MFA in Writing — Program Study Options

EXPLORE, EXPERIMENT, EXPAND

First and foremost, being a writer means you are a lifelong student of the human condition. That exploration can take many forms—Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Literary Translation—or an exciting engagement in which forms intersect, creating new hybrids, new ways of looking at who we are.

At VCFA, no matter which path you choose, exemplary writers, thinkers, and teachers will accompany you on your journey. And with opportunities to intern with our renowned literary magazine, Hunger Mountain Review, you will gain professional publishing experience. Below are several study options to explore:

STUDY OPTION 1
Explore One Form—Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Poetry—at the Deepest Level, Expanding Your Creative Vision and Artistry Imagine: Four semesters fully immersed in the form of your choosing—Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Poetry—each semester devoted to creating and re-visioning original material, plus immersion in an evolving and customized reading list that directly feeds your artistic vision.

STUDY OPTION 2 (NEW)
Explore the Intersection of Forms—any Combination of Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, and Literary Translation—Expanding Knowledge, Possibilities, Horizons Imagine: Four semesters immersed in a unique course of study—designed by you and your first semester advisor—in which multiple forms are explored (Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, or Literary Translation), with the option of creating new and dynamic modes of expression, creativity, and experimentation.

(This option is available after the first semester.)

STUDY OPTION 3
Explore Two Forms Deeply, Expanding Knowledge via Duality Imagine: Five semesters immersed in two forms of your choosing—Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, or Literary Translation—creating substantial original bodies of work in each form. This dual-form course of study emphasizes creativity and a deeper understanding of the conventions and possibilities of the two forms you choose to explore.

STUDY OPTION 4
Explore New Horizons, Crossing Borders into the Uncharted World of Cross-Disciplinary Study Imagine: One to three semesters exploring how Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, or Literary Translation can intersect and be made new by infusing creative writing forms with the art and vision of other VCFA-housed disciplines: Film, Graphic Design, Music Composition, Visual Art, and Writing for Children & Young Adults.

(This option is available after the first semester and includes a $1200 cross-discipline advising fee.)

STUDY OPTION 5 (NEW)
The VCFA International Center for Literary Translation—Expanding the Cartography of Language Imagine: A writing program that values writers and writing from across the globe, providing literary translation workshops, panel discussions, and lectures that are open to all students, regardless of foreign language expertise. The VCFA International Center for Literary Translation, housed within the MFA in Writing program, is unique among low-residency programs.

 

Two paths available
with Study Option 5:

 PATH A — Four semesters devoted to literary translation, generating and translating original work as well as translating international literature. In addition to working one-on-one with our renowned Literary Translation faculty, you will work with expert visiting literary translators from around the globe. Additionally, Literary Translation MFA students will gain professional experience via literary translation internships with the Writing program’s highly respected literary magazine, Hunger Mountain Review.

PATH B — A two-residency, one-semester certificate program for pre-MFA students, alumnx, and others that is solely devoted to the study and practice of translation, culminating in a translation essay and project, a certificate of completion, and, for VCFA students adding this option as a fifth semester, a special transcript notation. Further literary translation experience will be gained through working with our renowned literary magazine, Hunger Mountain Review.

STUDY OPTION 6
Explore Other Disciplines at VCFA, Expanding the Boundaries of Art, with Postgraduate Study Imagine: You have your MFA in Writing, and now you want to add to your portfolio a semester in any of the other disciplines we offer: Film, Graphic Design, Music Composition, Visual Art, or Writing for Children & Young Adults. Cross-disciplinary study will deepen your artistic vision and open up new vistas of expression.