MFA Programs/University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program

University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program

The MFA degree in Creative Writing is a two-year program that provides a combination studio/academic course of study. Students receive critical feedback on their poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction in writing workshops, scrutinize aspects of genre in special-topics classes, and investigate larger theoretical and historical contexts for creative work in literature, rhetoric, writing, and linguistics courses. The MFA program culminates in a creative thesis comprised of a book-length manuscript of original creative work.

The PhD in English with a Creative Dissertation is a program for students who have already earned an MFA and wish to pursue further professional training that emphasizes both creative writing and English studies. Through collaborative workshops, PhD candidates continue the advancement of their artistic practice, explore new work, and refine existing projects. Additional coursework in English studies allows for the development of secondary areas of expertise.

All MFA and PhD candidates have the chance to pursue editorial opportunities at the graduate student-run Grist: A Journal of the Literary Arts.

MFA Program details

University

University of Tennessee

Highlights

Grist: A Journal of the Literary Arts Creative Writing Reading Series Graduate Creative Writing Awards

Associated Publications

Grist: A Journal of the Literary Arts

How to apply

Cohort size

5 MFA; 2 PhD

Fee

$60 domestic / $75 international

Deadline

MFA 1st round: December 1 / MFA 2nd round: January 15 / PhD: December 1

Teaching opportunities

Yes

Requirements

MFA: must have BA degree; must have completed a minimum of 18 credit hours in upper-level (300+) English courses; submit statement of purpose, critical and creative writing sample, 3 letters of recommendation;PhD: must have MA/MFA degree; submit statement of purpose, critical and creative writing sample, 3 letters of recommendation;

Funding opportunities

Both the MFA and PhD are fully funded. In both programs candidates can expect to receive extensive hands-on experience within the English Department as tutors, instructors, and research assistants, in exchange for a stipend and tuition waiver. Additional financial support is available for travel, professional development, and manuscript submission.