MFA FAQs
Please find answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions below. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out the MFA Program Director Carla Spataro or the Graduate Admissions department at admissions@rosemont.edu.
Q: What can I do with an MFA in Creative Writing degree?
A: MFA graduates go on to publish manuscripts, staff literary journals, teach college courses, lead writing workshops, sit on conference panels, deliver presentations, write craft articles, review other writers, organize and participate in readings, create and manage writing blogs and websites, and become vital, active members of the writing community. Many MFA graduates also go on to work in the publishing industry, primarily as editors and agents.
Q: What are you looking for in the writing sample and statement for admission?
A: We are looking for the match between your writing goals and our program. Our goal is to assist you in reaching your goals and reaching your full potential. The writing sample and statement gives us a glimpse into the dreams you have for yourself and the commitment you are willing to make to have those dreams realized.
Part of our vision of the program is nurturing our students and faculty as part of a larger writing community. One item that we liked to see addressed in the statement of purpose is how you see yourself contributing to that community. The writing sample itself should be the strongest, most polished piece of writing you have and not more than 20 pages.
Q: What is the relationship between the MFA in creative writing and MA in Publishing?
A: It's a dynamic environment where MFA students have the opportunity to take courses in the publishing program. These classes focus on editing, web design, e-publishing, magazine writing, and book publishing, and allow writers to gain valuable skills and. The creative writing students can also take advantage of workshops, talks, and events and have access to the insights of publishing students and professionals alike.
Q: What kind of writing workshops are available?
A: All MFA in creative writing students graduate with the same degree; however, students can concentrate on the genre or genres of their choice. Workshops in poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, the novel, creative non-fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and young adult literature provide a full-range of opportunities. Some students will take all the required workshops in a chosen genre (poetry, for example), while others will chose a variety. Also, the four electives can be divided among writing electives, additional literature courses, or publishing courses.
Q: What kind of events and opportunities, in addition to the courses, are part of the MFA in creative writing program?
A: The program sponsors monthly readings featuring students, faculty, alumni, and guests. Visiting writers frequently make classroom visits or deliver talks. The program offers a number of graduate assistantships, as well as two teaching assistantships. MFA and publishing students work together to run the Rathalla Review, the program’s literary magazine.
The Philadelphia Stories Push to Publish conference occurs each fall on the Rosemont campus. In the spring, the MFA co-hosts the LitLife Poetry Conference. The Rosemont Writer’s Retreat is an eight day residency that offers students an opportunity to work with visiting writers in an intense workshop environment. Many students begin to send their work out for publication while still in the program, and they receive support and help in that process throughout the program and afterward.
Q: How do I apply for admission?
A: Rosemont College's School of Graduate and Professional Studies welcomes all students, without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin or handicapping conditions. Applicants for the master's degree need to have completed a baccalaureate from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably with a GPA of at least 3.0.
Applicants also provide 3 letters of recommendation, an application fee, official transcripts, and a completed application form. Applicants for the MFA in Creative Writing must also submit a writing sample. Application materials are available from the Office of Graduate Studies or from the College website.
Q: Can I take courses as a non-matriculated student?
A: Students can usually earn up to 6 graduate credits before applying for matriculated status.
Q: I took some graduate courses before coming to Rosemont? Can I transfer any credits?
A: Applicants who have completed previous graduate work may, at the time they apply for admission, make a written request to transfer a maximum of two 3-credit courses. To be acceptable in transfer, course(s) may not have been previously applied toward a graduate degree and they must provide a good "match" for Rosemont program requirements. Courses may not have been undertaken more than 5 years prior to the request for transfer and the student must have earned at least a "B" (3.0). Pass/Fail courses are not eligible for transfer.
Q: How will I know which courses to take each semester?
A: Course selection for the fall, spring, and summer sessions must be made in consultation with a program advisor, either in person or by email. The School of Graduate Studies will subsequently process course registrations. Nine graduate credits are considered a full-time load during the fall and spring; six graduate credits are considered a full-time load during each of our two summer sessions.
Q: Can I apply for financial assistance?
A: Graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program of study, who are pursuing at least half-time coursework (two courses in the fall or spring; one course in each summer session), are eligible to apply for tuition assistance in the form of Stafford Loans.
A limited number of competitive Graduate Assistantships are also available. A limited number of Director’s Merit Awards are also available to new students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher and outstanding writing samples. A separate application is required for Merit Awards. Rosemont offers several tuition management options, so you can spread your payments out over the course of your program.
Q: How long will it take me to graduate?
A: Because students may elect to undertake graduate study on a full-time or part-time basis, the number of semesters required to complete all program requirements will vary. Students who pursue full-time study can usually complete their master's degree in less than two years; part-time students usually take longer. All students are permitted up to six years from the time they matriculate to complete their program requirements (extensions may be requested in writing). Commencement exercises are scheduled each year in May.
Q: I still have questions-how can I get more information?
A: Contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies at admissions@rosemont.eduor 610.527.0200 xt. 2958/ 1.888.2ROSEMONT and ask to speak directly with a graduate admissions counselor, who will be happy to set up an individualized appointment at your convenience. Please feel free to contact the program director, Carla Spataro (xt. 2346) with your questions or concerns. We will do our very best to provide you with the assistance you need!