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2010-2011 University Catalog
Creative Writing, MFA
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Banner Code: LA-MFA-CW
Web: creativewriting.gmu.edu
The master of fine arts in creative writing has three concentrations: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Students should apply to only one concentration, although a student turned down by one concentration may subsequently apply to another or to that same concentration in a subsequent year.
Students interested in taking individual courses or in applying in the future to the MFA program are welcome to apply to take classes as non degree students; such enrollments are allowed only with the instructor’s permission. Students already admitted as non degree students who are interested in taking a specific creative writing course should submit a brief letter of introduction and a writing sample to the professor at least one week before the start of classes. Students who are not already admitted as non degree students first need to apply for non degree status. Students who have been denied admission to the MFA program may not take courses as non degree students.
This program of study is offered by the Department of English .
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet the admissions standards and application requirements as specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog. Applicants to the MFA in creative writing must submit two letters of recommendation, one copy of a 1,000-word analytical writing sample, and a portfolio of original work. The analytical writing sample may be a paper written for an undergraduate class or any other work that gives evidence of advanced writing skills. For those applying to the MFA concentration in fiction, the portfolio should consist of up to 50 pages of fiction; at least two complete short stories are preferred. For those applying to the poetry concentration, the portfolio should consist of up to 20 pages of poetry. For those applying to the nonfiction concentration, the portfolio should consist of up to 50 pages of creative nonfiction. Reduction of Credit
With the approval of the MFA faculty, the program director, and the dean, the number of credits required for an MFA may be reduced by a maximum of 20 credits on the basis of graduate course work before admission. Two to four courses (6 to 12 credits) in literature
One Concentration (12 to 15 credits)
▲Concentration in Fiction (FIC)
Students in this concentration complete 12 credits. One course (3 credits) in the form:
Writing workshops (9 credits):
▲Concentration in Nonfiction (NFW)
Students in this concentration complete 15 credits. One required course (3 credits):
Students should enroll the first semester it is offered after they enter the program. One course (3 credits) in the form:
Writing workshops (9 credits):
▲Concentration in Poetry (POE)
Students in this concentration complete 15 credits. One course (3 credits) in the form:
Writing workshops (9 credits)
At least one course (3 credits) in another genre (fiction or nonfiction)
This requirement may be filled by a section of ENGL 608 in another genre. Elective courses (up to 15 credits)
Electives should be chosen in consultation with the writing program faculty. The number of electives will vary according to the number of literature courses and workshops that students take. Craft Seminars (6 to 12 credits):
This course can be repeated for credit. Thesis (6 credits)
Students may register for thesis credits in the summer only with permission of the thesis committee.
Students should be aware of the university policies governing theses. They must follow the thesis enrollment policy and once enrolled in ENGL 799, maintain continuous enrollment. These policies are specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Exam or Project
Students in poetry must pass a written MFA exam based on the authors they have chosen. The authors are selected in collaboration with the writing faculty any time after completing 12 credits of course work and before completing 32 credits. The exam must be completed at least one semester before the student registers for the final 3 credits of thesis.
Students in fiction and nonfiction must pass an MFA exam or complete an MFA project. Students who elect to take the MFA exam select, after the completion of 18 credits and with the approval of their faculty advisors, a list of authors and an area of emphasis (for example, the European novel). Students who elect to complete an MFA project (such as editing an anthology) must carry out the project under the direction of a faculty member and may register for ENGL 798 to fulfill this requirement. ENGL 798 may not be used to fulfill the literature requirement or as thesis preparation. The exam or project must be completed at least one semester before the student registers for the final 3 credits of thesis. |
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