M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
M.F.A. in Creative Writing
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MFA in Creative Writing at UCA is a writing-intensive, 45-credit-hour terminal degree program that emphasizes multi-genre backgrounds. It is designed to provide graduate students with opportunities to concentrate on the study, practice, and teaching of creative writing within a community facilitated by experienced writers. Graduates are uniquely positioned for careers in teaching creative writing at the college level and navigating the publishing industry. The program culminates in a thesis project, an original work of creative writing that demonstrates the student's mastery of their craft.
Curriculum: The 45-credit-hour curriculum is structured to provide both breadth and depth in creative writing. It includes a strong core of advanced forms and theory courses across poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, alongside multiple advanced workshop courses to hone writing skills in various genres. Students also engage with "Advanced Special Topics in Creative Writing," which can cover diverse areas like environmental writing, screenplay writing, literary translation, or writing for new media, allowing for specialization. Key required courses also include "Teaching Creative Writing: History, Theory and Practice," "The MFA Experience: A Professional Development Seminar," and "Editing and Publishing," which provide practical skills and professional development. Thesis research hours are also a significant component, guiding students through the development of their capstone creative work.
Research Focus: The MFA in Creative Writing is fundamentally a practice-based program, where the "research" is primarily centered on the creation of original literary work. Students are expected to engage in deep reading and critical analysis of existing literature to inform their own writing. The "The MFA Experience" course helps students maximize their time in the program by developing them as writers and artists, focusing on approaches to building a literary career, ethics, invention techniques, and creativity theory. While not traditional academic research, the program encourages a rigorous, informed approach to creative output and a scholarly understanding of literary craft.
Industry Engagement: UCA's MFA in Creative Writing program actively fosters industry engagement. Students gain practical, hands-on experience by serving on the editorial staff of Arkana, the university's online national literary magazine. Furthermore, a highly valuable opportunity exists through publishing assistantships, including one with the nationally recognized literary magazine The Oxford American. These experiences provide direct exposure to the editorial and publishing processes, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Internships with local arts organizations and non-profits are also available, further connecting students with the professional literary world. The curriculum, particularly courses like "Editing and Publishing," is explicitly designed to prepare graduates for the realities of the publishing industry.
Global Perspective: While the curriculum focuses on creative writing in English, the program indirectly fosters a global perspective by encouraging students to engage with diverse literary traditions and influences. The study of various forms, genres, and theoretical approaches naturally exposes students to a wide range of voices and cultural contexts. Additionally, the university's broader commitment to a diverse student body and a rich academic environment means that students bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to the creative process, enriching the workshop and classroom discussions. The emphasis on developing universally applicable communication and storytelling skills also prepares graduates to connect with audiences and literary communities across borders.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
An MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) provides more than just the opportunity to hone one's craft; it develops a highly versatile skill set that translates into numerous career paths both within and beyond the literary world. The rigorous emphasis on critical thinking, persuasive writing, narrative development, and effective communication makes graduates valuable assets in a variety of industries.
University/College Professor (Creative Writing/Composition): This is a common and often desired path. An MFA is considered the terminal degree for teaching creative writing at the collegiate level, allowing graduates to teach workshops, literature courses, and composition. Many UCA MFA graduates have gone on to teach at universities.
Author (Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Nonfiction Writer): For many, the MFA is a dedicated space to develop and refine the manuscript that will launch their career as a published author. While competitive, the program provides the skills, mentorship, and time necessary to produce publishable work.
Editor/Acquisitions Editor: With a keen eye for detail, grammar, style, and narrative flow, MFA graduates are well-suited for roles in the publishing industry. This can include copyediting, developmental editing, or working as an acquisitions editor who discovers and champions new literary talent.
Content Writer/Strategist: In today's digital landscape, businesses and organizations constantly need engaging and effective written content. MFA graduates excel at crafting compelling website copy, blog posts, articles, marketing materials, and social media content, often taking on roles like content strategist to oversee broader content initiatives.
Copywriter (Advertising/Marketing): Copywriters create persuasive text for advertisements, brochures, emails, and campaigns. The MFA's focus on understanding audience, crafting compelling narratives, and mastering rhetorical techniques makes graduates highly effective in this fast-paced field.
Technical Writer: This role involves translating complex information (e.g., scientific data, software instructions, medical procedures) into clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation. The ability to organize information logically and write with precision, honed in an MFA program, is invaluable here.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist/Communications Manager: PR professionals manage an organization's public image and messaging. MFA graduates' strong writing, storytelling, and communication skills are essential for drafting press releases, speeches, internal communications, and managing public perception.
Journalist/Feature Writer: While traditional journalism often requires specific training, the research, interview, and narrative skills developed in an MFA program can lead to careers in investigative journalism, feature writing for magazines or online publications, or even literary journalism.
Grant Writer: Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and arts organizations rely heavily on grant funding. MFA graduates' ability to craft persuasive narratives, conduct thorough research, and articulate project goals clearly makes them excellent grant writers, helping secure vital financial support.
Literary Agent: For those who love literature and want to champion authors, a literary agent acts as a representative, connecting writers with publishers. This requires strong negotiation skills, an understanding of the publishing market, and a keen eye for promising literary talent, all of which an MFA can cultivate.
