Overview

The Bilingual Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing is designed as an artist’s degree that stresses the performance aspect of the discipline. The objectives of the program are to prepare students to be practicing writers and to be teachers of creative writing and contemporary literature. Upon completion, students will have a thorough understanding of form and theory and an advanced background in literature. 

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
2. Transcripts according to the requirements of the Graduate School.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. A writing sample in the genre of emphasis: eight to 10 poems; 20 pages of prose, play-writing, essay, or screenplay.
5. A statement of purpose.

The bilingual aspect of this program refers to the coexistence of Spanish and English in the classroom and does not require students to speak both languages. Applicants whose degrees are from non-English speaking institutions are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the Graduate School website for required scores. 

The admission factors will be reviewed holistically to assess the potential of the applicant.  The successful applicant would typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher that demonstrates focus on academics in a field that requires critical thinking and creativity, a writing sample in the genre of emphasis that illustrates the applicant's ability and potential, a personal statement that demonstrates maturity and commitment to a career related to creative writing as well as willingness to interact with diverse cultural backgrounds, and three letters of recommendation from supporting faculty or advisors who can serve as judges of the applicant's competence and commitment.

Degree Plan Options 

In addition, students with an assistantship in the English Department must take ENGL 5345 Writing to Learn, and students with a teaching assistantship in Languages and Linguistics must take LING 5370 Study in Language.

The thesis will consist of a book-length manuscript of original fiction or poetry, play, essay collection, translation, or screenplay, accompanied by a critical preface. Each candidate is required to submit a thesis proposal and a sample of the thesis-in-progress prior to enrolling in Thesis I. The thesis will be prepared under the direction of a thesis director, and it will be judged by a three-member committee and defended orally.