Creative Writing, M.F.A.

(Major Code: 15071) (SIMS Code: 112121)

Admission to the Degree Curriculum

STUDENTS WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE M.F.A. IN CREATIVE WRITING ONLY IN THE FALL SEMESTER AND COMPLETE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 1.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to San Diego State University with classified graduate standing, as described in Admission and Registration , a student must satisfy the following requirements before being recommended for classified graduate standing.

The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree in creative writing, or in English with a focus in creative writing, or an approved affiliated field, with a grade point average of not less than 3.0 overall in the last 60 units of study attempted, with a 3.25 undergraduate grade point average in the major, and a 3.5 average in those courses considered prerequisite for the M.F.A. focus the student elects.

If deficient, the applicant must complete undergraduate requirements commensurate with the proposed focus in the M.F.A. program.

The applicant normally must achieve a minimum score of 300 on the Graduate Record Examination, with a minimum of 156 on the verbal section.

Students who submit especially compelling samples of creative work, but who have not met certain criteria or who demonstrate deficiencies in undergraduate preparation or basic skill development may be granted conditional classified admission to the program. The graduate adviser shall specify the conditions for such admission with the proviso that any prerequisite coursework assigned must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and no grade less than a B-.

A student holding an M.A. degree in English from San Diego State University, or any other acceptable accredited institution of higher learning, must formally apply for admission to the M.F.A. program. Applicants holding an M.A. or pursuing an M.F.A. may transfer up to 18 units of certified graduate credit from an accredited institution upon review and recommendation by the M.F.A. graduate adviser and the approval of the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Students unable to satisfy the requirements for the M.F.A. degree will not automatically be considered for an M.A. degree.

Students already accepted into the M.F.A. program at San Diego State University who request a change of focus (poetry or fiction) at a later date will be required to notify the M.F.A. graduate adviser and reapply to the creative writing committee.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees . Candidates for the M.F.A. degree must have completed a minimum of 34 units within their official program of study, including transfer credit, with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 and have no grade less than B-. Students will be permitted to repeat only one course to achieve these levels. After a student has filed an official program of study and advanced to candidacy, the student must enroll in ENGL 797  and ENGL 799A  if pursuing thesis option (Plan A) or must enroll in six units of manuscript preparation (English 791) if pursuing manuscript option (Plan B).

If the student chooses to pursue thesis option (ENGL 797  and ENGL 799A ) instead of enrolling in six units of manuscript preparation (English 791), the student is required to have the approval of the M.F.A. graduate adviser. The M.F.A. creative writing committee must have approved a thesis topic and must recommend the appointment of a thesis adviser from the student’s area of focus (fiction or poetry). After advancement to candidacy, the student must enroll in and complete ENGL 797  and ENGL 799A  if pursuing Plan A or six units of English 791 if pursuing Plan B.

In addition, the M.F.A. graduate committee must have recommended appointment of a thesis adviser from the student’s area of focus (poetry, fiction) and the creative writing committee must have approved a thesis topic. Applicants for advancement should submit a portfolio of their creative work to the creative writing committee for a recommendation for advancement. Aspects to be reviewed include artistic achievement, ability to function in situations that writers and teachers usually encounter, and demonstration of skills in the focus area.

After advancement to candidacy, a student must enroll in and complete a minimum of 24 units from the official program to include ENGL 797  and ENGL 799A .