The MFA degree requires 42 units (the equivalent of 14 three-unit classes), at least four semesters in residence, and the completion of an acceptable thesis project.
Course/Thesis Requirements
Four Creative Writing workshops in Fiction (604), Poetry (609), or Creative Nonfiction (501). At least two must be in your genre. You may also take one advanced undergraduate creative writing workshop for graduate credit.
Four Creative Writing Craft Seminars (596H), We offer one or two 596H seminars each semester. Topics vary. With Program Director approval, you may fulfill up to half of your craft seminar requirement with seminars in literary studies and/or theory, with relevant graduate seminars in other units, and with undergraduate seminars taken for graduate credit.
At least three Electives: Electives may include coursework in the English Department or in other departments, additional workshops outside primary genre, additional ENGL 596H seminars, the CW Pedagogy Preceptorship (required for all students teaching CW workshops for the first time), internships (up to 6 units), and Writing Program preceptorship credits (up to 4 units for Writing Program GTAs). Courses outside English require CW Program Director approval.
- MFA Colloquium, required for all MFA students every semester, is a one-credit, pass/fail course that meets on select Fridays during the semester. This course houses MFA orientation and logistical discussions, conversations with visiting writers and editors, and discussions around professional development.
Thesis Requirement:
One Thesis Manuscript Independent Study (ENGL 909) taken during the student’s final semester (3 credits).
The Grad College requires that at least half of the credits needed to complete the degree must be fulfilled by classes for which the student receives a letter grade, instead of classes (such as independent studies, internships, studio) that are Pass/Fail. Please be mindful of these classes