Writing, MFA - Online

48 credit hours

The online option for the MFA in Writing focuses on the study and practice of the craft of creative writing. We offer craft classes, literature classes, and writing workshops in small class settings. Coursework can be taken fully online, or through on-campus clusters, or through a combination of both delivery methods.

An online MFA student may take up to three online three-credit courses per quarter. Depending on a student’s coursework load, the MFA degree can be completed in anywhere from one and a half years up to five years.

Admission to the MFA in Writing program is based on a creative writing sample and a statement of purpose. Both items should be emailed to the MFA program director by the following deadlines: May 1 for summer quarter, August 1 for fall quarter, November 1 for winter quarter, and February 1 for spring quarter. The writing sample should be 7-10 pages of creative writing (fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction). The statement of purpose should describe why the applicant would like to pursue the MFA degree and the role writing has played in his or her life. The program seeks students who clearly demonstrate strong writing skills, an understanding of the craft of literary creative writing, and a willingness to continue growing as a writer. Students must also meet all university admissions requirements. For identification purposes, fully online students must submit a color copy of a photo ID or an official GRE score. For score reporting, the Lindenwood University code is 6367.

The MFA in Writing is a 48-credit-hour degree program. The Graduate Thesis, in which students produce a creative thesis of 70-100 pages in the students' genre(s) of choice, is required for the final three credit hours of the program. Students select the remainder of their coursework (nine credit clusters and/or three credit online classes) from the MFA in Writing curriculum. There are no prerequisite classes; the classes may be taken in any order and from any genre. Students have the option to declare an emphasis in one of three areas: fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. An emphasis requires a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework in the emphasis area, including at least one foundational course from the list of genre courses. Students work with an advisor to ensure proper emphasis coursework is completed.

The degree requirements for the MFA in Writing - Online are the same as those of the traditional program.