Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Emily Rosko, Program Director
843.953.5665
r oskoe@cofc.edu

http://english.cofc.edu/graduate-programs/master-fine-arts-creative-writing/index.php

Mission Statement

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program provides students with a rigorous education in the writing and craft of fiction or poetry. The program culminates with the completion a full-length manuscript of either prose fiction or poetry (the thesis).

The program offers two distinct curriculum tracks–Studio and Arts Management. Students can choose to pursue interests in either the study of literature through coursework in the M.A. English program, or the study of arts management administration through coursework in the Arts Management Graduate Certificate program, jointly administered by the Master of Public Administration program and the School of the Arts. Students in the Arts Management curriculum track are able to earn the Arts Management Graduate Certificate credential alongside the M.F.A. degree.

The program prepares students for careers in teaching at the secondary or two-year college levels; in publishing; in arts management administration; in non-profit organizations; and in related fields. Some students graduating with the M.F.A. continue their education at the doctoral level.

The program serves students from across the country. It is committed to the goal of a diverse faculty and student body.

Program Description

The College of Charleston’s Master of Fine Arts Program offers advanced degree training to students who wish to gain expertise in the writing of poetry and fiction. As in music or the visual arts, the best education for the artist includes training in the history and traditions associated with the student’s discipline, training in theoretical and formal approaches to the craft, and intensive peer and faculty feedback.

Admission Requirements and Application Deadlines

Creative Writing, M.F.A. Admission Requirements

Institutional Requirements

A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information” section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements

A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.500 on a 4.000 scale.
A creative writing sample in the genre of application that demonstrates skill and promise for further development in the art. Fiction samples may include one short story, several short stories, or a section of a novel, and must not exceed 30 pages in length. Poets should send no more than 10 pages of poetry.
A statement of purpose (300-500 words). Applicants should discuss: their writing style, as well as literary influences; how the College/program will support these goals; and what the applicant believes he or she will contribute to the program.
Three letters of recommendation. Each referee should be as specific as possible in addressing the applicant’s motivation and ability to successfully complete a graduate degree.
An official copy of scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Application Deadlines

Fall: February 1
Spring: No Spring Admission
Summer: No Summer Admission

Transfer Credit Policy

No program specific guidelines. Please refer to the Graduate School’s transfer credit policy .

Program Requirements

Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Student Learning Outcomes

Creative Writing M.F.A. (PDF)