Columbia College Chicago

Program Information

Degree Offered

MFA - Creative Writing - Fiction; Combined Creative Writing - Fiction MFA/ Teaching of Writing MA

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Fiction Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago offers two degree options which guide fiction writers to advanced achievement in the theory and practice of writing and the teaching of writing. The three-year MFA program focuses on the development of the student's own work, while the combined course of study (MFA/MA) encourages them to explore the relationship between writing and teaching. A substantive work of fiction in the form of a publishable-quality thesis results from both programs, and often serves as a point of entry into a career in writing, teaching, or publishing. Both degree options are deeply rooted in fiction writing and prose form classes that employ Columbia's exclusive Story Workshop approach. This dynamic method of teaching emphasizes the development of a student's unique voice, story content, and writing process. Students are taught to tap into their imagination and potential for creative problem solving as they explore the interrelated processes of reading, listening, perceiving, experiencing, oral telling, critical thinking, and writing—all in an intimate setting that stresses close individual attention and constructive feedback. In addition to Story Workshop core courses, students have freedom to choose from the largest selection of specialty writing classes of any graduate program in the county, such as: young adult fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwriting. Students also benefit from the opportunity to work with a faculty of professional writers who are actively engaged in creating novels, short stories, plays, prose, and various types of genre fiction. This exposure to a rich variety of forms, modes, and genres is reflected in the diversity of writing produced by Columbia students.

Accreditation:

Accredited at graduate and undergrad levels by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Also accredited as teacher training institution by Illinois State Board of Education

# of Credits Required:

45 MFA; 63 MFA/MA

International Student Requirements:

International students are required to submit an official TOEFL score of 100 or greater on the internet based test. For more information about requirements for international students at the graduate level, please visit our website.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$721.00 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

30780 USD

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999