Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Be Enrolled Part-Time?
- Yes. You may attend as a part-time student with a minimum of 6 credits per semester. However, students are strongly encouraged to convert to full-time status, when possible, in order to obtain a greater availability of classes and increase contact with the department and its faculty.
- When Do Classes Meet?
- All courses meet once per week. Core graduate classes generally meet in the evening, in part to accommodate many students who work during the day. Elective courses may meet during the day or in the evenings.
- How Is the Program Structured?
- Our MFA program requires 45 credits (27-30 hours of writing courses, including a Thesis Development course or equivalent; 9-12 hours of electives in Critical Reading and Writing; and 6 hours of graduate thesis). Full time students generally complete the degree in five to six semesters.
- What Kind of Background Does a Successful Applicant Typically Have?
- Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. We welcome older, working adults as well as recent college graduates. The graduate faculty committee asks that you submit your very best work. We are looking for writing with an active, developed sense of scene, story movement, and voice. Any subject is acceptable. In your self-assessment essay, tell us a story about yourself.
- Are There Any Program-Specific Scholarships Available?
- Qualified students may take Tutor Training and Practice Teaching classes which prepare them to teach in individual or classroom situations on campus. Most of these positions offer at least some compensation.
For a complete listing of College-wide scholarships, click here.
- What Facilities Are Available to Your Students?
- The Publishing Lab is a student-managed resource center run by the Fiction Writing Department at Columbia College designed to assist writers in finding homes for their stories. Our market research cuts down the amount of time writers need to weed through magazines, presses, and gargantuan/costly writing guides by steering them toward magazines and publishers that match their sensibility and experience.
- Who Are the Core Faculty?
- For a listing of full-time faculty, click here.
- Who Are Some Noteworthy Alumni?
- MFA alums have been extremely high-achieving individuals, and include:
- Stephanie Kuehnert
- Joe Meno
- Don De Grazia
- Arnie Bernstein
- J. Adams Oaks
- Hugh Holton
- Marc Paoletti
- Eileen McVety
- Christina Katz
- Michael A. Black
- Marcus Sakey
- Drew Ferguson
- Shelli Johnson
- Charisse Nesbit
- Alexis Pride
- Kathie Bergquist
- Cris Burks
- Brian Costello