Typical 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 (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 form 

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 (see "The Defense and Public Reading"). 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).