Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing - Creative Nonfiction

Virginia Commonwealth University

Our selective and academically rigorous 48-credit-hour, three-year program is designed to provide talented writers with the opportunity to work closely with both outstanding faculty and gifted peers to strengthen their craft, develop their literary aesthetics, enrich their understanding of existing traditions as well as compositional possibilities, and to participate actively in the life of the literary community at large. The primary areas of study are poetry and fiction, and admission is highly competitive. In addition to the poetry and fiction workshops, there are courses available that focus on writing drama, nonfiction and screenplays, as well as courses that provide practical experience in editing. Student learning outcomes specific to fiction Demonstrate the use or knowledge of effective approaches for creating sustained works of fiction distinguished by a nuanced use of appropriate narrative elements, techniques and conventions Demonstrate a highly developed proficiency in understanding and creating story structures appropriate to their purpose and audience, as well as to their chosen literary modes and styles In a statement of purpose or aesthetics that is part of their thesis manuscripts, as well as in an exit interviews/thesis defense, appraise and locate their own work within literary and cultural contexts

College of Humanities and Sciences