What Can You Expect From Wilkes MFA Program?

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Key Highlights

• Comprehensive MFA program lasting one year after MA completion, combining online learning with twice-yearly residency meetings.
• Personalized mentorship from successful authors who guide students through their chosen writing genre and project development.
• Eight-day intensive residencies in January and June featuring workshops, expert sessions, and hands-on project work.
• Flexible learning options with both full-time and part-time enrollment, including online classes and weekend meetups.
• Focus on developing significant writing projects with specialized guidance in various genres including stories, poems, and scripts.

Program Duration and Course Structure

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a writer? At Wilkes, I'll help you make that dream come true! Let me tell you how long it takes to become a master writer.

The MA program is like finishing elementary school – it takes about 18 months. If you want to become an even better writer, you can continue with the MFA program, which is like going to middle school. That takes another year!

You'll take 9 credits each term (that's like having three fun classes at once).

Whether you're a full-time student (working hard like a busy bee) or part-time student (taking it slower), you'll meet other writers twice a year – in January when it's snowy and June when it's sunny! Additionally, you'll benefit from individual attention from experienced faculty who are dedicated to nurturing your creative potential.

Residency Experience and Requirements

You'll spend eight fun-filled days with us in January and June, just like going to a summer camp for writers. During your time here, you'll join exciting workshops (like show-and-tell, but for writing!), learn from expert teachers, and make new friends who love writing just as much as you do. I'll help you choose between two special ways to learn – you can come stay with us on campus in Wilkes-Barre, or try our Weekender option where you learn online from home. The best part? You'll get a personal writing mentor to guide you after each residency, just like having your own writing coach! Additionally, you'll have access to expert mentorship that will enhance your writing skills and confidence throughout the program.

Faculty Mentorship and Professional Guidance

When you join our MFA program, you'll get your very own writing coach – just like having a special friend who knows all about writing! Your mentor will be there to help you make your stories even better.

Have you ever had a teacher who really believed in you? That's what our faculty mentors are like! They're successful authors themselves, and they'll work with you one-on-one to improve your writing.

Whether you love writing stories, poems, or even movie scripts, we've got someone who can help!

Even after you finish the program, your mentor will still be there for you. It's like having a writing buddy for life! They'll help you overcome tricky challenges and share their secrets about getting your work published.

Creative Writing Focus and Genre Selection

Inside our magical writing world, you'll find so many exciting stories to tell! I love helping young writers like you pick the perfect type of writing that makes your heart sing.

Kind of like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream, you get to pick what you want to write – stories, poems, plays, or even TV shows!

During your first semester with us, you'll try different kinds of writing to see what feels just right. Maybe you'll discover you love making up characters for stories, or perhaps you'll find joy in writing beautiful poems.

Once you choose your special writing path, you'll work with a super cool mentor who knows all about that kind of writing. Together, you'll create something amazing, like your very own book or play! This program also emphasizes the importance of craft of nonfiction writing, allowing you to blend factual details with narrative storytelling.

Online Learning and Project Development

Think of it like making your favorite sandwich – you need both the bread and the filling!

The bread is your online classes where you'll write and learn through your computer. The filling? That's when you come visit us for eight amazing days in January or June.

During these visits, you'll meet other writers, share stories, and work on your big project – maybe it's a book or a collection of poems!

And guess what? If you can't make it to the residencies, we've weekend meetups and Zoom sessions too. Cool, right?

Terminal Degree Benefits and Career Opportunities

An MFA degree is like having a super-special key that opens lots of cool doors!

You know how teachers help you learn new things? Well, with an MFA, you can become a teacher too – at a big university or even your local school!

But that's not all! Just like how you might write stories in your journal, MFA graduates can write books, movie scripts, or even create content for fun websites.

Have you ever read a really great story? Someone with an MFA might've written it!

You can also work at cool places like publishing companies, where new books are made.

It's kind of like being a chef in a kitchen, but instead of cooking food, you're cooking up amazing stories that people will love to read!

Time Management and Program Completion

When you join the Wilkes MFA program, you'll need to be a time management superhero! Think of it like juggling your favorite toys – you've got to keep everything moving smoothly.

If you're going full-time, you'll spend about 20 to 25 hours each week on your projects – that's like watching 10 cartoon movies! Part-time students spend half that time.

Twice a year, you'll have fun eight-day residencies where you meet everyone in person.

Want to know the best part? You can finish your MA in just 18 months – that's shorter than waiting for two birthdays!

If you decide to go for the MFA, you'll need one more year. It's like leveling up in your favorite video game!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for the MFA Program?

I want to tell you about some great ways to pay for your MFA!

You can get scholarships that cut your tuition by $1,000 to $5,000.

There are also assistantships where you help teachers and get free classes.

Need more money? You can apply for federal loans – they're like borrowing from a friend but you'll pay it back later.

Don't forget to fill out your FAFSA form to get started!

Can International Students Apply to the Program?

Yes, I'm excited to tell you that international students can join our program!

You'll need to be at least 18 years old and show that you're great at English. You can prove this with test scores like TOEFL (79+) or IELTS (6+).

You'll also need good grades from high school and some important paperwork like your passport copy and bank statement.

Applications are due by June 15th!

Is There a Minimum GPA Requirement for Admission?

While there's no specific minimum GPA requirement for the MA program, I'll let you in on a secret – your writing skills matter way more!

But if you're aiming for the MFA program later, you'll need to keep your grades up. You'll want to get at least a 3.5 GPA in all your MA courses.

It's like getting an A- or better in each class!

Are There Opportunities to Publish Student Work During the Program?

I'll tell you about the amazing publishing chances at Wilkes.

You can create your own literary journal or small press in the CW 650 course – it's like opening your own bookstore!

You'll meet real publishers and editors who'll read your work and give you tips.

Plus, there are cool internships where you'll learn the publishing business hands-on.

Many students get their work published while studying here.

What Technology Support Services Are Available for Online Learning?

I want to tell you about all the cool tech help you'll get!

You can call for support 24/7 at 570-408-HELP – isn't that neat? If your computer's acting silly, friendly experts are ready to help you fix it.

Need to borrow equipment? They've got you covered!

There's also a super helpful guide for using everything from home, just like having a tech buddy in your pocket.

The Bottom Line

As you embark on your journey through Wilkes' MFA program, it's essential to maintain not only your creative focus but also the security of your personal information. Just as you hone your writing skills, consider the importance of password security and management in today's digital landscape. With so much of our lives online, protecting your accounts is crucial. That's where a reliable password management solution comes into play. By using a password manager, you can easily create, store, and manage complex passwords, ensuring your creative work and personal data are safeguarded. I encourage you to take a proactive step in securing your online presence by checking out LogMeOnce. Sign up for a Free account today at LogMeOnce and experience peace of mind while you pursue your writing ambitions. Protecting your digital life allows you to focus on what truly matters: your craft.

Mark Zaib

Mark, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, is a dynamic force in our digital marketing team. His profound understanding of technology, combined with his expertise in various facets of digital marketing, writing skills makes him a unique and valuable asset in the ever-evolving digital landscape.