It’s official. On October 1, 2019, Queens College (QC) finally unveiled their 2020 MFA in Creative Writing program. Applications for the program, which will be the third iteration of the initiative, were accepted beginning in October 2018. More than 100 students were admitted to the program in January 2020.
With the new program, the number of admitted students more than doubles that of the previous year, and the total number of students rises to more than 300. That’s big news for aspiring writers, considering that the average tuition for full-time undergraduate students is currently $52,600 per year. Not to mention, the average acceptance rate for the program is less than 10% (8.7%).
Biggest Changes For The Third Edition
One of the biggest new additions to the program is the expansion of the required courses. Last year, students were only required to take four courses, but this year they will be expanding that number to seven. Three of the seven courses are new this year:
- Introductory Literary Analysis
- The Craft of the Novel: Structuring Ideas Into Artistic Works
- Introduction to Creative Writing
The other four courses are:
- Professional and Ethical Issues in Publishing
- Composition Theory
- Advanced Creative Writing: Structure and Style
- Creative Nonfiction
- Introduction to Literary Theory
- Rhetoric and Semiotics
“Each course is going to expand your world, add more depth and nuance to your thinking, and challenge you to develop your writing skills to the fullest,” said Victoria Johnson, a PhD candidate in English and dean of the faculty at Queens College. “We’re excited about the number of courses and the variety of topics.”
Another major change this year is the increasing the number of required hours for the program. The previous iteration of the MFA in Creative Writing program had a 50% (6 hours out of 12) required course load, while the new iteration is boasting a 60% (7.5 hours out of 12) required course load. This is a change from the previous year, when the course load was 55% (6.75 hours out of 12).
Why Did They Increase The Hours?
One of the main reasons why the course load increased is that the previous iteration of the MFA program was designed for students who are applying for a master’s degree. So while the previous year had 12 hours of required courses, this year there are 13 hours of required courses. Moreover, in previous years, students took either one workshop or two, five-week terms. Now, they’ll be taking two ten-week terms.
Queens College is committed to increasing the opportunities for students. They want to give their students more choices on where to study and what to study. So while traditionally students applied to the most prestigious programs in the country, with the new program, they want to give their students more options regarding where to study abroad and what to study. The new model will allow more students to study arts and letters, which is a distinct choice from the traditional master’s degrees in business or medicine.
The Importance of the MFA In Creative Writing
“An MFA [in Creative Writing] not only opens up more opportunities for students, but it also allows them to take a more personalized journey through their studies,” said Johnson. “Students gain a better sense of how their own creative work will develop, and they have the opportunity to shape their own studies around their individual strengths and interests.”
An MFA in Creative Writing provides students with a solid foundation in the craft of writing, while also giving them the freedom to pursue specialized study in areas such as publishing, marketing, and research methods. Additionally, according to a recent article in PLCreativeWRITING, more than half of all the jobs in fiction have a creative writing component.
It’s well-established that having a healthy sense of skepticism and an analytical mind are valuable assets in any writer’s toolbox. However, what isn’t often acknowledged is that both qualities are fostered by a good teacher-student relationship and a rigorous academic schedule. An MFA in Creative Writing provides both of those things, which makes it a practical stepping stone for anyone interested in becoming a professional writer.
The Benefits Of Studying In NYC
In addition to giving students more courses and hours, Queens College is also making a concentrated effort to increase the number of its student population from within New York City. More than 60% of the incoming class this year is from the NYC area. Moreover, the college is planning on increasing the number of its NYC students from 70 to 80% (compared to 30% the previous year).
“We want to make sure that everyone who wants to study here in NYC has access to literary venues, cultural events, and job opportunities,” said Johnson. “That’s why we’re focusing on increasing our outreach to students and encouraging them to apply here despite the city’s high cost of living.”
The NYC residency is one of the many perks that come with studying in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. However, aside from that, students who study at Queens College are also afforded unparalleled access to some of the most prestigious universities in the country (e.g., Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.).
Is The Cost Worth It?
Considering the aforementioned advantages, it’s not hard to see why so many students are choosing to study at Queens College. However, in order to get into the MFA in Creative Writing, one must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). With more than 90 majors and graduate programs to choose from, students are sure to find their niche.
Moreover, the cost of attending Queens College is comparable to other prestigious programs. While some universities charge upwards of $50,000 per year, Queens College tuition is $40,000 per year (plus $10,000 per year for books).
What Will The Graduates From The MFA In Creative Writing Do?
Upon successful completion of the MFA in Creative Writing program, students will be able to enter either the publishing industry or the adjunct faculty track. Moreover, the curriculum provides for extensive internship opportunities, which allows students to gain valuable real-world experience.
To conclude, having a graduate degree in creative writing from Queens College not only opens up more opportunities for students, but it also allows them to take a more personalized journey through their studies. An MFA not only opens up more opportunities for students, but it also allows them to take a more personalized journey through their studies.