The Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
                ~ Mark Twain, Hartford, Conn.

"The difference between the right word and the wrong word is the difference between the lightning and the lightning bug."    
                ~ Mark Twain

The M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Southern is a full-residency, terminal-degree program, preparing students for careers as writers, teachers, editors, and professionals in the publishing world. With its main focus on the writing workshop and the creative thesis, the M.F.A. also requires students to study literature at the graduate level and provides opportunities for students to train for teaching collegiate-level writing.

Located midway between New York City and Boston in New Haven, Connecticut, Southern offers a thriving and long-lived culture, tradition, and community of creative writers. Along with a nationally-recognized, award-winning creative-writing faculty, Southern is also home to the graduate literary magazine Noctua Review, and partial home to the national, award-winning literary arts periodical, The Connecticut Review (http://www.connecticutreview.com).

The Creative Writing Program's visiting writers' and editors' series brings nationally-renowned writers to campus to read from their work, as well as editors from such prestigious national publications as The Southern Review, Louisiana Literature, Cincinnati Review, and The Gettysburg Review. Visiting writers have included authors Steve Almond, Dale Peck, John Edgar Wideman, Chase Twichell, Tom Perrotta, Tony Earley, Michael Martone, Brock Clarke, Dana Gioia, Marilyn Nelson, Stewart O'Nan, Erin McGraw, Andrew Hudgins, John Bensko, William Trowbridge and Allison Joseph. Our students have been published in journals such as Ploughshares, Prairie Schooner, The South Carolina Review, Phoebe, Southern Review, McSweeney's, Quarterly West and American Letters and Commentary, and have accumulated a range of national awards, fellowships, and book contracts.

Admission to the M.F.A. program is competitive, with roughly six poets and six fiction writers admitted each year. The deadline for applications is March 1. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and applicants will be notified of their status no later than April 1.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
Candidates for admission for the M.F.A. degree should fill out the M.F.A. Program Application Form, which can be found by clicking here.  

As explained on this form, all applicants to the M.F.A. program must include:

• The completed M.F.A. Program Application Form
• A 1,000-word Statement of Purpose in which you explain why you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in creative writing, and discuss yourself as a writer. You may wish to make reference to professional, academic and/or personal interests, as well as future goals.
• A sample of your creative work in the genre to which you are applying (minimum 15 pages, maximum 25 pages, of fiction; or 10 pages of poetry)
• Three letters of recommendation (the letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to you in sealed envelopes with the signature of the recommender across the flap of the envelope). At least one of these letters should be from a person familiar with you as a writer and also with you as a student.

Completed M.F.A. Program Applications should be sent to:
M.F.A. Admissions Committee
Attn: Robin Troy, M.F.A. Program Administrator
Department of English
Engleman Hall, D Wing
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515

Candidates must also file an application with the Graduate Office. Applications can be obtained by clicking here, or by calling the Graduate Office at (203) 392-5240. Applicants should submit all official transcripts to the Graduate Office.

Again, the deadline for applications is March 1, with applications being reviewed in the order they are received. Applicants will be notified of their status no later than April 1.

If you are a transfer student from another M.F.A. program and are accepted into Southern's M.F.A. program, you may transfer up to 12 credits toward Southern's M.F.A. program, provided those 12 credits of course work were completed within the prior six years, with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. Of those 12 credits, a maximum of two workshop courses may be transferred as elective credits; final decisions about credit transfer are determined by the M.F.A. Admissions Committee. 

If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student in Southern's M.A. or M.S. program and are accepted to transfer into the M.F.A. program, you should contact M.F.A. Program Administrator Robin Troy (contact info below) to discuss how your credits will transfer. A maximum of two workshop courses may be transferred; final decisions about credit transfer are determined by the M.F.A. Admissions Committee.

If you have already graduated from Southern's M.A. or M.S. program and wish to apply to the M.F.A. program, your M.A. or M.S. credits will not transfer to credits toward the M.F.A. program; rather, you will design a 30-credit course of M.F.A. study with an M.F.A. faculty member instead of the traditional 48-credit course of study. A maximum of two workshop courses may be transferred; final decisions about credit-transfer are determined by the M.F.A. Admissions Committee.

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, contact:
Prof. Robin Troy, M.F.A. Program Administrator, (203) 392-9636 or troyr2@southernct.edu.
 
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS IN COMPOSITION (GTAs)
Purpose of M.F.A. Graduate Teaching Assistantship

Through a combination of theory, experience, and reflection, M.F.A. graduate teaching assistants learn about teaching expository writing in a context of critical thinking and reading. Teaching assistantships are valuable for:

• Gaining professional experience teaching writing that is applicable to university-level teaching positions.
• Gaining professional enrichment in a highly-supportive atmosphere.

Description of M.F.A. Graduate Teaching Assistantship

The M.F.A. Graduate Teaching Assistantship is awarded for one academic year, with the opportunity to adjunct teach in subsequent years (see Stipend, below). The M.F.A. Graduate Teaching Assistantship does not include a tuition waiver.

In the fall semester, M.F.A. graduate teaching assistants:

• Complete English 597: Graduate Internship in Teaching Writing, and intern (observe and assist) in a mutually agreeable daytime or evening section of a first-year English composition course;
• Meet once a week with their faculty mentor for 1-3 hours to plan and discuss composition class sessions;
• Meet regularly with other GTAs and mentors;
• Complete English 519: Teaching College Writing with a grade of B or better.

In the spring 2009 semester, M.F.A. graduate teaching assistants:

• Teach one section of first-year composition.
• Meet regularly with their designated faculty mentor and be observed at least twice.

In both semesters, M.F.A. graduate teaching assistants:
•    Have the opportunity and commitment to additional professional development within the M.F.A. program and the English Department.

Stipend

M.F.A. graduate teaching assistants receive a stipend of approximately $9,600 for the 2009-2010 academic year, to be paid in several installments. Upon successful completion of English 519 and 597, and depending upon English department staffing needs, GTAs will also be eligible for assignment as adjunct instructors in the English department for a payment of approximately $2,500 per class beyond the class required for the G.T.A.

Application Procedure

GTA application forms are available from Ms. Tanya Smith, the department secretary (Engleman D-265A), or by following this link. GTA applications may be submitted along with the M.F.A. application to M.F.A. Program Administrator Robin Troy (see address below).

M.F.A. applicants who wish to apply must complete each of the following steps:

• Submit a completed application form to M.F.A. Program Administrator Robin Troy (address below).
• Write a 500-word statement outlining why you are a good candidate for a teaching assistantship, including some discussion of what strengths you can bring to the program and of how an assistantship will benefit you professionally.
• Include a clean copy of a recent analytical paper that is at least five pages in length. You may include more than one writing sample. Choose paper(s) that, in your estimation, represents your best writing.
• Submit all your materials in a single envelope, addressed to Robin Troy, M.F.A. Program Administrator, English Department, Engleman D-265C, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355. Materials may also be hand-delivered to Robin Troy's mailbox in the English Department Office in Engleman D-265C.

Application Deadline

All application materials must be received by March 1. 

Notification

Phone interviews with the M.F.A. Admissions Committee may be conducted prior to selection. Based on the application materials and possible interview, two M.F.A. students will be selected for assistantships.

For more information, contact:

Professor Robin Troy, M.F.A. Program Administrator, troyr2@southernct.edu, 203-392-9636.

GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS (GRFs)
Each year, the School of Graduate Studies awards several Graduate Research Fellowships to full-time graduate students working toward the master's degree or sixth-year diploma program. Each fellowship is in the amount of $8,000. Information about the GRF can be found by clicking here.

GRADUATE STUDENT GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS (GSGAs)
Each year, the School of Graduate Studies awards several Graduate Student Graduate Assistantships to full-time matriculated graduate students in the amount of $16,000. Information about the 2008-2009 GSGA application can be obtained through the Graduate School, (203) 392-5240, http://www.southernct.edu/grad/. An example of the 2007-2008 GSGA application and information can be accessed by clicking here.

CONFERENCE & RESEARCH FUNDING

The Graduate Student Affairs Committee at Southern has increased the
travel support to those students who wish either to attend or deliver a
paper at a scholarly conference outside of Southern.  The new limits
are as follows:
                                                         In State            Out of State
One-Day Conference Attendance     $100                   $200

One-Day Conference Presentation    $150                  $300

Two-Day Conference Attendance     $300                  $500

Two-Day  Conference Presentation   $500                  $850

GSAC will also make funding available for matriculated graduate
students who are in good standing to conduct research. The maximum
award here is for $550, pending availability of funds. If you are interested in the above, consult the GSAC link on the Graduate School page. 

MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN CREATIVE WRITING, PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Southern is a 48-credit, terminal degree that can be completed in two years of full-time study, or several years of part-time study. The M.F.A. culminates in the completion of the thesis, a book-length manuscript of either fiction or poetry. The M.F.A. degree at Southern requires: 

• Four workshop classes in major genre (fiction or poetry writing) (12 credits)
• One workshop class in minor genre (fiction or poetry writing) (3 credits)
• Thesis: Book-length manuscript of original fiction and/or poetry (6 credits)
• Five classes in literature or literary theory (Ideally, two classes in contemporary literature (ENG 517 may be included here) (15 credits)
• Twelve elective credits (minimum of six in English) (12 credits)

Total classes: 14 and thesis  (Total: 48 credits)

COURSE NUMBER SEQUENCE FOR WORKSHOPS

English 502 (Prose Fiction Writing I) to be followed by English 503 (Prose Fiction Writing II), which can be repeated for credit 

English 506 (Poetry Writing I) to be followed by English 507 (Poetry Writing II), which can be repeated for credit

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE MAJOR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
ENG 502    Prose Fiction Writing I
The craft and art of creating plot, character, scene, conflict, and style. 
Scheduled fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: ENG 406 or depart-
mental permission.  Always scheduled.  3 credits.

ENG 503    Prose Fiction Writing II
Further practice in the craft and art of creating plot, character, scene,
conflict, and style.  Scheduled fall and spring semesters.  Prerequisite:
ENG 502 or departmental permission.  This course may be repeated
for credit.  Always scheduled.  3 credits.

ENG 506    The Writing of Poetry I
The craft and art of writing poetry.  Scheduled fall and spring semesters.
Prerequisite: ENG 402 or departmental permission.  Always scheduled.
3 credits.

ENG 507    The Writing of Poetry II
Further practice in the craft and art of writing poetry.  Scheduled fall
and spring semesters.  Prerequisite: ENG 506 or departmental permis-
sion.  This course may be repeated for credit. Always scheduled. 3
credits.

ENG 590     English Thesis
Research and writing of the thesis in the area of concentration, under the
direction of an English department faculty member.  For specific details,
consult the chairperson or graduate coordinator of the department.  Pre-
requisite: department permission.  3 or 6 credits.
(Scroll down for Thesis details)
 
A SAMPLE OF COURSES TO FULFILL REQUIREMENTS IN LITERATURE, LITERARY THEORY, & ELECTIVES WITHIN THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT:

ENG 504    The Teaching of Writing
ENG 505    Applied English Linguistics
ENG 508     Contemporary Critical Theory
ENG 509    Contemporary Poetic Theory
ENG 510    History of the English Language
ENG 511     Love and the Body in Medieval Consciousness
ENG 514     English Medieval Literature
ENG 517     Research Methods and Critical Theory
ENG 518     Philosophy of Composition
ENG 519     Teaching College Writing
ENG 521     Feminist Theory and Literary Criticism 
ENG 522     Wright, Ellison, and Baldwin
ENG 523    Contemporary African-American Literature
ENG 524     The Harlem Renaissance
ENG 525     17th Century Poetry
ENG 529     African American Rhetorical Theory
ENG 531     Feminist Rhetorical Theory
ENG 536     Early Victorians: 1837-1870
ENG 537     Later Victorians: 1870-1914
ENG 538     Victorian Novel
ENG 542     Shakespeare
ENG 548    Modern and Contemporary Drama
ENG 552     English Renaissance
ENG 555     The 18th Century: Age of Satire
ENG 557     Romantic Period
ENG 559     20th Century English Literature
ENG 560     20th Century American Drama
ENG 562     The American Novel Before 1850
ENG 564     Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville
ENG 565     Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman
ENG 566     20th Century American Poets
ENG 567     Mark Twain, Howells, and James
ENG 568     American Novel: 1900-1945
ENG 569     American Novel Since 1945
ENG 580     Chaucer
ENG 581     Medieval Women and Literature
ENG 583     Arthurian Legend
ENG 584     Milton
ENG 585     Seminar on Special Topics in Composition/Rhetoric
ENG 586     Seminar in American Literature
ENG 587     Seminar in British Literature
ENG 588     Seminar in Comparative Literature

THESIS
For completion of the M.F.A. degree, each student will produce a creative thesis, a book-length manuscript of original, imaginative work under the advisement of a member of the creative-writing faculty and the consultation of a second reader. This manuscript may consist of a novel, a novel excerpt, a memoir, a collection of stories or poems, or a combination of the above as agreed upon by the advisor and the second reader. The thesis process culminates with a thesis defense, a rigorous questioning and investigation of the student's thesis by the advisor and second reader. The production of the creative thesis typically takes at least a year and consists of multiple drafts and revisions based on meetings with the advisor and second reader, but may take longer if necessary to attain the quality of work required by the faculty readers.

Detailed thesis guidelines that apply to theses for all graduate programs in the English Department can be found by clicking here. 


SOUTHERN STUDENTS' SUCCESS
A sampling of past Southern creative-writing students' successes, as both graduates and undergraduates, includes:

• John Searles' national bestselling novel, Boy Still Missing
• Tony Fusco's poetry collection, Jessie's Garden, and numerous poetry prizes including The Sunken Garden Poetry Prize, The Alan Ginsburg Poetry Contest, The Wallace W. Winchell Contest, The Al Savard Poetry Contest, and The Trumbull Arts Festival Contest
• Tom Lombardi's novel, My Summer on Earth
• Sheila Squillante's first-place win in the 2003 "The Story of Your Life" Memoir Contest judged by Nora Ephron, Beverly Donofrio, and Suki Kim; her first-place essay "Love, Loss and Another Day at Work" in Glamour magazine; her receipt of a Writer's Grant and Travel Grant from the MacDowell Artists Colony; her honorable mention for the Intro Poetry Project, the national competition sponsored by AWP of all U.S. graduate writing programs. She now serves as Assistant Director of the Creative Program at Penn State.
• Sarah Wareck, one of six national winners of AWP's Intro Fiction Contest, 2003, and one of seven winners of Chicago Readers' national fiction contest. Runner up for Sarabande's 2007 Mary McCarthy Prize
• Shawn Taylor, winner of Gulfstream Magazine's First Fiction national contest, 2004
• Tara Jill Ciccarone's honorable mention in Zoetrope All Story's national award for fiction; honorable mention for Glimmer Train's national award for new fiction; was included in Mississippi Review's Prize Edition in 2000; and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for fiction in 2001
• Kathleen Butler won the Eve Cummings Prize for Fiction and the Leslie Leeds Poetry Prize, 2002.
• Allyson Wuerth won the New England Association of Teachers English Poetry Contest, 2005.

A partial list of the national journals in which our students have published includes New York Times Sunday Magazine, Ploughshares, McSweeney's, Sou'wester, FENCE, nerve.com, Louisiana Literature, Voices Along the River, AGNI, American Letters & Commentary, Beloit Poetry Journal, CROWD, Hayden's Ferry Review, Quarterly West, Sycamore Review, Coe Review, Cimarron Review, Midwest Review, Miller's Pond, Artisan, Bellowing Ark, Alaska Quarterly, Oxford, Third Coast, Connecticut Review, The South Carolina Review, Red Rock Review, Chiron, Laurels, New Letters, Phoebe, Clackamas Literary Review, Arubutus.net, The Southeast Review, Typomag.com, Nerve.com, LetterX.com, The Pedestal Magazine, Epiphany, Post Road, Prairie Schooner, Mochila Review, Beacon Street, Whirligig, Cottonwood, and Berkeley Fiction Review.

A partial list of fellowships and university positions held by former students:

• Jason Labbe, Henry Hoyns Fellow, University of Virginia, 2005-2006
• Allyson Wuerth, Stadler Semester Poet, Bucknell University, 1998
• Wayne Harrison, Oregon Literary Fellowship, 2004, and Fishtrap Fellowship, 2003
• Sheila Squillante, Katey Lehman Fellow in Creative Writing at Penn State, 2000-Jeffrey Voccola, Assistant Professor of English at Kutztown State University
• John Rosse, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Landmark College
• Marcel Burch, Assistant Professor of Developmental English at Norwalk Community College