One of the most popular questions people ask about the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College is: How competitive is it?
A number of factors determine how competitive the Creative Writing program is at Purchase College. To start, let’s consider the class sizes. Because the program is so selective, it has small class sizes, and that means there are fewer opportunities for students to get help from professors or teaching assistants. Another factor is the workload. Despite the fact that the program is a very low-residency one, requiring students to take only four courses (four credits), it still includes a lot of work. Students have to do their own research, plan and teach their own seminars, and write their own papers. The final factor is the faculty. As I’ve noted, the program is highly selective, meaning there are fewer professors available to give students individual attention and help them get better marks. In other words, the competition is pretty fierce.
In What Courses Does the Creative Writing Program at Purchase College Offer the Most Flexibility?
Like most accredited programs, the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College offers both an undergraduate and a graduate degree. The difference is that the graduate degree (the MFA) comes with a different set of requirements than the undergraduate degree. As a result, it is possible to earn the MFA in fewer semesters than it takes to complete the undergraduate degree. In addition, because the MFA in Creative Writing is a very low-residency program, it is possible to enter and complete the program without ever leaving the campus. (In other words, one could conceivably live and eat at the college, while completing the program.) The final factor is the flexibility of the curriculum. As I’ve noted, the Creative Writing program at Purchase College is very selective, so it has a smaller class size than most other accredited MFA programs. That means it is possible to get a more customized education and, as a result, better prepare for the workplace. In conclusion, I would say that for those who want to earn the MFA in Creative Writing at a highly-ranked institution, the program at Purchase College is very competitive, but it is also very flexible. In other words, it offers the best of both worlds.
Most Students Enrolling in the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College Are Coming From What Background?
Another popular question about the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College is: What are the major backgrounds of the students who are pursuing this degree? The short answer is mixed. Students are coming from a wide variety of backgrounds. The most common are creative writing, English literature, and journalism. The key question is: Are these students any good? The answer is: Yes, they are. (And, for the record, so am I.)
Some of the most distinguished graduate schools include some of the major art and creative writing houses, like the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, and the University of California, Berkeley. Students from these institutions have a great deal of experience, and that means they are likely to succeed in the program. In general, however, the majority of the students are coming from smaller colleges and universities, and that means they have less experience. One key question to ask yourself is: Does my work fit into these houses’ standard guidelines? This is something publishers, agents, and editors look for, so it’s something you need to be thinking about as well.
Which Major Should I Choose When Pursuing the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College?
Another important question to ask yourself when deciding what major to choose with the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College is: Which should I study? The short answer is: It depends. The key question is: On what should I base my decision? Students should consider a number of factors, including the type of work they want to do after college, their personality, and their interests. With that in mind, here is a short list of potential areas of study:
- Creative Writing
- English
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Nonfiction Writing
- Poetry
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Art History
- Art Education
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Anthropology
Among the most popular degrees offered by the Creative Writing program at Purchase College are these popular majors:
- English
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Nonfiction Writing
- Poetry
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Art History
- Art Education
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Anthropology
For those who are interested in the arts, the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College provides a great opportunity to pursue a career in literature, writing, or publishing. It also opens doors for graduate school, so those who are able to complete the program may stand a chance at getting a teaching or an editorial position at a college or university. If you’re interested in education, the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College can help you become a better teacher. In addition, those who want to pursue a career in journalism may find the MFA in Creative Writing at Purchase College an invaluable credential.