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 ENG-632 or equivalent residency course and completing ENG-674, accelerated students wishing to extend their independent study over two semesters begin ENG-675: Extended Accelerated Advanced Independent Writing and Reading: Emphasizing the Research Project and Graduation Lecture—II, the second part of the extended advanced independent study. The student, who typically studies with the same mentor for ENG-674 and ENG-675, continues with the Independent Study Plan, which includes extensive assignments and the research project, original creative writing, and an individualized reading list.

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. Students continuing to ENG-646 also present and discuss possible topics for the Small Group Discussion, which takes place in that residency; and under the guidance of the ENG-674/675 mentor, the student prepares a Graduation Lecture to be presented at Graduation Residency and any other needed requirements for the MFA degree.

During the independent study, the student submits packets to their mentor, at scheduled intervals, containing a specified amount of material that includes new and revised work. 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 other assignments throughout the course, including evaluations and an updated student curriculum vitae, which includes a bibliography of books and scripts read. Students continuing on to ENG-646 may serve as thesis readers but may participate in no more than two virtual thesis discussions for 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.

Prerequisite courses: ENG-674 or equivalent and permission of Chair or Associate Programs Director.