Genre Concentrations
The MFA program offers two areas of concentration: fiction and nonfiction. We will now focus on opportunities for innovative approaches to what is an all-but-unique MFA program concentrating on Narrative Prose. Most of our students identify at the point of application a primary genre in which they will concentrate during their time in the program. A concentration consists of three workshops, typically 12 semester hours, in the chosen genre, and a thesis in the chosen genre. We also strongly encourage our students to engage in cross-genre exploration by taking at least one workshop outside their concentration. Students who wish to work in multiple genres or in hybrid genres should work with the MFA director to select the most productive workshop schedule for their particular creative goals. Students working in multiple genres should form their thesis committee with the goal that expertise in each genre is represented by the committee’s membership.
Changing Genres
Students may write a thesis in a genre different from the primary genre they initially
declared, but first must consult with both the MFA director and faculty in the new
genre in order to do so. The student should first inform the MFA director of the
desired change and identify a faculty member in the new genre who they would wish
to have as thesis chair. Next, the student must present a substantial example of
work in the new genre to the MFA director and the desired thesis chair for their approval.
Approval means that the work is of a quality that would pass a typical thesis defense
in the new genre. Please note: the student may be asked to take 1 or more workshops
in the new genre if the genre faculty and MFA director deem it appropriate.
Typical MFA student schedule
First Semester
Teach one course ENGL 1010
ENGL 5900 ~ 1 credit
ENGL 5010 Practical Teaching of English ~ 4 credits
ENGL 5560 Workshop of your choice ~ 4 credits
Second Semester
Teach one course ENGL 1010
ENGL 5900 ~ 1 credit
Coursework (e.g., workshop +electives or MFA project) ~ 8 credits
Students may “fill out” their schedule in any semester by adding thesis credit hours (ENGL 5960). During the second semester of study, plan to meet with the MFA director to discuss your preliminary plans for the body of work and to identify your thesis chair. By the end of the second semester, you should have chosen a chair (and typically your second reader as well), worked out a brief description of your goals for the body of work, and designed a plan for writing and revision during the summer and into the second year.
Third Semester
Teach one course
ENGL 5900 ~ 1 credit
Take thesis hours towards 4-credit requirement
Coursework (e.g., workshop + electives or MFA project)
Acquaint yourself with the Office of the Registrar's graduation procedures and deadlines.
Early in the third semester, you need to finalize the full membership of your thesis committee. The thesis chair should consult closely with the student in identifying potential thesis committee members. When the membership of the thesis committee is finalized, the information will be recorded in the Thesis Committee Assignment form and in the Program of Study form. You should also meet with your thesis chair early in the third semester to discuss the summer's writing accomplishments and to plan for the second year. Students must submit the University's Program of Study form by the end of the third semester.
Fourth Semester
Teach one course
ENGL 5900 ~1 credit
Complete remaining course work and thesis credits
Follow the Graduate Student Graduation Information Degree Timeline
Confirm you are on track to graduate with a degree check
Submit your Anticipated Graduation Date through WyoRecords.
Pay graduation fee
Complete and defend thesis
During the fourth semester, the student should be focused on revisions of materials assembled in the body of work and of the artist's statement. The student will consult with the thesis committee, particularly with the thesis chair, regarding preparations of materials for the defense. The student will follow university graduation processes regarding filing of forms, payment of graduation fees, and uploading of the thesis (see the Graduate Education page for details).
Good Standing and Time to Degree
Good Standing and Assistantship Expectations
To maintain good standing in the MFA program, each semester a student must:
- maintain a B average or higher;
- meet expectations in the performance of the duties associated with the graduate assistantship;
- and, in the second year and any subsequent year, maintain satisfactory progress on the thesis (as determined by the thesis chair in consultation with the MFA director).
Full-time students are expected to complete their required coursework and their thesis by the end of the fourth semester. The MFA director may grant a petition to waive this requirement only in rare circumstances, such as illness, or if the student is pursuing a dual graduate degree. In such circumstances, the student must demonstrate active and satisfactory progress toward the completion of the thesis in order to maintain good standing in the program beyond the fourth semester. Part-time students will be expected to complete all of the program requirements within four years.
Performance of assistantship duties will be assessed on a semesterly basis by the MFA director and the Writing Program Director. Failure to meet expectations in the performance of the assistantship duties will result in loss of the assistantship and may result in dismissal from the program. Academic dishonesty, or dishonesty in any matters related to student funding (including MFA funding, UW grants, and other grant programs), will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program. Lastly, a student who consistently disrupts the collegial atmosphere necessary to MFA workshops and program-related activities may be asked to leave the program.
Full-time students are required to be on campus and in residence for each semester of the two-year program (summer excluded).
The distribution of program benefits requires good standing in the program.
Time to Degree
University of Wyoming policy gives both full-time and part-time students six calendar years (continuously enrolled) to complete a master's level degree. We expect much more rapid completion, as noted above, except in unusual circumstances. If a student has not completed the degree requirements within six calendar years, the MFA program may, in consultation with the student's thesis committee, conclude the student's pursuit of the degree at that time.
