Program Overview

Program Overview

The Creative Writing M.F.A. program at Cornell University offers a comprehensive education in the field of English Language and Literature, with concentrations in either poetry or fiction.

Field of Study

The program is part of the English Language and Literature field, providing students with a broad understanding of literary, theoretical, and cultural fields.

Program Description

The M.F.A. program in Creative Writing is designed to provide students with a generous financial support package and a small class size, allowing for individual attention and a close working relationship between professors and students. The program requires students to participate in a graduate writing workshop each semester and take six additional one-semester courses for credit, with at least four of them in English or American literature, Comparative Literature, literature in the modern or classical languages, or cultural studies.

The Special Committee

Every student selects a Special Committee that provides individual attention and guides the student's academic work. The committee assesses progress through a series of meetings with the student and allows students to design their own courses of study within a broad framework laid down by the department.

Teaching

Teaching is considered an integral part of the training for the profession. The Field requires a carefully supervised teaching experience as part of the training for the degree. Graduate students are assigned to writing courses under various rubrics and may serve as a Teaching Assistant for a lecture course taught by a member of the Department of English faculty.

Concentrations by Subject

• creative writing

Tuition

Tuition information is available on the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines

• Dec. 1 (Fall term admission only)

Requirements Summary

The application must be submitted online, and detailed requirement summaries are available on the MFA in Creative Writing Program website. Requirements include:

• Application and fee
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement
• Creative Writing Sample
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency Requirement for all applicants

Learning Outcomes

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in Creative Writing, with a focus on poetry or fiction. The learning outcomes are not explicitly stated, but the program aims to provide students with a broad understanding of literary, theoretical, and cultural fields, as well as practical training in teaching and writing.