THE MFA PROGRAM is built around intensive writing workshops, seminars, private conferences, independent study, internships, and the completion and presentation of a book-length manuscript. The University and Five College consortium offer a great variety of seminars and courses. MFA candidates specialize in poetry or fiction. Most often a three-year course of study, the degree requires 60 credit hours: •A minimum of five writing workshops •A minimum of three courses in modern and contemporary   poetry and fiction •Six or more thesis credits With the balance of their credit hours, writers pursue individualized courses of study reflective of their creative and professional goals.