Master of Fine Arts in Writing (M.F.A.)
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The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Writing is a graduate professional degree designed to prepare students to develop knowledge of the conventions of specific writing genres, to understand the creative process, and to assess market trends in specific areas of professional writing. Students gain experience in preparing an effective project synopsis and outline, in submitting materials that conform to industry expectations and standards, and in planning and executing a major project in a specific genre of writing.
Upon completing the program of study in Fine Arts in Writing, students will:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the conventions of specific writing genres.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the creative process.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of market trends in specific areas of professional writing.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop an effective project synopsis, outline, as well as submission materials that conform to industry expectations and standards.
- Demonstrate highly developed writing skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a major project in a specific genre of
writing.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Proficiency in the business application of personal computers.
- For non-native English-speakers, a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 80 internet-based, or 213 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language .
- Proof of immunization in accordance with Connecticut state requirements.
- For fully online students, a driver’s license or DMV photo identification is required.
- Applicants intending to use VA benefits submit a copy of their certificate of eligibility to a school certifying official.
The applicant must submit:
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- Nonfiction: A completed composition or portion of a piece of at least 2,500 words and a maximum of 5,000.
- Fiction: A completed composition or portion of a piece of at least 2,500 words and a maximum of 5,000.
- Poetry: Between 5 and 10 pages containing at least five completed poems.
- Official transcripts from all nationally and regionally accredited degree-granting institutions, approved by the USDE or CHEA, attended.
- An essay (of 750-1000 words, double-spaced) on “The Writer’s Journey,” detailing the applicant’s personal reflections on the writer’s craft and reasons for applying to the program.
- A sample of written work in one genre as follows:
- Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates specifically addressing suitability for the program.
- Resume providing a profile and indication of the area of writing interest, summary of educational and writing experience (including any publications, current submissions, or works in progress), and employment history.
Tuition and Fees
Costs vary by graduate program; please consult https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.
- Application Fee: $50.00
- Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)
- Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.
Fees and rates are subject to change.
Transfer Credits
Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from nationally
or regionally accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education
(USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying
the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must
satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum
grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an
individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion
of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed
prior to starting the program.
Accreditation
Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Fine Arts in Writing is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Program Format
Classes are offered in a traditional semester format, which consists of two, sixteen-week terms and one, eight-week summer module during the calendar year. All classes are fully online.
Academic Advisement
Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.
Course Load
Full-time students must enroll in 9 credits per semester. Part-time students must enroll in 5 credits per semester.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all requirements within seven years of matriculation, including completion of the capstone course.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Minimum grade in each course of 2.0.
- Payment of all tuition and fees.
Graduation with Honors
Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90 or above and a grade of “A” in all components of the final project/capstone course/thesis are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
REQUIRED CORE (24 credits)
EN 500 - Writing Portfolio
EN 541 - The Creative Process
EN 551 - The Literary Marketplace
EN 692 - Master Project
* Note: EN 500 (1 credit course. Students are required to complete 4 credits throughout the program.) and EN 692 (8 credits)
Select one (4 credits):
EN 521 - Readings in Fiction
EN 522 - Readings in Poetry
FLEXIBLE CORE (12 credits)
Take two courses in your primary genre and one course in your secondary genre.
EN 543 - Seminar in Poetry I
EN 544 - Seminar in Fiction I
EN 545 - Seminar in Nonfiction I
EN 643 - Seminar in Poetry II
EN 644 - Seminar in Fiction II
EN 645 - Seminar in Nonfiction II