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. Coursework can be taken fully online, or through on-campus courses, or through a combination of both delivery methods.
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, or creative nonfiction). The statement of purpose should describe why the applicant would like to pursue the MFA degree and the role writing has played in 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. The graduate thesis, in which students produce a creative thesis in the student's genre(s) of choice, is required for the final three credit hours of the program. Students select the remainder of their coursework from the MFA in writing curriculum. There are no prerequisite classes; the classes may be taken in any order and from any genre. Students have the option to declare an emphasis in one of three areas: fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. An emphasis requires a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework in the emphasis area, including at least one foundational course from the list below for the declared genre; the three-credit-hour thesis must focus primarily on the emphasis genre. Emphasis students may choose any IMF course numbers for their remaining 18 credit hours. Students work with an advisor to ensure proper emphasis coursework is completed. MFA classes may be offered online, on-campus, or both.
Requirements
Major Coursework
Emphasis Coursework
Students must select at least 3 credit hours from one category below in the declared genre to obtain the 27 total credit hours required for the emphasis:
Creative Nonfiction Emphasis Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
| IMF 55200 | Creative Nonfiction Craft Foundations | 3 |
| IMF 56200 | Classic Foundational Literature: Creative Nonfiction | 3 |
| IMF 58200 | Contemporary Foundational Literature: Creative Nonfiction | 3 |
Fiction Emphasis Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
| IMF 55100 | Fiction Craft Foundations | 3 |
| IMF 56100 | Classic Foundational Literature: Fiction | 3 |
| IMF 58100 | Contemporary Foundational Literature: Fiction | 3 |
Poetry Emphasis Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
| IMF 55300 | Poetry Craft Foundations | 3 |
| IMF 56300 | Classic Foundational Literature: Poetry | 3 |
| IMF 58300 | Contemporary Foundational Literature: Poetry | 3 |
Practical Application Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following: