English (Creative Writing Low Residency Specialization), M.F.A.

Contact Information

June Saraceno
jsylvestersaraceno@unr.edu

Admission Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program accepts applications every fall and spring semster.  If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Program Director. 

1. Application for admission
2. Manuscript in Chosen Genre. Manuscript guidelines are as follows:

• Poetry: 10 pages of poetry
• Fiction: 20-25 pages of fiction
• Nonfiction: 20-25 pages of nonfiction
• Note: All manuscripts must be typed and double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font

Writing for Children and Young Adults (WCYA). Any combination of:

• Picture books: 2-3 full manuscripts
• Middle grade fiction or nonfiction: up to 25 pages
• Young adult fiction or nonfiction: up to 25 pages

   3. Two personal essays

• In two to three pages, the essay should discuss your creative writing background, to include writers in your chosen genre who influenced your own work. Do not include the work of MFA faculty members at the University of Nevada, Reno in your discussion. (You may discuss this in question number two, if applicable.
• In two to three pages, discuss how the low-residency model and the program at the University of Nevada, Reno, Lake Tahoe campus would be suited to your writing goals.

Two confidential letters of recommendation

• Letters of recommendation should come from a college-level instructor or mentor, a colleague, or professional in the field (publisher, editor, workshop facilitator, or other), who can speak to your commitment to the literary arts and academic competencies. These letters should attest to your qualifications for independent study in a graduate context, as well as how successfully you would interact with others in peer critiques and workshops. You will input the names and emails for your recommendations into the application, recommendation requests are automatically generated.

Official Transcripts

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing will:

• write to a professional standard in a variety of modes and genres both creatively and critically with attention to the processes of writing, revision and presentation, both written and oral, of their work;
• experiment with different approaches to writing using various literary techniques and forms across genres while mastering one specific genre, challenging the established boundaries of that genre, and adding their voice to an ongoing dialectic of artistic creation;
• recognize, discuss and analyze the history, literary movements, traditions, subgenres, innovations, and contemporary practice of their genre of specialization;
• demonstrate excellence in craft and aesthetic technique in their genre of specialization in successively higher levels each academic year;
• engage in a broader community of writers through attendance at residencies, interaction with teachers/mentors, public readings, conference attendance, and other participatory activities;
• demonstrate a knowledge of pedagogical strategies for the teaching of creative writing;
• relate writing to the concerns of larger communities, both local and global, and to other disciplines;
• submit both original shorter works and book-length manuscripts to appropriate markets for publication.

I. Program Description

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing builds upon and moves beyond the BA/BFA level in English, allowing students the opportunity to earn an advanced degree, thereby furthering their careers in writing, editing and publishing. This low residency, two-year program requires two 10-day residencies in which students will choose a focus track of Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction or Writing for Children and Young Adults (WCYA). The residency periods will expose students to renowned writers, speakers, editors and publishers. Students will also be expected to attend conferences, public readings, workshops and other events that will lead to an enhanced relationship with the community both locally and in a broader context. This supports the UNR institutional commitment to produce students who are scholars of and contributors to society, while encouraging cultural and educational sustainability through life-long learning.

II. Total Units

57 Units Required.