Writing, MFA

48 credit hours

This degree is offered online as well as on-ground.

The Master of Fine Arts in writing focuses on the study and practice of the craft of creative writing. We offer craft classes, literature classes, and writing workshops in small class settings.

Admission to the MFA in writing program is based on a creative writing sample and a statement of purpose. Both items should be included in the admissions application. The writing sample should be 7-10 pages of creative writing (Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, or Young Adult and Middle Grade). The statement of purpose should describe why the applicant would like to pursue the MFA degree and the role writing has played in their personal life. The program seeks students who clearly demonstrate strong writing skills, an understanding of the craft of literary creative writing, and a willingness to continue growing as a writer. Students must also meet all university admissions requirements.

The MFA in writing is a 48-credit-hour degree program. In the first two terms, students must take an Orientation course and are expected to also take a Foundations course in one of four genres: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or young adult and middle grade writing. The two-course MFA thesis sequence, in which students produce a creative thesis in the student’s genre(s) of choice, should be taken in the final semester of the student’s program. IMF 65001 , MFA Thesis I, is offered in the first eight-week session of each fall and spring term, and the first six-week session of each summer term. Its companion course, IMF 65002 , MFA Thesis II, is offered in the second eight-week session of each fall and spring term, and the second six-week session of each summer term. These courses must be taken sequentially and carry a prerequisite of successfully completing 36 hours of IMF coursework.

Students select the remainder of their coursework from the MFA in writing curriculum in whatever order they wish.

Completing a Track

Students have the option to complete a curriculum track in one of four areas: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, or Young Adult and Middle Grade writing. Students are not required to complete a curriculum track.

An emphasis requires a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework in the emphasis area, including at least one Foundations course from the list below for the declared genre. The thesis must focus primarily on the emphasis genre.

Note that students in the Young Adult-Middle Grade (YA-MG) emphasis track may count 9 credits of (non-YA-MG) Fiction as part of their required 27 credits of YA-MG Fiction. Likewise, Fiction emphasis track students can count 9 credits of YA-MG Fiction as part of their 27 credits of Fiction.

Emphasis students may choose any IMF course numbers for their 12 remaining credit hours. Students work with an advisor to ensure proper emphasis coursework is completed.

Requirements

Major Coursework

9 credit hours of coursework from the following options:

IMF 50000 - MFA Lindenways Credit Hour(s): 3
IMF 65001 - MFA Thesis I Credit Hour(s): 3
IMF 65002 - MFA Thesis II Credit Hour(s): 3

Foundations Coursework

All students, regardless of whether they declare an emphasis track, must complete 3 credit hours of coursework from Foundations course in one of four genres: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, or Young Adult and Middle Grade Writing.

Note that students pursuing an emphasis must take the foundations course that matches their emphasis designation.

Elective Coursework

Students who are not pursuing a curriculum track will take 36 credit hours of elective IMF coursework. Students who are pursuing a curriculum track must take 27 credits in their emphasis area, as well as 12 additional elective credits.