Creative Writing

[1] Objectives

The MFA degree is recognized as a terminal degree in the area of creative writing. This program emphasizes full-time, professionally oriented study that will uniquely prepare graduates for careers in writing pedagogy and publishing.

[2] Program Admission Requirements

In addition to the graduate school application and fee, GRE scores, and transcripts, a student applying to the MFA program in Creative Writing must also submit the following:

• a brief statement on why he/she desires an MFA in Creative Writing.
• a 10- to 30-page portfolio for review in any of the following four areas: poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or other.
• at least two upper-level undergraduate courses in Creative Writing on his/her transcript.

Up to 9 credits of graduate work from other accredited institutions may be transferable, pending approval of the chair of the Department of Writing and the dean of the Graduate School. Students admitted with a master’s degree in Creative Writing (or a closely related area) may transfer up to 15 hours of graduate coursework, subject to the approval of the dean of the Graduate School and chair of the Department of Writing. All transfer hours must be in courses for which an equivalent graduate course exists at UCA. Students may be requested to provide support materials, including relevant course syllabi. Thesis hours may not be transferred.

In accordance with the Graduate Bulletin, a minimum of 24 hours credit in residence at UCA is required.

[3] Degree Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a three-year, 60-credit-hour terminal degree. It includes 45 hours of core coursework (including 9 credits of thesis work) and 15 hours of electives from the list below. Full time students are expected to take nine credits a semester.

[3.1] Curriculum

[3.1.1] MFA Core Courses

MFA students must take 45 hours from the lists below. Generally, each course listed below is 3 credits.

Advanced Forms and Theory Courses – 6 hours

Advanced Workshop Courses – 9 hours (Students must take 9 hours from at least two of the following areas.)

Advanced Special Topics Courses – 6 hours

Advanced Internship or Advanced Directed Study – 3 hours

Required Courses – 12 hours

Thesis Hours – 9 hours

[3.1.2] MFA Electives

MFA students must take at least 15 hours from the courses below.

[3.2] Thesis Project

This is the culminating required project for candidates for the Creative Writing MFA degree. Each student will be responsible for researching, writing and ultimately creating a creative book-length manuscript appropriate to the genre of choice, with a critical introduction. Students will work independently while periodically seeking the assistance and approval of members of their thesis committee. Enrollment is contingent upon the successful completion of 36 credits of course work and preapproval of the thesis committee. MFA candidates are expected to enroll for a total of 9 hours minimum and must enroll for thesis research credit each term until they successfully defend their theses, typically in their final semester. If the thesis committee does not approve the thesis, a student may register for this course again, provided he or she does not receive a D or less in the course. The learning outcome of thesis research is naturally and literally a mastery of the fine arts in Creative Writing. Offered every semester for variable credit.

[4]Graduate Course Links

[4.1] Courses in Writing (WRTG)

Follow this link for WRTG course descriptions: course link.

[4.2] Courses in Linguistics (LING)

Follow this link for LING course descriptions: course link.