Creative Writing, M.A.

Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30 hours

This program is designed for students who desire to gain greater competency in the writing and reading of poetry and fiction. Students will build foundational skills that apply to most career paths: critical thinking, analytical reading, and clear, effective communication. They will learn to cultivate empathy, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, developing a broad base of knowledge.

This program will also prepare students for advanced study at the MFA or doctoral level at another university, or for students teaching English at the secondary level who wish to pursue more study in the discipline.

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Admission Requirement Snapshot

GPA: 3.0 (and 3.0 in major)

Entrance Exam: N/A

Internat'l Application Deadline: July 1 (Fall), Oct. 1 (Spring)

See Admission Requirement Details Below

To become a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in Creative Writing, a student normally will be expected to have had an undergraduate major or minor in English with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four point scale and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants who do not meet these criteria are still encouraged to apply and can be admitted based on the portfolio. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT) and a TWE of at least 5, or a MELAB of 85, are required for admission.

The student must submit a writing sample (10-15 pages of poetry, 15-30 pages of fiction, or 15-30 pages of both genres) and a cover letter. The cover letter should be a maximum of 1200 words and explain why the student wants to enroll in the program, what they hope to gain from it, and what their focus or interests are as a writer and student.

Program Requirements

Note: 15 of the 30 credits must be at the 600 level.

Program Requirements

Required Courses I (12 hours)

Select 12 hours from the following:

ENG 591	Seminar: Writing Fiction	3-6(3-0)
ENG 592	Seminar: Writing Poetry	3-6(3-0)
ENG 691	Seminar: Writing Fiction	3-6(3-0)
ENG 692	Seminar in Writing Poetry	3-6(3-0)
ENG 693	Seminar: Writing Creative Nonfiction	3-6(3-0)

Required Courses II (6 hours)

Select 6 hours from the following:

ENG 694	The Craft of Fiction	3(3-0)
ENG 695	The Craft of Poetry	3(3-0)
ENG 696	The Craft of Creative Nonfiction	3(3-0)

 

Required Courses III (6 hours)

Select 6 hours from the following:

ENG 621	Seminar in Contemporary Poetry	3(3-0)
ENG 622	Seminar in Contemporary Fiction	3(3-0)

Electives (6 hours)

Select courses in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Capstone Portfolio Project

The M.A. in Creative Writing requires a Plan B Portfolio. Students will need to submit a portfolio of written materials in the semester immediately prior to graduation.

Total: 30 semester hours

Accelerated Admissions to the Master of Arts in Creative Writing

Admission Standards

(Currently enrolled CMU Undergraduate Students only.)

Student must be a signed major in English or a related field.

1. Maintain an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and a grade of 3.25 or higher in at least two of the following courses: ENG 294WI, ENG 301WI, ENG 391WI, ENG 392WI, ENG 491WI, ENG 492, ENG 493.
2. Submit a writing sample (10-15 pages of poetry, 15-30 pages of fiction, or 15-30 pages of both genres) and a cover letter. The cover letter should be a maximum of 1200 words and explain why you want to enroll in the program, what you hope to gain from it, and what your focus or interests are as a writer and student.
3. Obtain graduate school approval of courses selected to double count on both the BA/BS and MA.

Retention Standards

Maintain of a 3.25 GPA in English courses. Students who fail to maintain a 3.25 GPA in English courses in two successive semesters will be removed from the accelerated program.

Students considering an accelerated MA program should be aware that their financial aid may be affected for courses double counting on the BA/BS and MA Contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid for information at 989-774-3674 or [e-mail].