Master of Fine Arts in Writing

As one of three programs in Canada offering an MFA in Writing, this program emphasizes both how to write and how to teach creative writing. You’ll focus on developing and perfecting your work in one of five genres: fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting or poetry. We also encourage you to explore new forms, like the graphic novel or interactive media.You’ll work with internationally published writers and a small cohort of peers in a supportive environment. When you leave our program, you’ll take a polished body of work with you and skills that will help you to get published or produced, to sustain a career in the creative arts and to find a job as a writer, editor or post-secondary instructor.OutcomesStudents in this program will:develop the ability to give and receive creative and constructive editorial feedback in a workshop settingdevelop critical reading skills and a familiarity with a diverse range of contemporary creative works across multiple genresunderstand how to use literary andor dramatic techniques to create compelling and original creative compositionsacquire the skills and experience to teach creative writing at the post-secondary level and for community groupswrite a major creative capstone project in your chosen genre

To apply for admission to the program, an undergraduate degree in any discipline and from any accredited college or university will be necessary. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative B GPA and an undergraduate degree. A portfolio, a statement of purpose, and two letters of reference will be needed.PortfolioTo apply for the MFA program, please submit a portfolio of writing samples in the genre you wish to study. One of the following will be required:10-15 pages of poetry20-30 pages of playwriting, screenwriting, fiction or creative nonfictionProfessional experience and publications will also be taken into account. These should be summarized in one to three pages. Submissions in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction must have a minimum 1.5 line spacing. Submissions in playwriting and screenwriting should follow their industry-standard formats.Statement of purposeYou also should submit a 400-word statement of purpose, which will include an account of what you hope to accomplish in the graduate program and a rough description of the work you wish to pursue in your major writing project.Letters of ReferenceThe Department of Writing and Graduate Admissions require two letters of reference which will include the following:an assessment of the student’s academic standingtalent as a writercritical abilitycapacity for doing self-directed workteaching potential