Writing Seminars, Master of Fine Arts
The Writing Seminars offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in fiction and poetry. Students admitted to the MFA program enroll in two years of course work and produce a substantial manuscript in the form of a novel or collection of fiction or poetry. MFA candidates are chosen on the basis of a manuscript evaluation, college transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation that testify to an ability and willingness to undertake serious study in the literary arts. Since all students receive financial aid in the form of full tuition and a teaching assistantship, applicants must be able to demonstrate aptitude for college teaching.
The program requires two full years of residency in Baltimore. Students take two courses per semester: a writing workshop in poetry or fiction, and a second "readings in literature" course taught within the department. In addition, first-year students take a third course in pedagogy, in preparation for their own teaching of undergraduate fiction and poetry in the spring of the first year. At the end of the first year, students present a first-year portfolio, approximately half the length of the projected thesis, for faculty review. Successful completion of this work is a requirement for continuation in the second year.
This two-year program is designed for students committed to the study and practice of literary writing at the highest level of accomplishment. Approximately four poets and four fiction writers will be admitted annually. The program's pedagogy emphasizes genre-informed discussions, faculty conferences, independent readings, and interactions with visiting writers. Culminating in a book-length thesis, this immersion in literary study is designed to inculcate the habits and skills necessary for a productive writer’s life.
Students applying to the MFA program should have a bachelor’s degree. All must demonstrate competence in a foreign language at the college level.