The Master of Fine Arts in Writing is a terminal degree for students who wish to pursue careers as writers and/or who want to teach writing at the college level. Hamline's MFA program, established in 1994, was the first MFA degree in creative writing in Minnesota. It is distinguished from many writing programs around the country by its interdisciplinary emphasis and its encouragement of multi-genre explorations.

Students join a community of writers and scholars within an intensive, book-driven program of liberal studies. They can choose from an array of interdisciplinary electives, including courses in literary publishing. Many students will focus primarily on one genre in the advanced stage of the program as they move toward thesis. Students can choose from poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction (e.g., the essay, memoir, biography, etc.), children's literature, or any combination of genres. Courses in playwriting and screenwriting also are offered

Degree Requirements   l   Core Seminar   l   Writing Courses   l   Elective Courses

Mid-Point Advising   l   Capstone   l   GLS student and alumni publications and awards

Writing Courses
MFA students complete (24 credits) six writing courses, one of which must be a fundamentals course covering craft techniques in depth (e.g., “Groundings in the Craft: Elements of Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, Poetry”) and the second an advanced course in the genre in which the student does his/her thesis.

Elective Courses
MFA students choose (12 credits) three elective courses to complement their exploration of the writing craft and expand their knowledge of other areas.  One of these courses must be an interdisciplinary seminar.  Browse upcoming GLS Courses

Mid-Point Advising
After completion of six courses, MFA students meet with their faculty advisor to discuss their goals and progress in the program. They consider the student's plan for thesis, including the choice of genre(s), prospective thesis advisors, and timeline for completion of degree requirements.

Thesis 1 requires a completed draft of the envisioned work. During this phase, students work with their primary advisor on content, craft, and process. At the end of Thesis 1, the student and primary advisor meet to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the work and to discuss revisions.

Students then register for Thesis 2 in which they revise the draft into a book-length work of acceptable literary quality that shows mastery of the craft.  Both primary and secondary advisors read and critique the final draft. Students also are required to write an artist’s statement in which they discuss their process and goals in writing the thesis and explore the subjects and themes contained therein.

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