M.A. in Sociology
George Mason University, a prestigious institution located in Fairfax, Virginia, offers...
M.F.A. in Creative Writing
Fairfax, Virginia
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing program at George Mason University is a distinguished and immersive program designed to foster the artistic growth and literary talents of aspiring writers. With a focus on honing writing skills, exploring diverse genres, and engaging with contemporary literary trends, this program offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for those seeking to become skilled and creative authors. The M.F.A. program is typically completed over two to three years of full-time study. It emphasizes both workshop-style classes and academic coursework. Students engage in intensive writing workshops, where they share and receive feedback on their work from peers and experienced faculty members. The curriculum includes a blend of creative writing courses, literature studies, and seminars on writing techniques and strategies.
Curriculum:
1. Diverse Genres: The program encourages exploration across various genres, including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and more. This allows students to experiment with different writing styles and develop a versatile skill set.
2. Faculty Expertise: The faculty members are accomplished authors and experts in their respective fields. Their mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding students' creative endeavors and helping them refine their writing techniques.
3. Literary Community: The program fosters a vibrant literary community where students collaborate, exchange ideas, and critique each other's work. Regular readings, workshops, and events provide opportunities for students to connect with fellow writers and established authors.
4.Craft and Technique: Courses delve into the intricacies of writing craft, narrative structure, character development, and language usage. Students learn to critically analyze literature and apply insights to their own writing.
5. Thesis Project: A significant component of the program is the completion of a thesis project, which may consist of a full-length novel, a poetry collection, a memoir, or a combination of works. The thesis project allows students to showcase their creative achievements and literary accomplishments.
6. Literary Studies: In addition to creative writing workshops, students engage in literary studies that expose them to diverse literary traditions, genres, and contemporary trends. This broadens their understanding of literature and informs their own creative work.
7. Professional Development: The program places a strong emphasis on preparing students for a career in writing. Workshops on publishing, literary agents, and professional writing practices equip students with the skills needed to navigate the writing industry.
8. Writing Community: George Mason University is located in the heart of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, providing students access to a thriving literary and cultural scene. Opportunities for internships, readings, and literary events abound.
9. Flexible Options: The program offers flexible options, including part-time study, to accommodate students with various schedules and commitments.
10. Alumni Success: Graduates of the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program have achieved significant success as published authors, editors, teachers, and professionals in various writing-related fields.
11. Accessibility: The program's location and online offerings provide accessibility for students seeking to pursue their M.F.A. while balancing other commitments.
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Score
IELTS:7
Tuition Fee
USD 34210
Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs
Application Fees : US$ 75
1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the chosen field of study for the postgraduate program.
2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The minimum GPA requirement for admission to most postgraduate programs at George Mason University is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 7, with no individual band score below 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 , with no band less than 20.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120
George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.
1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.
2. INTO Mason Scholarships: INTO Mason, a partnership program that helps international students transition to university life in the United States, offers scholarships to students who enroll in Pathway programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition costs and are awarded based on academic merit.
3. College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen area of study.
4. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.
5. International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
6. Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.
7. Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.
It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing program at George Mason University is designed to nurture and refine the artistic talents of aspiring writers. With a strong focus on craft, creativity, and literary exploration, this program equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to pursue a variety of rewarding and fulfilling career paths in the field of writing and beyond.
-
Authorship: Many M.F.A. graduates go on to become published authors, writing novels, short stories, poetry collections, and creative non-fiction. They contribute to the literary world by creating original and impactful works that entertain, inform, and inspire readers.
-
Teaching and Academia: Graduates with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing often teach writing workshops, literature courses, and creative writing classes at universities, colleges, and community centers. They play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of writers and fostering a love for writing and literature.
-
Editorial Roles: The strong writing and analytical skills developed in the program make graduates ideal candidates for editorial positions in publishing houses, literary magazines, and online platforms. They can work as editors, proofreaders, and manuscript assessors, helping authors refine and polish their work.
-
Literary Agent: Graduates can become literary agents, helping writers navigate the publishing world, negotiate contracts, and connect with publishers.
-
Freelance Writing: Many M.F.A. graduates choose to pursue freelance writing careers, contributing to magazines, newspapers, blogs, and online platforms. They write articles, essays, reviews, and creative pieces on a wide range of topics.
-
Content Creation: Graduates can find opportunities in content creation for digital media, marketing, and advertising agencies. They create engaging and compelling content for websites, social media, and other online platforms.
-
Screenwriting and Playwriting: The program's emphasis on storytelling equips graduates to write for film, television, and the theater. They can develop screenplays, teleplays, and stage plays that entertain and engage audiences.
-
Copywriting and Advertising: Graduates can work as copywriters, creating persuasive and captivating copy for advertisements, marketing campaigns, and promotional materials.
-
Publishing and Book Production: Graduates can explore careers in the publishing industry, working in roles such as book production, book design, and marketing for publishers.
-
Literary Journalism: The program's focus on narrative and creative expression makes graduates well-suited for careers in literary journalism, where they can explore real-world events and issues through a creative lens.
-
Technical Writing: With their ability to communicate complex information clearly, graduates can pursue technical writing roles in various industries, producing user manuals, guides, and technical documentation.
-
Non-Profit and Advocacy Organizations: Graduates can apply their writing skills to non-profit and advocacy organizations, creating persuasive materials, grant proposals, and promotional content.
-
Media and Entertainment: Graduates can explore opportunities in media and entertainment, contributing to scriptwriting, podcast production, and storytelling for various platforms.
