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Kent State University

Ohio, united states.

The Writing Minor gives academic recognition to students who have demonstrated their ability in either imaginative writing or expository writing. The minor helps students to establish eligibility for graduate programs in writing. It is evidence of training that may be offered to prospective employers.

Courses available for the writing minor include: Introduction to Creative Writing; Writers' Workshops (two levels in fiction and poetry); Black Writers' Workshops in fiction, poetry, and drama; and playwriting. A variety of related courses in literature (including seminars on the Beat Generation, Postmodern Fiction, chapbook preparation, and little magazines and small presses, using the resources of Kent State University's special collection of modern and contemporary poetry books and manuscripts) are also available.

The most important aspect of the writing minor with an emphasis in creative writing is the writing portfolio, a sustained collection of poetry, fiction, or playwriting which the student puts together over one or two semesters in consultation with two members of the writing faculty. These portfolios are often used as a part of an application to an MFA program. Recent Kent State graduates have been accepted into MFA programs at Columbia University, Western Washington University, the University of Arizona, the University of Pittsburgh, and at Stanford University as a Wallace Stegner Fellow. In addition, several students who have completed the writing minor have won the Wick Poetry Center's student chapbook competition for Ohio poets and their chapbooks have been published by the Kent State University Press. Recently, two Kent State University creative writing students were chosen to attend the Stadler Seminar for Younger Poets at Bucknell University. Some of Kent State University's creative writing students have distinguished themselves as performance poets both regionally and nationally.

A program that is particularly supportive of the writing minor is the Wick Poetry Center under the Directorship of David Hassler. Wick's activities include an undergraduate scholarship competition, a chapbook series and a first book series through the Kent State University Press, and readings by poets, including Gwendolyn Brooks, W.S. Merwin, Lynn Emanuel, Joy Harjo, Maxine Kumin, Heather McHugh, Gerald Stern, and others. The Wick Poetry Center also sponsors workshops with visiting writers and fellowships for graduate students. In addition to the special opportunities provided by the Wick Poetry Center, a lively community of readings and performances throughout northeastern Ohio supports the academic offerings in creative writing at Kent State.

The creative writing faculty includes Maggie Anderson, poetry (Windfall: New and Selected Poems, Cold Comfort, and A Space Filled with Moving); Zee Edgell, fiction (Beka Lamb and Festival at San Joaquin); Katherine Blackbird, poetry (White Sustenance and the CD Recreational Virgin); Ted Lyons, fiction (editor of The Time of Your Life); Maj Ragain, poetry (Burley One Dark Sucker Fired and Fresh Oil, Loose Gravel); Alice Cone, poetry and fiction (Shattering Into Blossom); Brooke Horvath, poetry and fiction (Consolation at Ground Zero, co-editor of Review of Contemporary Fiction); Bob King, poetry and fiction; Craig Paulenich, poetry (co-editor of Beneath a Single Moon: Buddhism in Contemporary American Poetry); and Donald Hassler, poetry and fiction (editor of Patterns of the Fantastic).

For more information, contact David Hassler, Wick Poetry Center Director, or Brian Huot, Writing Program Coordinator, Dept. of English.

Contact Information

PO Box 5190 126 S Lincoln St Kent Ohio, United States 44242-0001 Phone: (330) 672-2067 Email: [email protected]

Bachelor of Arts in English/Literature +

Minor / concentration in creative writing +, master of fine arts in creative writing +.

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Dr Patterson used her library allocations to purchase materials and equipment that allowed her students to create their own books for Creative Writing. They used a book binder, leather crafting material, die cuts, the Cricut and more to create stunning works. One student used our podcasting booth to produce a podcast for their project. 

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Academics: Aeronautics Camp/Engineering Camp/Creative Coding/Fashion/Theatre/Writing

Academic advantage (undergraduate students).

Academic Advantage is an educational journey based on Career Exploration, Success Coaching, and Academic Coursework. The program is designed to assist underrepresented students to graduate in four years and envision a path for the future by building a support network of peers and professional staff. All undergraduate underrepresented students are encouraged to apply!

What’s New with Academic Advantage 2021?

Academic Advantage, formerly known as Summer Advantage, will be offered in the Spring! Students who register and enroll in a 1-2 credit leadership or student development course such as the Peer Leader Training course, Success Seminar, Career Navigation, etc. can apply to Academic Advantage.

The program benefits include:

• Book and Course Supply Assistance up to $500
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Career Exploration Workshops
• Cultural and Service-Learning Activities
• Peer-to-Peer Connections

For additional info, contact:  Academic Diversity Outreach at 330-672-1837 or  [email protected] .

Aeronautics Camp  FREE OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR HIGH SCHOOL FEMALES

Nikki kukwa memorial aeronautics camp (nkmac) is a free overnight camp for high school females interested in careers in aeronautics..

Please complete: https://kent.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d08nc1jh5LHHR8G

Twenty female, high school students will receive a three-day camp award through the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aviation Fund and Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering. Selection for this camp means there is no financial expectation to participants and their families. Participants will explore careers in aviation while staying in dorms on Kent State University Kent Campus. The camp includes an airport tour, experiences at KSU’s Air Traffic Control and Flight Simulator Labs and aflight out of the KSU Airport. Participants will also learn more about majors in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, financial aid and campus life.  How To Apply:   https://kent.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d08nc1jh5LHHR8G    Upon submission, your application will require one of the following items:500-word Essay: Describe why you would like to attend the camp. Upload the document within the online application.  Teacher Recommendation Letter: Ask a teacher to write a letter of recommendation and submit it via email to Cassy Mendenhall at [email protected] . Application Deadline: June 14, 2024  Credit Workshops 

The Office of Continuing Education offers a variety of workshops in education, art education, and other areas. Credit workshops, like for-credit continuing education courses, meet university and Ohio Board of Regents standards for contact hours and out-of-class time and adhere to the cost per credit hour set by the University Board of Trustees.

Dates: Summer 2024 Cost: Varies depending on the workshop Find More Information on Credit Workshops Here   For additional info, contact: The Office of Continuing Education at 330-672-3100 or  [email protected]

Emerging Engineer Camps!   Join us for a summer where fun meets the future of engineering!

Get hands-on with experiments, explore real-world engineering, and complete an exciting design project. Whether you’re in middle or high school, these camps are your ticket to a summer of discovery and fun in STEM! Opportunities for scholarships are available.

For details:   https://www.kent.edu/cae/event/emerging-engineer-camp Click here to register by June 3: https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashnetg/static/storefront/KENTCAEGGE/catalog Time: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (lunch provided) Location: Aeronautics and Engineering Building - Kent Campus Middle School Camp Grades 6-8 Mon-Wed, June 24-26 | $125 High School Camp Grades 9-12 Mon-Fri, June 24-28 | $200  

Creative Coding Summer Workshop

Junior and senior high school students with little or no background in coding and computer graphics are invited to a two-afternoon, hands-on workshop hosted at the Kent State University main campus. Led by faculty in the School of Emerging Media and Technology, attendees will learn the basics of JavaScript and leave with a distinctive digital artifact and the tools to create generative art. This workshop is perfect for students exploring their expressive side and curious about coding. Please visit the website below for more information including registration info and dates.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (330) 672-9105
• Website: https://www.kent.edu/emat/workshops

Fashion School

Fashion School The academy is a one-week program, June 9-15 2024, that introduces high school students to key areas in fashion design and merchandising. The Summer Fashion Academy will allow creative, motivated teens to explore their passion for fashion in a pre-college, summer residence program.

The Summer Fashion Academy is for students who:

• Have completed their sophomore year of high school
• Are 16 to 18 years of age
• Are passionate about fashion
• Are interested in exploring careers in the $4 billion fashion industry

Space within the academy is limited to 30 participants and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens in Spring. 

• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone: 330-672-0179
• Website:  www.kent.edu/fashion/academy

MAILING ADDRESS

The School of Fashion's Summer Fashion Academy The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising P.O. Box 5190 Kent, OH 44242-0001  

KENT STATE FLORENCE SUMMER INSTITUTE

Check out  Program Information  to learn about the program dates, academics, accommodations, flights, study tours, and much more.

Ready to apply? Then click on Applying to  Kent State Florence Summer Institute  for instructions about how to apply through our online system.

Read about  Life in Florence  to learn about fun activities the city offers as well as the history of the historic buildings of the Kent State Florence campus.

For detailed information about classes, including course descriptions, refer to the  Course Offerings  page.

To review Florence Summer Institute fees and what those fees include, check out  Program Costs .

KENT STATE GENEVA

• Session 1 June 3-28
• Session 2 July 1-26

Program Contact Kristina Bullard email [email protected] phone  330-672-7980 Office of global Education  

Geology summer camp , the department of earth sciences will not be offering a 5-week/6 credit summer field camp course in 2024. the course will be offered again during the first 5 weeks of the summer term of 2025., contact information.

Dr. David B. Hacker Director, Geology Summer Field Camp Kent State University Kent, OH 44242 [email protected] Dr. Hacker's Voicemail: (330) 672-7883 Department of Earth Sciences Secretary: (330) 672-2680

Kupita/Transiciones (Undergraduate Students)

Kupita/Transiciones (K/T) is a free program that includes a cultural orientation, transition experience, and year-long mentoring program for newly admitted and transfers African American, Latinx, Hispanic, Native American, and Multiracial students in mind.   Spanning over the academic year, students will engage in activities to learn how to successfully navigate their college career by focusing on the cultural and social climate of Kent State University.​​​​​​  All students are welcome to join.

As a result of participating in the Kupita/Transiciones (K/T) program, we hope students:

• Feel more connected to Kent State University
• Establish their Kent State University Familia
• Are affirmed in their cultural Identity
• Gain an appreciation for different cultures
• Identify opportunities for engagement at Kent State University

After students participate in the cultural orientation and transition experience, students will continue into the K/T Mentoring Program. The K/T Mentoring Program offers students an opportunity to have their mentor from K/T provide continued assistance, guidance, and support throughout their entire freshman year.

Registration starting May 13, 2024 - July 19, 2024

If you need additional information or have questions, please contact the Moore Center 330-672-3560 or via email at [email protected] .

Porthouse College Academy (Prospective BFA Students) 

The Porthouse College Academy is a musical theatre summer intensive program for high school graduates intending to enroll at Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance as a theatre major. Participants may enroll in either the 3 or 6 credit hour program.  For additional info, contact: Jennifer Korecki, Coordinator, Porthouse Academy at  j [email protected]  

Porthouse International Academy (International Students) 

Founded in 2015, the Porthouse International Academy is an opportunity for international students to experience the workings of a professional American theatre and take theatre classes for college credit. The International Academy runs concurrently with the Porthouse College Academy. 

Dates: Check back for 2021 information Find More Information Here for The Porthouse International Academy   For additional info, contact: Jakyung Seo, Coordinator, Porthouse International Academy at 330-672-2055 or  [email protected]  

Summer Advantage (Undergraduate Students)

Summer Advantage is an educational journey based on Career Exploration, Success Coaching, and Academic Coursework. The program is designed to assist underrepresented students to graduate in four years and envision a path for the future by building a support network of peers and professional staff. All undergraduate underrepresented students are encouraged to apply!

Dates: June 1 - July 10, 2020 (Application dates - February 1 - 29, 2020)  Find Additional Information Here   For additional info, contact: Academic Diversity Outreach at 330-672-1837 or  [email protected]

Senior Guest Program (Ohio residents Age 60 years+) 

The Senior Guest Program at Kent State University allows Ohio residents aged 60 years and older to attend regular university on-campus classes tuition-free on a space-available basis. Registration is only on the Senior Guest website  kent.edu/seniorguest.

Summer 2024 Registration   April 25, 10:00 a.m. to May 2, 5:00 p.m.  No pre-registration required. Fall 2024 Registration  August 1, 10:00 a.m. to August 7, 2024 5:00 p.m.  No pre-registration required.

 Cost: Senior Guests are responsible for the payment of course fees covering materials and supplies as well as the $15 per credit hour distance learning fee assessed for all online courses, parking and books. Find More Information on the Senior Guest Program and Class Schedules Here   Questions? Contact your campus Senior Guest Administrator

Writing Commons  4th Floor of the University Library Kent Campus 

Summer 2024  Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 9AM - 9PM

Thursday and Friday - 9AM - 5PM

Saturday - 12 noon - 5PM

Sunday - 3PM - 9PM

During the hours we are open, we can answer quick questions!

Ask Us a Question!

We Offer Four Session Types

• Choose " In Person Appointment " session for a face to face session with a writing consultant  at our location  on the 4th floor of the library.
• Choose " Live Video Chat " session for a video conference session with a writing consultant, using your Kent State University  Google Meet  application.
• Choose a " Live-Text Chat " session to chat with your writing consultant using your Kent State University  Google Hangouts  chat tool.

Ask a Writing Consultant!

Summer Sessions (Undergraduate, Graduate, and Transfer Students) 

Whether you are a current Kent State student or attend a different college, Summer Sessions at Kent State are a great way to catch up and get ahead. Hundreds of summer classes are available—including many you can take online. See how far you can advance – when you see yourself at Kent State this summer! The summer schedule is available. See the summer schedule of classes . 

Summer Sessions 2024 Term  

Find More Information on Summer Sessions and Class Schedules Here    Marilyn Bokrass Dir, Professional Education  Partnership * Continuing Education  at 330-672-8658 or  [email protected]

WICK JUNIORS WRITING CAMP

Summer wednesday, july 10 - sunday, july 14, 2024.

This year we have a special opportunity for our Wick Juniors students. On Friday, July 12, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón will be in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to promote her project, “You Are Here: Poetry in Parks,” an initiative with the National Park Service and the Poetry Society of America . Ada Limón will meet with our Wick Juniors students for an hour that day along with other area students. We will have more details and information about this exciting experience soon.

REGISTER NOW

Please email us at  [email protected]  with questions. 

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (Undergraduate Students) 

The SURE program funds promising undergraduate researchers for eight weeks over the summer to engage in faculty-supervised research.  The SURE program will support students with a $2,800 stipend and on-campus housing if needed. Faculty are provided with a $400 stipend to offset the cost of supplies/materials necessary for research. SURE is sponsored by the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Office of the President.

Dates: Summer 2018 Find More Information on the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Here   For additional info, contact:  [email protected]  

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Creative writing

A style of your own.

As a student of creative writing you join a lively, diverse community committed to high-quality literary fiction and exciting, experimental contemporary poetry. We give you lots of opportunities to practise, through workshops, writing exercises and assignments. We understand that the most ambitious work takes time and we support you as you develop your own style. 

Our research culture

Our ‘practice as research’ thread of creative writing PhD programmes is a distinctive feature of our research culture. You explore original, contemporary research questions, ultimately producing a novel, a volume of poetry or a non-fiction narrative.

You are supported by a supervisory team of published and critically acclaimed writers.

Creative community

We host literary events including a weekly reading series, which has welcomed authors such as Lionel Shriver and David Mitchell and poets including Denise Riley and Christopher Reid. We also invite publishing industry professionals to the School, who offer advice on how best to submit your work to publishers, how to approach literary agents and information about editorial roles within publishing.

All our creative writing students are invited to attend these events and we also host events where students are encouraged to share their own work.

Study in Paris

Home to Proust, Sartre and de Beauvoir, Paris also inspired Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Joyce. At Kent’s Paris centre, you can develop your own writing while immersed in this exhilarating city.

Creative Writing MA

If you are a serious and ambitious writer, this challenging programme is for you

University Catalog 2023-2024

English - b.a..

About This Program

Discover your passion for literature with the English program offers a comprehensive education in literature, writing and critical thinking. With personalized attention from faculty and opportunities for creative expression, you'll cultivate your voice and become a versatile communicator.  Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Ryan Hediger, Ph.D. | [email protected] | 330-672-1741 Sheri McMahon | [email protected] | 330-672-2676
• Ashtabula Campus
• East Liverpool Campus
• Geauga Campus
• Kent Campus
• Salem Campus
• Stark Campus
• Trumbull Campus
• Tuscarawas Campus
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor: Kent Campus | Regional Campuses

Program Delivery

Examples of possible careers and salaries*, english language and literature teachers, postsecondary.

• 2.1% slower than the average
• 81,300 number of jobs
• $69,000 potential earnings

Proofreaders and copy markers

• -2.7% decline
• 10,300 number of jobs
• $41,140 potential earnings

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

• 3.8% about as fast as the average
• 1,050,800 number of jobs
• $62,870 potential earnings

Additional Careers

• Content Writer/Developer
• Marketing and Social Media Material Developer
• Editors and Copy Writers
• Grant Writing Specialist
• Community Engagement Writer and Coordinator
• Project Manager – Marketing Division

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students .

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices .

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students .

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students .

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website .

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements, major requirements.

Maximum 15 credit hours of English (ENG) lower-division (10000 or 20000 level) courses will count toward the major. They may include the following Kent Core courses: ENG 21002 , ENG 21003 , ENG 21054 , ENG 22071 , ENG 22072 , ENG 22073 (or ENG 21001 ).

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

The following courses will not fulfill the English Elective: ENG 21011 , ENG 41092 , ENG 41192 , ENG 41292 , ENG 41392  and any ENG 10000-level course.

General Concentration Requirements

Literature concentration requirements, professional writing concentration requirements, foreign language college requirement, b.a..

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 14-16 credit hours of foreign language. 1 To complete the requirement, students need the equivalent of Elementary I and II in any language, plus one of the following options 2 :

• Intermediate I and II of the same language
• Elementary I and II of a second language
• Any combination of two courses from the following list:
• Intermediate I of the same language

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and fewer courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University; or (3) demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 14 credit hours and four courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

Certain majors, concentrations and minors may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need particular language coursework.

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program learning outcomes.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Exhibit specialized knowledge and skills in literary studies or professional writing.
• Employ research tools and methods appropriate for the academic study of literature, rhetoric or writing.
• Describe and apply a variety of critical theories to the study of literature, rhetoric or writing.
• Produce academic, creative or professional writing with attention to appropriate genre conventions, format and citation guidelines, stylistic expectations and grammatical rules.
• Complete a long written project with the application of appropriate critical, creative or professional approaches; mastery of research methods and resources; and awareness of audience, rhetorical context and discourse functions.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in English prepares students to be insightful readers and innovative writers. Students are introduced to literary traditions and critical methods through core courses and encouraged to pursue personal interests in the selection of a concentration and elective courses. English classes challenge students to develop reading, research and writing skills that will equip them for a wide range of careers.

The English major comprises the following concentrations:

• The General concentration allows students to combine elective choices in creative writing, professional writing, rhetoric, historical literature, genre studies and literary theory based on personal interest.
• The Literature concentration emphasizes the interpretation of literary texts drawn from a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Students develop an understanding of genre conventions and different theoretical and critical methods of analysis.
• The Professional Writing concentration offers courses in professional writing, editing and rhetoric. The concentration requires a professional experience elective fulfilled by an internship, service-learning placement or an advanced course in editing.

Students have opportunities in extracurricular organizations, including the English Club, Sigma Tau Delta and the Writer’s Workshops; as well as such student publications as the literary arts magazine Luna Negra . Students are encouraged to study abroad, engage in undergraduate research, commit to service-learning and complete a writing internship.

English students may apply early to the M.A. degree in English and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.

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(Major Code: 15071) (SIMS Code: 112121)

Admission to the Degree Curriculum

STUDENTS WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE M.F.A. IN CREATIVE WRITING ONLY IN THE FALL SEMESTER AND COMPLETE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 1.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to San Diego State University with classified graduate standing, as described in Admission and Registration   , a student must satisfy the following requirements before being recommended for classified graduate standing.

The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree in creative writing, or in English with a focus in creative writing, or an approved affiliated field, with a grade point average of not less than 3.0 overall in the last 60 units of study attempted, with a 3.25 undergraduate grade point average in the major, and a 3.5 average in those courses considered prerequisite for the M.F.A. focus the student elects.

If deficient, the applicant must complete undergraduate requirements commensurate with the proposed focus in the M.F.A. program.

The applicant normally must achieve a minimum score of 300 on the Graduate Record Examination, with a minimum of 156 on the verbal section.

Students who submit especially compelling samples of creative work, but who have not met certain criteria or who demonstrate deficiencies in undergraduate preparation or basic skill development may be granted conditional classified admission to the program. The graduate adviser shall specify the conditions for such admission with the proviso that any prerequisite coursework assigned must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and no grade less than a B-.

A student holding an M.A. degree in English from San Diego State University, or any other acceptable accredited institution of higher learning, must formally apply for admission to the M.F.A. program. Applicants holding an M.A. or pursuing an M.F.A. may transfer up to 18 units of certified graduate credit from an accredited institution upon review and recommendation by the M.F.A. graduate adviser and the approval of the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Students unable to satisfy the requirements for the M.F.A. degree will not automatically be considered for an M.A. degree.

Students already accepted into the M.F.A. program at San Diego State University who request a change of focus (poetry or fiction) at a later date will be required to notify the M.F.A. graduate adviser and reapply to the creative writing committee.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees   . Candidates for the M.F.A. degree must have completed a minimum of 34 units within their official program of study, including transfer credit, with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 and have no grade less than B-. Students will be permitted to repeat only one course to achieve these levels. After a student has filed an official program of study and advanced to candidacy, the student must enroll in ECL 797    and ECL 799A    if pursuing thesis option (Plan A) or must enroll in six units of manuscript preparation (English 791) if pursuing manuscript option (Plan B).

If the student chooses to pursue thesis option ( ECL 797    and ECL 799A   ) instead of enrolling in six units of manuscript preparation (English 791), the student is required to have the approval of the M.F.A. graduate adviser. The M.F.A. creative writing committee must have approved a thesis topic and must recommend the appointment of a thesis adviser from the student’s area of focus (fiction or poetry). After advancement to candidacy, the student must enroll in and complete ECL 797    and ECL 799A    if pursuing Plan A or six units of English 791 if pursuing Plan B.

In addition, the M.F.A. graduate committee must have recommended appointment of a thesis adviser from the student’s area of focus (poetry, fiction) and the creative writing committee must have approved a thesis topic. Applicants for advancement should submit a portfolio of their creative work to the creative writing committee for a recommendation for advancement. Aspects to be reviewed include artistic achievement, ability to function in situations that writers and teachers usually encounter, and demonstration of skills in the focus area.

After advancement to candidacy, a student must enroll in and complete a minimum of 24 units from the official program to include ECL 797    and ECL 799A   .

Specific Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing, candidates for the M.F.A. in creative writing must complete a 54-unit graduate program, 39 of which must be in courses numbered 600 and above as follows:

Creative Writing Research Focus

Student to select one 24-unit research focus as follows:

• ECL 750F - M.F.A. Seminar: Fiction Writing Units: 3 (18)
• Six units in another genre of creative writing
• ECL 750P - M.F.A. Seminar: Poetry Writing Units: 3 (18)

Literature Research

An 18-unit literature research component divided as follows:

Three Units Selected From the Following

• ECL 630 - Form and Theory of Poetry Units: 3
• ECL 631 - Form and Theory of Fiction Units: 3

Nine Units in American, British, or Comparative Literature

Nine units in American, British, or comparative literature, or an appropriate modern language literature selected with the approval of the M.F.A. adviser.

Six Units Selected From the Following

• ECL 700 - Seminar: A Major Author or Authors Units: 3
• ECL 724 - Seminar: Issues in British Literature Units: 3
• ECL 725 - Seminar: Issues in Literature of the United States Units: 3
• ECL 726 - Seminar: Issues in Comparative Literature Units: 3
• ECL 727 - Seminar: Issues in Children’s Literature Units: 3
• ECL 784 - Seminar: Creative Non-Fiction Units: 3
• ECL 796 - Internship Units: 3
• ECL 798 - Special Study Units: 1-3 (3) with consent of instructor But not both.

Six Units of Electives

Six units of electives selected with consent of adviser.

Six units in preparation of the thesis; a book-length creative work. Select A. Thesis or B. Manuscript:

• ECL 797 - Thesis Research Units: 3
• ECL 799A - Thesis Units: 3
• ECL 791A - Seminar in M.F.A. Manuscript: Poetry Units: 3
• ECL 791B - Seminar in M.F.A. Manuscript: Fiction Units: 3