Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in English

The MA degree offers the academic credentials necessary for junior or community-college teaching, and provides a rich foundation for people moving on to doctoral studies. This is a two-year program.


Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The MFA degree is intended for graduate students who wish to specialize in writing literary fiction. Although the program’s emphasis is on fiction, secondary studies include screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry. The MFA is a terminal degree which qualifies the holder to teach at the college and university level. The goal is the completion of a book-length project. This is a two-year program.


Dual MA/MFA Degree

The Dual degree combines the MFA and the MA. It was created for students who wish to combine the practice and study of creative writing with literary scholarship. The Dual degree was specifically designed to meet the needs of students who intend to pursue a career in teaching English and creative writing at the university, community college or secondary school level. This is a three-year program.

The department's literary magazine, Elephant Tree, edited by English graduate students, is published in book form and is also available as a PDF. See Publications. 

Graduate Admission Information

Application Deadlines:

• Spring 2008 admission: 2 November 2007

• Fall 2008 admission, with scholarship consideration: 1 May 2008
• Applicants after May 1 will be considered on a space available basis.

Admission questions? Please contact Priscilla Powers in the Graduate Admissions office: (714) 997 6711 or view the graduate admission section of the catalog.

Apply now using our online application or download the PDF version.