The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a 48-semester-hour (sixteen-course) program of advanced writing workshops and graduate course work. The primary tracks are poetry and fiction, and admission is highly competitive. In addition to the poetry and fiction workshops, there are courses available that focus on writing drama, nonfiction, and screenplays, as well as courses that provide practical experience in editing.

The basic requirements to complete the MFA degree program are simple and straightforward, and include twelve semester hours of writing workshops, twelve hours graduate literature courses, and six to twelve hours of thesis work. Thesis hours enable students to produce a substantial creative writing thesis, a requirement of graduation.

Degree Requirements, MFA in Creative Writing

The majority of full-time MFA students take three years to finish the program. It is possible, however, for full-time students who enter with a previous graduate degree in English or with appropriate previous graduate course work to complete the degree in two years. In addition, students not holding teaching assistantships can finish in two years. Individuals who are admitted to the program as part-time students coordinate their schedules with their advisors.

Find the latest MFA news on the VCU English News blog.

Susann Cokal, Program Director
Thom Didato, Graduate Programs Advisorg

~

Audio
Hear some Creative Writing Program award winners read from their work in RealAudio . . . listen here