Degrees

Candidates may apply to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Fiction, Poetry, or Translation.

The MFA in Creative Writing requires sixty hours of coursework. Most students spend four years completing the curriculum.

In addition to traditional workshop courses, students gain both a broad knowledge of literature and a firm understanding of the history and techniques of poetry, fiction, and literary translation.

Students in the translation track traditionally take one semester each of poetry and fiction workshop in addition to their translation workshops. Their studies typically include courses in the literature of source languages. 

All candidates for the MFA degree produce a book-length thesis.

Course Requirements for the MFA in Creative Writing

1.  Writing and Craft Courses
   1. Writing Workshop (15 to 24 semester hours)
   2. Craft of Fiction, Poetry, or Translation (9 hours total: 6 hours in student’s primary genre; 3 hours in second genre)
   3. Modern/Contemporary Fiction and Poetry (9 hours total; 6 hours in student’s primary genre; 3 hours in second genre)
2.  Other Advanced Courses (4000-level or higher): 18-30 hours of literature or approved courses, at least 3 hours of which must be a course that focuses on literature written prior to 1900 and 3 hours of which must be a literature course that emphasizes cultural diversity.

        3.   Thesis Advising: 6 hours.