Welcome

Each year, the MFA Handbook is updated to reflect program changes, current calendars, and overall enhancements. The handbook includes program history, degree requirements, various policies, and additional information about both the MFA Exam (for poets) and MFA Thesis (all students). The MFA Advising Sheet is most useful for current students to audit their credit status within the program, a checklist if you will, as well as for prospective students to gain a one-page snapshot of the MFA program's academic architecture. 

While primarily intended to help current students navigate the MFA program, prospective students may find the "deep dive" into the program helpful. Prospective students can also review MFA course descriptions.

A general note about the MFA community: We have found—in this world still rebounding from the isolationism of a pandemic experience, adapting to emerging technologies, and navigating this cultural moment—that all students best adjust to the program by remembering that, as a graduate program, rigorous study and a lot of reading are expected. Students with additional responsibilities, such as Graduate Assistantships or volunteer service, are expected to balance these responsibilities with their course requirements. Alongside this, it's also important to remember that community is something that's built. Proactive gestures, such as welcoming other students, as well as open and clear communication with your peers, faculty, and administration, play a significant role in facilitating this. Every student is expected to maintain gracious interactions with everyone in the community. 

A general note about the college's graduate academics: In all cases, degree requirements are determined by the catalog in effect when the student enters the program. Students may choose to fulfill the requirements of a subsequent catalog by requesting a change of catalog term; however, they must satisfy all the requirements of one catalog.

CHSS policy mandates a six-year time limit for completing the MFA program. The clock starts the first semester a student enrolls. If a student takes a semester off, the clock keeps running.

Only courses that meet requirements in the university catalog or the MFA Advising sheet may be used toward the completion of the degree. All exceptions must be approved by the Program Director prior to registering for the course in question.

Full-time status is 9 credit hours, or 6 credit hours with a full-time graduate assistantship (GTA or GPA). Students who only have thesis hours left to complete may file a form with the Verification Services department of the Office of the Registrar to be considered full-time while completing their thesis. Financial aid mandates a minimum of 4.5 credit hours. Students at Mason can take two courses (6 credit hours) to meet this minimum and receive financial aid, or they may take a workshop for less than 3 credits if they qualify to do so.

The English Department now offers a Graduate Certificate in Publishing Practice. The value-added for MFA students is the opportunity to earn a terminal arts degree AND a professional credential while at Mason. Please consult the Program Director for more information.

For more policies and tips, please consult the university catalog at catalog.gmu.edu.