Overview

Department of English
University Hall, Room 334
(909) 537-5824      english.csusb.edu

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

with concentrations in:
  • Fiction
  • Poetry

Master of Arts in English Composition

with concentrations in:
  • English Composition
  • English Literature
  • Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language

Certificate Program

  • Teaching English as a Second Language

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing is a two-year program offered to writers of considerable promise and commitment in the genres of poetry and fiction writing. A terminal studio arts degree, the M.F.A. assumes that the best education for the artist includes training in literature and extensive practice in the craft of poetry, or the short story and novel. For most college-level teaching positions in Creative Writing, the M.F.A. is the preferred terminal degree. The degree prepares students for career opportunities in editing at publishing firms, newspapers and magazines, professional writing, and working at foundation and arts organizations. The second year of this 72-unit program is heavily concentrated on the final development of a book-length manuscript of publishable quality.

The M.F.A. program has two concentrations: Poetry and Fiction. Students in either concentration must choose the Teaching Focus or the Literature Focus. The Teaching Focus allows students to study instructional approaches in the areas of creative writing and composition for community college and university settings. The Literature Focus allows students to take courses in the study of fiction, poetry, drama and creative nonfiction. Note: Effective Fall 2010, students may not be concurrently enrolled in the M.A. in English Composition and the M.F.A. in Creative Writing.

For more information please visit our website. Department of English