M.F.A. or M.F.A.?

M.F.A. or M.F.A.?

The University of Texas at Austin offers two different M.F.A. degrees in creative writing: the Master of Fine Arts in English degree and the Master of Fine Arts in Writing degree. The English Department administers the M.F.A. in English.; the Michener Center for Writers administers the M.F.A. in Writing. Although the programs share faculty, workshops, visiting writers, and visiting readers, they also have distinct differences in terms of length, specialization, and means of student funding.

Programs at a glance

Master of Fine Arts in English

• Administered by the UT English Department
• Two-year program (36 course hours)
• Students specialize in one genre (fiction or poetry)
• All students funded through both teaching opportunities and fellowships

Master of Fine Arts in Writing

• Administered by the Michener Center for Writers
• Three-year program (54 course hours)
• Students specialize in a primary and a secondary genre (fiction, poetry, screenwriting, or playwriting)
• All students funded through James A. Michener Fellowships

The M.F.A. Program in English:

The English Department sponsors this two-year program. M.F.A. candidates specialize in one genre (fiction or poetry) and complete a manuscript at the end of their second year. Qualified M.F.A. candidates are funded through both teaching assistantships and fellowships. Typically, students who have been awarded teaching assistantships lead discussions and workshops for literature and creative writing courses during their first three semesters. During their last semester, when they are preparing their Master's Theses, all students currently receive a fellowship that will cover tuition and living expenses for the semester. Students graduate with a Master of Fine Arts in English.

The M.F.A. Program in Writing:

Founded in 1993 and made possible by a generous endowment from the late James A. Michener, the M.F.A. Program is a three-year program. The Michener Center for Writers is closely affiliated with the graduate writing programs of English, Theatre, and Radio-TV-Film. M.F.A. Students must work in two genres--one primary and one secondary--chosen from fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting. M.F.A. candidates do not teach, but rather receive full-time support with a James A. Michener Fellowship, renewable for all three years of the program, and contingent upon annual reviews. Students graduate with a Master of Fine Arts in Writing.

How to apply:

Although students may apply for both the M.F.A. in English and the M.F.A. in Writing programs, each application must be conducted separately. The English Department cannot answer questions about the M.F.A. Writing Program, nor can the Michener Center for Writers answer questions about the M.F.A. English program. Students interested in applying to the M.F.A. program in English can visit the English Graduate Programs' application procedures page . Students interested in applying to the M.F.A. Writing program can learn more about the program through the Michener Center for Writers website.