The MFA Creative Writing Program at the University of Arkansas offers MFA candidates the opportunity to study intensively, meet regularly with faculty, and develop their craft in a supportive environment. With a focus on teaching the craft of writing, the program’s curriculum aims to help students develop the skills necessary to become confident, innovative authors.
How many hours does each class in the program count for? This is a question that frequently comes up for MFA candidates, as well as students trying to decide whether or not to apply to the program. We looked into this question and found that, while it can vary from student to student, most classes in the program will count for four hours per week.
MFA Requirements
The program requires that students attain a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. Typically, this is achieved after completing a total of 24 months of study, which includes a minimum of 12 months in the classroom and the remaining 12 months in the workshop or laboratory. Students are required to take four years of English, with 3 years in the classroom and 1 year in the specialized workshop or laboratory. An average of 8–10 hours per day are spent in the classroom, with the remaining time spent in the workshop or laboratory.
To be considered for admission into the MFA program, candidates must submit an application and a short writing sample. Additionally, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field. While it is not required that students complete all of the following requirements, it is highly recommended:
- A writing sample;
- A Thesis or Research Proposal;
- An Interview (this is a requirement for PhD candidates only);
- Two letters of recommendation; and
- One teaching portfolio.
Fee
The University of Arkansas does not charge any tuition fees for its graduate programs. However, students must pay a $250 application fee for consideration for an MFA slot. At present, there are no charges for the MFA Creative Writing Program.
Thesis and Research Proposal
The MFA thesis is a comprehensive study of a particular theme or topic. It is ordinarily a single, coherent piece of writing that will act as the student’s capstone effort and as a final exam for all advanced courses in the program. The Research Proposal is a shorter piece of writing that will serve as the student’s primary means of presenting their ideas and findings to the academic community. In order to pass their thesis defense, students will need to write a comprehensive Research Proposal. This could be for a class, a magazine, or an academic journal.
Workshop or Laboratory
Once accepted into the program, students will be placed in a workshop or laboratory with a faculty mentor. In the workshop, students will participate in weekly group discussions about assigned material and will be given the opportunity to hone their communication and writing skills through intensive practice in a supportive environment. Students in the laboratory will be given individualized instruction in specialized recording and software engineering fields, as well as the opportunity to explore real-life applications of their theoretical learning through hands-on experience.
Classes
While in the program, students are required to take a minimum of four classes per semester, with the remaining hours varying based on the student’s degree program. Below, we will discuss the number of hours that each class in the program counts for.
MFA Writing I: An Introduction to Creative Writing
This is a foundational class for all graduate students in the program. It is required that student enroll in MFA Writing I and complete it in a timely manner in order to proceed to the other classes in the program. In this course, students will explore the elements of a story and the fundamental structures of literary forms, with a specific emphasis on the narrative structure of a traditional linear story. They will also learn the rudiments of composition through the understanding of theory and practice. This class is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the different ways in which humans write stories and will help you to understand what skills you need to develop as a writer. It is also a great opportunity to make connections with other writers, both in the class and outside of it. The course includes both formal lecture and informal discussion sections, as well as a required writing assignment. In formal lecture sections, students will learn about the topic through lecture and discussion, while in informal sections they will have the chance to ask questions and seek further clarification. At the end of the class, students will write a short story or novel in progress, which will become the focal point of their thesis or research proposal.
MFA Critical Studies
MFA Critical Studies is the capstone course for students in the program. It is designed to be a comprehensive look at the theory and practice of literary criticism. In this course, students will read a variety of critical theories and methodologies, as well as become acquainted with a number of critical tools and terminologies. Students in this class will have the opportunity to write short critical essays as a part of their final project, as well as participate in a range of formal and informal seminars. In addition to the primary course text, students will be asked to read a variety of professional magazines, as well as a number of critical studies on their chosen topic. At the end of the class, students will begin to put everything they have learned into practice, as they write a short critical essay on a chosen topic. This class will give you the opportunity to hone your critical thinking and writing skills and will also help you to develop a more in-depth understanding of the subjects you have chosen to write about. Ultimately, this is an invaluable class for any writer, regardless of experience, as it will teach you how to examine critically the work of other writers, as well as help you find the weaknesses in your own work, so that you can improve upon them.
MFA Fiction I: The Craft of Short Fiction
This is the first class in the MFA Program and it is also the first class for most students. In it, students will learn the craft of short fiction. They will explore various forms of short fiction, including the novella, the short story, and flash fiction. Students will also learn about the history of short fiction, as well as learn to analyze the most famous works of fiction. In order to complete this class, students will need to write a short story, which can range between 300 and 1,000 words, in length. This is also a good opportunity to begin to develop your plot. Students will be required to attend weekly writing workshops, focusing primarily on the development of their characters and plot-lines, as well as participate in a formal or informal critique group. This class is a great opportunity for students to explore a variety of topics, while also helping you to develop your own writing voice. This is a crucial course for any writer, no matter your experience, as it will help you to understand the importance of writing concisely and effectively. This concise writing will also make your work easier to understand by a possible reader. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that this course is exactly what you need in order to continue successfully on your MFA journey.
MFA Nonfiction I: The Craft of Research Proposal
This course is very similar to MFA Fiction I, with the exception of the fact that it is required that student enroll in MFA Nonfiction I and write the Research Proposal for their thesis or dissertation. This is a shorter, more concise version of the MFA thesis, which will act as the student’s capstone effort and allow them to explore a particular theme or issue through extensive research. The Research Proposal is also a great opportunity for students to begin to develop their theoretical knowledge and writing skills. As with the previous class, this is a good class for any writer, regardless of experience, as it will teach you how to conduct extensive research and how to present your findings in a coherent and compelling manner. This is a crucial course if you are a serious student of literature, as it will help you to build a strong foundation for your eventual MFA thesis or dissertation.
It is important to remember that while the classes above will count for 4 hours per week, the MFA thesis and research proposal will only count for 2–2 ½ hours per week. As mentioned above, the remaining hours will vary based on the student’s degree program. However, this will ensure that you complete all coursework by the end of the 5th year of your MFA program, if you are following the standard curriculum. Additionally, these courses will help you to develop key analytical and writing skills, while also allowing you to explore a variety of topics within the field of Creative Writing, from which you can choose to write your thesis or research proposal. Ultimately, these courses will help you to find the right fit for you.