Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature (Combined degree)

The English department offers core courses in writing and literature, and upper-division courses in literature, linguistics, creative writing, technical writing and literary criticism. The department also offers a two-year M.A. degree in literature, a three-year M.F.A. degree in creative writing and an M.F.A.M.A. combined degree in creative writing and literature that can be completed in three years. Teaching assistantships are available for the three programs. The M.A. degree offers advanced study of literature and literary theory, as preparation for teaching or for entering a Ph.D. program. The M.F.A. degree is a terminal degree, culminating in the production of a publication-quality thesis manuscript of poetry, fiction, drama or creative nonfiction. The M.F.A.M.A. is a combined degree designed for qualified individuals who wish to produce a publication-quality thesis manuscript of creative writing but also would like to pursue in a systematic manner the study of literature and literary theory in preparation for college teaching or entering a Ph.D. program.

A student who wishes to be awarded an M.F.A./M.A. combined degree in creative writing and literature must be admitted to both programs; Fulfill all general university requirements and master’s degree requirements and all course requirements within both programs (double counting allowed); Pass comprehensive examinations in both programs Complete a thesis required for an M.F.A. degree and the thesis required for an M.A. degree. In general, applicants may be admitted to a graduate program if they have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 (B) cumulative undergraduate GPA and a 3.0 (B) GPA in their major. The Office of Admissions requires official transcripts of all college-level coursework. To be considered official, transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes or by a secure electronic service from each institution attended. IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL IBT score of 79.