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 six-credit graduate thesis, 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. 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 six credit-hour 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

IMF 50000 - MFA Lindenways Credit Hour(s): 3
IMF 65000 - MFA Thesis Credit Hour(s): 6

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.