M.F.A. in Creative Writing

San Francisco, California

 

INTAKE: August

Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing program at San Francisco State University (SF State) is a dynamic and prestigious program designed to nurture the talents of aspiring writers. Known for its rigorous curriculum and outstanding faculty, this program offers students a supportive and inspiring environment to develop their writing skills and pursue their creative passions. SF State's M.F.A. in Creative Writing program offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for writers seeking to develop their craft and pursue careers in the literary world. With a commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving field of creative writing.

Curriculum:

1. Creative Writing Workshops: The heart of the M.F.A. program is the creative writing workshop. Students participate in small, focused workshops led by accomplished and dedicated faculty members. These workshops provide a space for students to share their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage in in-depth discussions of literature and craft. The program covers various genres, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and drama, allowing students to explore their chosen genre deeply.

2. Distinguished Faculty: SF State boasts a faculty of renowned writers who are experts in their respective fields. Faculty members are actively engaged in the literary world and offer valuable mentorship to students. Their guidance and expertise help students refine their writing and navigate the complexities of the publishing industry.

3. Craft and Theory Courses: In addition to workshops, students take craft and theory courses that delve into the mechanics and theory of writing. These courses explore topics such as narrative structure, poetic forms, literary criticism, and creative non-fiction techniques. They provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical aspects of writing.

4. Elective Courses: The program offers a wide range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Elective options may include screenwriting, playwriting, genre-specific courses, publishing, and more. This flexibility ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in creative writing.

5. Readings and Literary Events: SF State is located in the vibrant literary community of San Francisco. Students benefit from exposure to numerous literary events, readings, and author visits. These events provide opportunities to connect with established authors, publishers, and literary professionals, enriching students' understanding of the writing world.

6. Community Engagement: The program emphasizes community engagement and outreach. Students have the chance to teach creative writing in community settings, work with local literary organizations, and share their love of writing with diverse communities.

7. Thesis Project: As a culmination of their studies, M.F.A. students complete a thesis project, which often includes a book-length manuscript of original work. This project is a significant achievement and showcases students' growth as writers during their time in the program.

8. Literary Magazine: SF State hosts a renowned literary magazine,"Fourteen Hills", which provides students with opportunities to gain editorial experience, publish their work, and engage with the broader literary community.

9. Alumni Success: Graduates of SF State's M.F.A. program have gone on to achieve notable success in the literary world. Many alumni have published novels, poetry collections, essays, and short stories, while others have become influential literary critics, editors, and educators.

10. Preparing for Publishing: The program offers guidance on the publishing process, including how to submit work to literary journals, agents, and publishers. Faculty and alumni networks often play a crucial role in helping students connect with publishing opportunities.

11. Scholarships and Assistantships: SF State provides various financial support options, including scholarships, teaching assistantships, and opportunities for working with the literary magazine. These financial aids help alleviate the cost of pursuing an M.F.A.

Pollster Education

Location

San Francisco, California

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

USD 15298

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

1. Academic Qualifications:

  • Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
  • The general academic requirement for admission is a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent of a "B" average.

2. English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher with no individual band score less than 6.
  • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80.
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 65.

San Francisco State University (SFSU) offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships can help alleviate the cost of tuition and living expenses. 

1. SFSU Foundation Scholarships: SFSU offers a range of scholarships through its Foundation. These scholarships are available to both domestic and international students and cover various academic disciplines and criteria.

2. President's Scholarship for World Leaders: This prestigious scholarship is designed for incoming undergraduate international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

3. Graduate Equity Fellowship: This fellowship supports underrepresented graduate students, including international students, by providing financial assistance and mentorship to help them succeed in their graduate programs.

4. College and Departmental Scholarships: Many SFSU colleges and departments offer scholarships specifically tailored to students within their academic programs. International students should inquire with their respective colleges about these opportunities.

5. External Scholarships: SFSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and through international organizations, to help fund their education in the United States.

6. Assistantships and Work-Study Programs: International graduate students may have opportunities to work as teaching or research assistants, which often come with tuition waivers and stipends.

7. Study Abroad Scholarships: SFSU promotes study abroad programs, and students may be eligible for scholarships to support their international experiences.

8. International Student Office Assistance: The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office can provide information and guidance on scholarship opportunities available to international students.

9. Departmental Awards and Grants: Some academic departments may offer awards or grants to outstanding international students based on their academic achievements and contributions to their field of study.

10. Cultural and Exchange Scholarships: - International students participating in cultural exchange programs or representing their home countries may be eligible for scholarships related to cultural exchange and diplomacy.

It's essential for international students to research and apply for scholarships well in advance of their planned enrollment at SFSU. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines, so it's crucial to review the details and adhere to the application requirements. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is often a requirement for scholarship renewal.

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing program at San Francisco State University (SF State) is renowned for nurturing and developing the talents of aspiring writers. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in various areas of the writing and publishing industry.  

1. Published Authors: Many M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates from SF State go on to become published authors. Armed with a refined craft and a polished manuscript, they have the potential to publish novels, short story collections, poetry collections, and creative non-fiction works. Some alumni have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, gaining recognition in the literary world.

2. Poets: Graduates with a focus on poetry often pursue careers as poets. They may publish poetry collections, chapbooks, or individual poems in literary journals. Some poets also perform their work at readings and events, establishing themselves in the spoken word and poetry slam communities.

3. Screenwriters: Screenwriting is another viable career path for M.F.A. in Creative Writing graduates. They can write scripts for film and television, contributing to the entertainment industry. Some alumni have gone on to write for popular TV series, independent films, and even major Hollywood productions.

4. Playwrights: Graduates interested in drama and playwriting can pursue careers as playwrights. They may have their original plays produced in theaters, contributing to the world of live performance. Some playwrights also work in theater education and community engagement.

5. Copywriters and Content Creators: With their strong writing skills, graduates can explore careers in advertising, marketing, and content creation. They may work as copywriters, crafting persuasive advertising campaigns, or as content creators for websites, blogs, and social media platforms.

6. Editors: The program equips students with the editing skills necessary for careers in the publishing industry. Graduates can become editors for publishing houses, literary magazines, or online publications. They may work on manuscripts, articles, or digital content.

7. Literary Agents: Some graduates with a keen understanding of the publishing industry may choose to become literary agents. They represent authors, negotiate book deals, and help writers navigate the publishing process.

8. Writing Instructors: SF State M.F.A. in Creative Writing alumni often find fulfilling careers in education. They can teach creative writing at the college or secondary level, sharing their passion for writing with the next generation of writers.

9. Freelance Writers: Many graduates opt for freelance writing careers, which provide flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects. They can write for magazines, websites, newspapers, and more, covering topics that align with their interests and expertise.

10. Literary Critics and Reviewers: Graduates interested in literary analysis and criticism can become reviewers and critics. They may write book reviews, essays, and scholarly articles for literary journals and publications.

11. Publishing Professionals: Some alumni work behind the scenes in the publishing industry, taking on roles in acquisitions, book marketing, publicity, and book design. Their knowledge of the writing and editing process is valuable in these positions.

12. Community Engagement: SF State's program also emphasizes community engagement and outreach. Graduates can work in literary organizations, libraries, and community programs that promote literacy and support aspiring writers.


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