MFA students are accelerated only after they have submitted proof of a book publication or a dramatic production that has been approved by faculty and the Chair or Associate Programs Director and which stands in place of the creative thesis. For acceleration requirements, see the Naslund-Mann Student Handbook.

After successfully participating in the ENG-632 or equivalent residency course, and after approval of the student’s application for acceleration, students begin their final accelerated independent study course. The accelerated student and assigned mentor create an Independent Study Plan that includes the assignments of the research project, original creative writing, the presentation of topics for the Small Group Discussion, which takes place in the subsequent residency; also, under the guidance of the ENG-673 mentor, the student prepares a Graduation Lecture

The research project may be an extended critical essay on literature; or a research project on the history, practices, or trends in publishing and/or editing; a research project that includes a grant proposal to fund a project for an existing literary arts organization; or a pedagogical study in the teaching of creative writing. Other research projects that concern the profession of writing may also be suggested for approval.

During ENG-673, students submit five packets to their mentors, at scheduled intervals, containing a cover letter and the required assignments. The mentor replies to each student packet on an individual basis, providing critique and instruction to the student in a written or recorded response. Students submit evaluations and an updated student curriculum vitae, which includes a bibliography of books and scripts read.

Students continuing on to ENG-646 do not have a thesis discussion as through previous publication or production, the culminating work has met the School of Writing’s standard that the MFA thesis must be deemed publishable or produceable. ENG-673 students serve as thesis readers for no more than two virtual thesis discussions for other student colleagues. Students taking this course to fulfill the requirements of the Certificate in the Teaching of Creative Writing must complete the long research project option to study the pedagogy of creative writing.

Students enrolled in this course may choose to add a travel option which allows them to engage in writing, reading, and research that emphasizes the literature of the international destination.

Accelerated MFA students graduate with a total of 50 credits.

Prerequisites: ENG-632 or ENG-635 or equivalent and permission of the Chair or Associate Programs Director.

to be presented at Graduation Residency and any other needed requirements for the MFA degree.