Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Overview

The BYU Creative Writing MFA is a two-year program requiring 26 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis writing designed to prepare students as writers and scholars and for careers in teaching and writing. BYU's English Department devotes all of its graduate resources to master's students, combining reasonable tuition with significant financial support. In addition to Creative Writing, graduate faculty provide depth in British and American literature and rhetoric and composition.

Most English master's students are LDS and come from the United States and Canada. We encourage applicants from a variety of undergraduate majors and institutions.

Admissions decisions are based on the strength of an applicant's writing samples, personal statement, recommendations, and GRE scores. Throughout the admissions process consideration is given to the perceived fit between student interest and faculty expertise.

Degree Requirements

32 minimum credit hours, culminating in an oral defense of a creative thesis.

Required Courses

• Introduction to Graduate Studies (English 600)
• Three graduate-level writing workshops
• Creative Writing Theory (English 617) must be completed in the first year of graduate study.
• Two literature courses chosen to broaden background and sharpen writing skills

Elective Courses

• Two graduate-level courses (up to 3 hours may be taken outside the English Department)

Thesis

• English 699R (6 hours)
• The creative thesis is a substantial work of creative writing demonstrating knowledge and skill in the area of interest. The thesis includes a critical introduction or afterword.

Examination and Thesis Defense

• Oral examination on thesis and approved reading list of writers or topics.