Q: What is a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Creative Writing?
A: The M.F.A. is considered a terminal degree that qualifies a candidate for teaching at a college or university.
Q: What genres can I study at Adelphi?
A: You can study poetry, fiction and dramatic writing. This includes playwriting, screenwriting and script writing for television.
Q: How many students are in the M.F.A. program?
A: The M.F.A. is a small program that features intensive mentoring and fosters close relationships with the faculty. Approximately 12 students will be in each of the three genres.
Q: Who are the M.F.A. faculty?
A: The M.F.A. faculty currently consists of two full-time faculty in poetry, two in playwriting, two in fiction, and one in creative non-fiction.
Q: How is the program interdisciplinary? Am I required to choose a genre at the time of application?
A: You apply to a specific genre and will be required to submit a thesis in that genre. However, you are encouraged to enroll in workshops out of your primary genre and can do so without separate permission. The final Thesis Colloquium is a multi-genre workshop in which students from all three genres workshop one another’s theses.
Q: How large are the workshops?
A: Workshops are limited to 15 students, but usually have fewer students.
Q: What if I want to switch genres while I'm in the program?
A: You must discuss this with your mentor and apply for approval from the Admissions Committee.
Q: Can I attend the program part-time?
A: Yes.
Q: How often are classes held?
A: Most classes are seminars that are held once a week, either from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM or from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Q: Can I audit classes?
A: Auditing classes is not permitted.
Q: Can I take classes if I'm not in the program?
A: Students in the M.F.A. program are given first priority for any class. Any available places will be filled by non-matriculated students who apply, on a course-by-course basis, to the course instructor. The University has a cap of two non-matriculated courses per student.
Q: What is the deadline for application to the M.F.A. program?
Adelphi uses a modified rolling admissions process. The reading of applications for fall matriculation begins in mid-January, and the majority of students are admitted in February. Thereafter, admission is based on available space.
Q: Can I apply online?
A: Yes. You can find the application and information about the application process, tuition assistance, and financial aid at:
http://admissions.adelphi.edu/Grad/
Q: How can I estimate my expenses?
A: The Register has created a formula to help you calculate your tuition costs. Most classes are 4 credits each. Go to: http://ecampus.adelphi.edu/sfs/tuition_fees.php
Q: How do I decide on my writing sample?
Can I send more than the required number of pages for my writing sample?
A: The writing sample is the most important part of the application and the way you demonstrate your talent and skill. You should submit your best work. It is not important to the committee whether or not that work has been previously published. Submit writing samples only in your chosen genre. Additional pages will not be read by the Admissions Committee.
- Those submitting applications in poetry should send no more than 15 pages of poetry (approximately a dozen poems).
- Those submitting applications in fiction should send no more than thirty pages (double-spaced), which can consist of one or more stories, or a section of a novel.
- Those submitting applications in dramatic writing should send no more than 50 pages, which can consist of a monologue, a one-act play, or a scene from a full-length play or screenplay or television script. If an excerpt from a longer work is submitted, please include a one-paragraph description of the work as a whole.
For more information, please contact the M.F.A. Program Office at 516.877.4044 or the Office of Admissions.
Q: What do I include in my personal statement essay?
A: You should tell us something about your writing experience to date, and what you hope to accomplish during the program. Tell us what you have read, are now reading, and intend to read. Describe your current literary interests, your current or future challenges, and literary goals. Please limit your essay to 1,000 words.
Q: Are GRE scores required for admission?
A: No.
Q: Is there a foreign language requirement?
A: No.
Q: Do my letters of recommendation have to be from college professors?
A: The preference is for letters from teachers and/or mentors familiar with your creative work, with your writing process, and with you as a student.
Q: My undergraduate major wasn't English. Is that okay?
A: An undergraduate degree in English is not required for application or acceptance in the program.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another graduate school?
A: No.
Q: Is there an interview process? Can I visit classes or meet the faculty?
A: Interviews are not part of the application process, and class visits cannot be arranged.
Q: Who may I speak to about my application?
A: We wish we could offer advice and schedule individual meetings with each potential applicant, but we can’t. We host an informational Open House once a semester where you can meet the faculty and ask specific questions. Check the site for announcements of these Open Houses.
Q: What type of financial support or fellowships do you offer?
A: All applicants are eligible and automatically considered for one of six partial (one-half) tuition remissions.
Graduate students may teach undergraduate Introduction to Creative Writing classes and Freshman Composition classes. There are also opportunities for work-study office positions.
Accepted students should request a work application form as soon as possible.
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