T
o receive the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, a student accepted into the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences must complete a 24-hour, two-year program in residence at the University of Virginia.

Course Work

  • 12 hours of writing courses
  • 12 hours of courses in literature
  • Knowledge of a foreign language is not required for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing


M.F.A. Thesis

The project must comprise a substantial body of original writing--80 pages of fiction (one long or two or three short stories), or a collection of poems (approximately 30 poems). The M.F.A. thesis, in the opinion of the faculty, must be worthy of being published.

Final Oral Examination

When the writing project (thesis) has been completed and conditionally approved, the candidate for the degree will take a one-hour oral examination.

Guidelines for Poets

A one-hour discussion of the thesis as it relates both to its own themes and the larger tradition of poetry in English. For example, discussion might center on themes, techniques, or influences. To help us organize the oral examination, the candidate is encouraged to submit a brief list of poets or other writers whose work has influenced the project.

Guidelines for Fiction Writers

Using the thesis as a starting point, the candidate should be prepared to discuss such matters as plot, characterization, point of view, the relation of action to reflection, and other questions of narrative technique. To help us organize the oral examination, the candidate is encouraged to submit a brief list of story writers or novelists whose work has influenced the project.

The theses will be due on April 1, and oral exams will be given the third week of April, 2008.

Important Dates

February 1, 2008: Last day for filing graduate degree applications for May 2008

April 2, 2008: Last day for submitting an unsigned title page for May 2008

May 1, 2008: Master's thesis due for May 2008

Please go to Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for further details regarding graduation and thesis requirements.