The University of California at Irvine (UCI) offers one of the most respected Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in Creative Writing in the country. Established in 1972, the school is frequently ranked among the Top 30 writing programs in the country.
The MFA in Creative Writing at UCI enables students to undertake a rigorous curriculum, which requires at least 33 credit hours of study per semester. Students are also expected to maintain a professional research schedule, complete a 60-80 page manuscript, and participate in a variety of group and individual activities.
Although the program is relatively new, it has already attracted a lot of interest from around the country. In fact, the 2019 acceptance rate for the program was 16.7%, an increase of almost 10% from the previous year. Students interested in gaining a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing can currently apply for admission through the 2021–2022 academic year.
Steps to Ensure You Are Eligible
Before applying, it is essential to check whether or not you meet the basic requirements of the program. To be eligible for admission, you must be of at least sophomore standing in a four-year college or university. You must have a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing, or in the case of online students, a combined English/Creative Writing bachelor’s degree. Finally, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
If you are unable to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, you will not be considered for admission.
The Application Process
Applications for UCI’s MFA program in Creative Writing are currently open. Students must submit a completed application to the school by February 4, 2021. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must fill out the entire application and submit it by the due date.
Applications can be accessed through the university’s website. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a selection panel. The best applicants, based on the review, will be notified of their acceptance into the program by April 8, 2021.
The Cost of Attending
The total cost of attendance (TCO) at UCI for the 2021–2022 academic year is estimated to be $52,000 per year. This cost includes tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. Incoming freshmen who meet the minimum requirements will have their tuition and certain other fees waived. The TCO for non-residents is estimated to be $63,000 per year.
The total cost of room and board is $14,500. This does not include the $4,000 UCI Students Fee that must be paid annually in addition to the room and board cost. The TCO for resident students is $10,000 per year. The other fees include $2,500 for laboratory fees, $1,500 for computer access fees, and $600 for health insurance fees. As an additional cost to students, the UCI’s MFA in Creative Writing requires that all students purchase a faculty life insurance policy. The cost of this policy is $600 per year.
Why Should You Care About The Cost of Attending UCI?
One of the main reasons you might want to consider attending the UCI is because of the school’s low cost of attendance. One of the main costs of higher education these days is tuition and fees. While many schools have increased the cost of attendance, including rooms and board, the Irvine campus has kept it relatively affordable. This is partially due to the fact that the school’s enrollment is relatively small. There are only around 1,600 students enrolled at UCI at any given time. This limits the school’s revenue, resulting in lower tuition and fees. In fact, the campus even offers in-state tuition to students who qualify. Additionally, the quality of education at UCI is often cited as being among the best in the country. The school’s alumni include some of America’s most successful writers, editors, and journalists. If you are looking to further your education, but don’t want to spend a fortune, consider UCI.
An Overview Of UCI’s MFA In Creative Writing
Once you have confirmed that you meet the basic requirements for UCI’s MFA in Creative Writing, you can begin exploring the various aspects of the program. As mentioned above, the application process is fairly straightforward and should not pose any major problems. After submitting your application, you should begin receiving notification of acceptance into the program by April 2021. The following are a general overview of the MFA program at UCI:
Program Requirements
All students, regardless of whether or not they have been accepted into the program, are required to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours per semester. Students must take a minimum of nine courses per year. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, which can be calculated on a 4.0 scale.
A typical course of study at UCI includes a minimum of 3 hours per week of class and 1-3 hours of homework per night. The courses are designed to be both challenging and engaging, which should maximize your productivity. Additionally, all students are required to take a writing course the first year of the program. There are a variety of courses available for this, including workshops, seminars, and private tutoring. Additionally, all students are required to participate in a creative writing workshop at least once per quarter. This is commonly referred to as the “MFA Graded Experience,” and enables students to get feedback on their work from a professional editor. It also helps develop the students’ critical thinking skills and ensures they become better writers overall.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the MFA in Creative Writing is demanding and requires a lot of work. Students are typically expected to write a 60-80 page manuscript as part of the application process. Additionally, they must participate in a variety of group and individual activities, including classes, reading groups, and research seminars. To further increase their productivity, students are also encouraged to take advantage of the university’s resources, including its renowned libraries, which are open to all students. Finally, because this is a Master of Fine Arts program, students are also expected to become independent scholars, maintaining a 3.0 GPA while also publishing at least twice per year. On average, it takes 3-4 years to complete a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at UCI. Many students find that the time invested in the program is well worth it. Once admitted to the program, students can look forward to an education that is both challenging and rewarding.
How To Get Financial Aid
Students who qualify for financial aid at UCI may be able to receive some funding. In order to receive funding, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are accepted into the program are eligible for partial financial support, as well as a number of other grants and loans. Therefore, it is essential that students complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Additionally, students must take advantage of all available aid, including grants and loans. It is a common misconception that only wealthy students can access financial aid at universities. In fact, numerous programs exist that provide students with financial aid, regardless of their income level.
Further Information
If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at UCI, or any other campus across the country, it is advisable to contact the school’s admission office directly. Additionally, if you have any questions regarding the application process or the cost of attendance, contact the school’s financial aid department. The staff there should be able to provide you with all the information you need.