Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Our MFA students participate in student-centered writing workshops supplemented by the study of literary periods and critical theory. Workshops are usually small (8-10 students) and taught using a variety of pedagogical approaches. By the end of the first year of study students will have familiarized themselves with a variety of workshop methodologies as they work toward their second year thesis.
In their second year MFA candidates present a Creative Manuscript (minimum 30 poems,100 pages of 5 short stories and/or personal essays, or 150 pages of a novel or book-length essay), a Critical Essay (20-30 pages, addressing the student's relationship to their reading based on the student's own writerly concerns and studies), and an oral presentation (a discussion with and/or questions from the candidate's thesis committee on the creative manuscript, critical essay, and/or the writing process and which may include a reading from the candidate's Creative Manuscript).
All students accepted into the program are funded through Teaching Assistantships, Fellowships, and a long-standing relationship with the Amazon Literary Partnership. All students receive full tuition waivers, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Students also enjoy Seattle's lively literary and arts scene. Seattle is home to numerous reading series, the Seattle International Film Festival, and many highly-acclaimed theater companies. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, Seattle is minutes away from hiking, skiing, and boating.
For questions about the MFA program, please contact cwriting@uw.edu
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Course Requirements
55 credits, a creative manuscript, and a critical essay. The program should be completed within six full-time quarters.
- 20 course credits in creative writing workshops (one may be outside the student's genre)
- 15 credits in graduate literature seminars (5 credits of which must be a seminar numbered 506-510, 550, 551, or 581)
- 5 elective credits (5 credits of internship [601] can count for degree credit)
- 15 thesis credits, under the direction of a Thesis Committee, including each of the following:
1) Creative Manuscript: a minimum of 30 poems, or 100 pages of 5 short stories and/or personal essays, or 150 pages of a novel or book-length essay.
2) Critical Essay: 20-30 pages, addressing the student's relationship with their reading, based on the student's own writerly concerns and studies, using a reading list compiled by the student. - An Oral Presentation: a discussion with and/or questions from the candidate's thesis committee on the creative manuscript, critical essay, and/or the writing process and which may include a reading from the candidate's creative manuscript.
- The submission of the Creative Manuscript or the Critical Essay as an Electronic Thesis.