Candidates may specialize in poetry or fiction. Writing workshops (limited to an enrollment of 12), independent study, conferences, and thesis work provide the opportunity to develop one’s work with the close attention of faculty and peers. A wide range of classes and internships allow candidates to pursue areas of artistic, scholarly, and professional interest.

Typically a three-year course of study, the MFA Program for Poets & Writers requires 60 credit hours apportioned as follows:

• A minimum of five writing workshops (27 credit hours). Four 6 credit hour workshops are required in your chosen area of specialization, and one workshop is required in a secondary genre.
• A minimum of three courses (9 credit hours) in modern and contemporary poetry and fiction.
• Six or more thesis credits.
• The balance of credit hours (18) is shaped with the help of the MFA faculty to pursue individualized courses of study in fields such as literary history and aesthetics, interdisciplinary studies, publishing, arts administration, and the practice of teaching.

Academic classes university-wide and, as part of the 5 College system, at Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke and Hampshire colleges, are open to our writers. In addition, the Program supports unique opportunities for writers to participate in accredited internships with literary journals and presses, community arts projects, local schools, libraries, and other organizations.

The MFA degree is awarded after completion of course work and credit hours, a book-length thesis manuscript, and an oral defense.