Master of Arts in Creative Writing
San Francisco , United States
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Creative Writing
Area of study
Arts
Course Language
English
Intakes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-15 | - |
| 2024-05-10 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a two-year program designed to refine students' writing skills, provide opportunities for teaching experience, and prepare them to teach creative writing in a variety of settings. It emphasizes the study of fiction, non-fiction, literary translation, playwriting, and poetry. Students can choose to focus on teaching creative writing or teaching composition, and they will produce a publishable creative thesis upon graduating.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Creative Writing is a two-year program designed to develop a writing practice and prepare students for teaching creative writing.
- Objectives:
- Develop a professional writing practice.
- Prepare students to teach creative writing.
- Provide students with the inspiration and guidance of a faculty of professional writers.
- Emphasize the study and practice of imaginative writing in the genres of creative nonfiction, fiction, literary translation, playwriting, and poetry.
- Equip students with literary analysis skills to critique their own work and the work of others.
- Provide a culminating experience of a thesis of creative work in their chosen genre.
Outline:
- Program Structure:
- Two-year program with a minimum of 30 units.
- Students choose one of two teaching pathways:
- Teaching Creative Writing Emphasis:
- Rigorous course in the pedagogy and philosophy of teaching creative writing (C W 860)
- Teaching Practicum Course (C W 859) with undergraduate teaching experience as a Graduate Instructional Aide.
- Projects in Teaching Creative Writing (C W 785) to deepen teaching experience.
- Teaching of Composition Emphasis:
- Earn the English Composition Certificate by completing four courses (12 units) in English composition.
- Course Schedule:
- Writing Courses (3-6 units):
- C W 803Advanced Short Story Writing
- C W 807Developing the Novel
- C W 808Novel Writing
- C W 852Workshop in Creative Nonfiction
- C W 854Workshop in Poetry
- C W 855Workshop in Playwriting
- Special Topic Creative Process (3-6 units):
- C W 810Seminar in the Creative Process
- C W 814Contemporary World Poetry
- Process (3-6 units):
- C W 806The Business of Creative Writing
- C W 809Directed Writing for Graduate Students
- C W 820Writers on Writing
- C W 825Playwright's Theatre Workshop
- C W 840Fourteen Hills Literary Magazine
- C W 850Poetry Center Workshop
- C W 866Craft of Translation
- C W 875Community Projects in Literature
- C W 899Independent Study
- Guided Electives (9-12 units):
- C W 785Graduate Projects in the Teaching of Creative Writing
- C W 859Practicum in Teaching
- C W 860Teaching Creative Writing
- ENG 700Introduction to Composition Theory
- ENG 704Pedagogical Grammar for Composition
- ENG 709Seminar in Teaching Integrated Reading and Writing
- ENG 710Course Design in Composition and Post-Secondary Reading
- Culminating Experience (3 units):
- C W 893MAWritten M.A. Creative Project
Assessment:
- Level One (Pre-admission):
- Statement of purpose (500–1500 words) and writing sample (15 to 20 pages of creative nonfiction or fiction, or 15 to 20 pages of literary translation, or a full-length stage play or two short plays, or 15 to 20 poems) scored 8.0 or higher on a scale of one to ten based on the following criteria:
- Fluency and precision of expression
- Ability to embody and illustrate ideas creatively
- Appropriateness of the applicant’s interests, life experiences, and goals to the program
- Level Two:
- Satisfactory completion of C W 893MA on the following criteria: thesis deemed by two faculty readers to be publishable in part or whole (book, chapbook, and/or literary journals).
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods:
- Intensive workshops.
- Special topic creative process classes.
- Courses that expose students to a wide range of writers.
- Community service learning opportunities.
- Faculty:
- Faculty of professional writers.
- Unique Approaches:
- The program offers two teaching pathways for students.
- Students can gain practical teaching experience as Graduate Instructional Aides.
- The program's emphasis on teaching creative writing is unique within the nation of creative writing graduate degrees.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Teacher of creative writing at private schools, community venues, labs, and salons.
- Opportunities:
- Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) position in their second year of study.
- Apply for admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
- Publish creative work in literary journals and anthologies.
Other:
- Program Learning Outcomes:
- Creative Work: Students will produce a publishable written creative work that demonstrates individual and universal vision and a high level of craft skills.
- Professional Preparation: Students will demonstrate professional level skills in fields related to literature and/or creative writing, including publishing, writing, teaching, editing, book arts, and/or arts management.
- Literature: Students will read, discuss, analyze, and learn to teach the work of a broad range of writers from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, as well as explain how literature in general, and their own genre in particular, relates to larger human experience.
- Craft Elements: Students will write and revise creative nonfiction, fiction, plays, and/or poetry using the elements of craft as well as analyze and discuss craft elements in their peers’ creative work.
- Program Eligibility:
- Students accepted into the program with an undergraduate major that is not English are accepted conditionally.
- Admission to the M.A. does not imply admission to the M.F.A.
- Students who wish to earn both degrees must finish the M.A. before beginning the M.F.A. degree.
- Transfer Units:
- Applicants from graduate creative writing programs at other colleges or universities may transfer six units to the M.A. program, on review and recommendation of the Creative Writing Admissions Committee and approval of the Division of Graduate Studies.
- Course Selection:
- Selected upper-division courses offered by the department may be used for the master's degree upon approval of a departmental advisor.
- Enrollment is not required in the semester of graduation.
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About University
San Francisco State University
Overview:
San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Student support services:
SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.Career services:
The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.Health and wellness services:
Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:
Engage in student organizations:
There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.Participate in cultural events:
The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.Explore the Bay Area:
SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and inclusive community:
SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.Location in the Bay Area:
SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.Commitment to social justice:
SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.Academic Programs:
SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Science and Technology:
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.Education:
Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.Other:
SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.
Total programs
352
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements:
- Application Materials: Students must submit the following materials via Cal State Apply:
- Meaningful sample of their writing (15-20 pages of creative nonfiction or fiction, 15-20 pages of literary translation, a full-length stage play or two short plays, or 15-20 poems)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Application Deadlines:
- May 10th for admission to the following fall semester
- Transfer Students: Students from graduate creative writing programs at other colleges or universities may transfer six units to the M.A. program, upon review and recommendation of the Creative Writing Admissions Committee and approval of the Division of Graduate Studies.
- Conditional Admission: Students accepted into the program with an undergraduate major that is not English are accepted conditionally.
- **M.A. vs. M.F.A.
- : Admission to the M.A. does not imply admission to the M.F.A. Students who wish to earn both degrees must finish the M.A. before beginning the M.F.A. degree.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Level One (Pre-admission): A statement of purpose (500-1500 words) and writing sample (15-20 pages of creative nonfiction or fiction, 15-20 pages of literary translation, a full-length stage play or two short plays, or 15-20 poems) must be scored 8.0 or higher on a scale of one to ten based on the following criteria:
- Fluency and precision of expression
- Ability to embody and illustrate ideas creatively
- Appropriateness of the applicant’s interests, life experiences, and goals to the program.
- Level Two: Satisfactory completion of CW 893MA, with the thesis deemed by two faculty readers to be publishable in part or whole (book, chapbook, and/or literary journals). All requirements listed above apply equally to all applicants.
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