For anyone interested in learning about the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at UC Irvine, here’s what you need to know.
Curriculum & Requirements
As the name suggests, the UC Irvine MFA in Creative Writing is designed to develop professionals who are skilled in creative writing. To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you must complete at least 18 credits of graduate-level work. The program is a full-time, 15-month, day-and-night study that includes two internships. You’ll develop both critical thinking and writing skills, which will be valuable no matter what your career path might be in the future.
Location & People
Located in Irvine, California, UC Irvine is one of the largest universities in the United States. It was established in 1955 and currently has more than 38,000 students. Although most people think of California when it comes to the university, Irvine is actually located in Orange County. If you’re looking for a commuter college or university to attend, UC Irvine is a great option. The campus is actually quite stunning, with its modern architecture and spacious green spaces. If literature is your thing, you can definitely find students and professors who are willing to help you out.
Thesis & Defense
The first and most crucial step to completing the program is to write a thesis. Your thesis must be at least 500 words in length and should represent your creative work. For example, you could write about your novel-in-progress, discuss what you learned from reading various classic novels, or investigate the changing roles of women in modern society through a critical analysis of famous feminist works. When it comes to defending your thesis, you’ll need to plan and write a 4,000-word paper. You’ll also need to attend and present your paper to a committee of at least three people. The entire process is somewhat similar to that of a juror hearing a criminal case. The only difference is that in a thesis defense you’ll be arguing in favor of your own writing rather than against a specific action or statement.
The Benefits
What exactly are the benefits of gaining an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Irvine? Let’s take a look:
- Mastering the craft of creative writing
- Gaining valuable insights into yourself through critical analysis
- Learning how to properly structure a narrative
- Excessive amounts of prose
- Developing a thick skin
- Acquiring a valuable network of professional contacts
- And much more!
Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, playwright, journalist, or poet, an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Irvine can open many doors for you.
For more information on UC Irvine’s MFA in Creative Writing, visit their website at https://mfa.uci.edu/.