six hours of English 799 (Thesis Research) and, under the direction of a member of the creative writing faculty, write as a thesis a book-length manuscript of fiction or poetry.
Note: Before taking a 700-level course other than English 789, students should take 601 or 602 and/or a 600-level readings course in the general area of the 700-level course that interest them. If unsure about prerequisites, consult the instructor or the Director of Graduate Studies.
